Eloquent Rage

A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower

By: Brittney Cooper

Narrated by: Brittney Cooper

With searing honesty, intimacy, and humor too, America's leading young Black feminist celebrates the power of rage in this piercing new audiobook.

So what if it's true that Black women are mad as hell? They have the right to be. In the Black feminist tradition of Audre Lorde, Brittney Cooper reminds us that anger is a powerful source of energy that can give us the strength to keep on fighting.

Far too often, Black women's anger has been caricatured into an ugly and destructive force that threatens the civility and social fabric of American democracy. But Cooper shows us that there is more to the story than that. Black women's eloquent rage is what makes Serena Williams such a powerful tennis player. It's what makes Beyoncé's girl power anthems resonate so hard. It's what makes Michelle Obama an icon. Eloquent rage keeps us all honest and accountable. It reminds women that they don't have to settle for less.

When Cooper learned of her grandmother's eloquent rage about love, sex, and marriage in an epic and hilarious front-porch confrontation, her life was changed. And it took another intervention, this time staged by one of her homegirls, to turn Brittney into the fierce feminist she is today. In Brittney Cooper's world, neither mean girls nor f--kboys ever win. But homegirls emerge as heroes. This audiobook argues that ultimately feminism, friendship, and faith in one's own superpowers are all we really need to turn things right side up again.

©2018 Brittney Cooper (P)2018 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"I was waiting for an author who wouldn't forget, ignore, or erase us black girls as they told their own story...I was waiting and she has come - in Brittney Cooper." (Melissa Harris Perry)

"Cooper may be the boldest young feminist writing today. Her critique is sharp, her love of Black people and Black culture is deep, and she will make you laugh out loud." (Michael Eric Dyson)

"Brittney Cooper is the Black Feminist Prophet we urgently need." (Mychal Denzel Smith)

"...Cooper delivers a frank, conversational-style examination of the importance of black female friendships, respectability politics, and harmful stereotypes, among other topics. She blends candor and humor as she roots out toxic behaviors and beliefs we use in America to tear ourselves and each other down, while also offering paths forward. Listeners learn how rage, aimed with fine-tuned focus and purpose, can help build up black women's lives and society overall." (AudioFile Magazine)

It is as if she was narrating my life

From her struggles as the smart Black girl accused of "acting white" to her current day take on feminism and intersectionality, this was the book I needed to know that I'm not alone.

A great book told through unflinching honesty!

I am new to audio books, but I was excited to dive into this one. I was not disappointed. I heard a straightforward exploration of what it's like to grow up as a black girl in America. I heard parts of my own story echoed throughout. I've raved about this book to friends and will continue to do so. Whether you're a black woman looking for someone to artfully articulate your own experience or not a black woman wanting to see the world through different eyes, this is a book for you.

So Very Relatable

Wonderful perspective and articulation of being a black woman in the United States. Often found myself feeling good about not being alone in some of my thoughts.

Superb!

I loved this book! Here candid speech made her experiences so relatable. I saw myself in her writing and I definitely am a huge fan of Dr. Cooper!

Brittney Cooper's literary prowess shines!

This book should be read by everyone. Well written, eye opening, and real! She covers everything...from female relationships to sexuality, religion, the patriarchy and everything in between! I thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend!

Informing Inspirational and Truth

Inciteful and eye opening and the author wasn't afraid to tell the good and the bad of growing up exceptional and Black

Love it

This is a book I will listen to more than once. Even though Cooper describes a lot of unfair social practices, she is realistic and hopeful. This is a very beautiful work.

This book was a home girl intervention!

You should read this book if you identify as a feminist or not. This book talks about the coming to terms with a being successful black woman, finding your identify and what that means spiritually and emotionally. It gives historical accounts of how political and social events have impacted women and the black family. The author gives it to you straight like a home-girl intervention. Relatable, eye opening and inspiring!

Yesssss

loved a book that translate some research and makes it possible to do better in the world!!

The title is perfect!

"Eloquent Rage" I just got around to reading it. I have not finished it, yet I'm on The Smartest Man I Never Knew chapter. So far, the writing and the subject are excellent, like it is speaking to me. The writing to me, is down to earth. Instead of down-to-earth, I'll say authentic. The book's title is perfect, as she expresses a LOT of the same sentiment that I believe many Black women have thought, accepted, and feel. I have struggled in the past to express my rage that didn't alienate people in the room. However, when I tone down my language and or passion, I seem to lose the urgency of the argument. Consequently, you have Eloquent Rage.