Feminism Is for Everybody

Passionate Politics

By: bell hooks

Narrated by: Robin Miles

Length: 4 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's Summary

What is feminism?

In this short, accessible primer, Bell Hooks explores the nature of feminism and its positive promise to eliminate sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression. With her characteristic clarity and directness, Hooks encourages readers to see how feminism can touch and change their lives - to see that feminism is for everybody.

©2014 bell hooks (P)2017 Post Hypnotic Press Inc.

Critic Reviews

"[Narrator Robin] Miles offers a steady pace - not too slow, not too fast. Her tone is as insightful and poignant as the author's content. Both women take listeners through a historical and present-day journey that conveys the importance of embracing feminism." (AudioFile)  

Excellent Introduction to Feminism

I'm so surprised to read some of the reviews about this audiobook. Robin Miles, one of the first inductees into Audio File Magazine's Narrator Hall of Fame, is called robotic! I guess perfection is too much for some people.

And then there are the critiques of bell hooks and the book itself: some guy pretending to be looking for "a solid argument in favor of feminism" says this book is tripe. I bet that guy says that about all the feminist books.

As a fan of bell hooks, I'm bias, I suppose, but this audiobook does what it sets out to do - give a primer on feminism in easy to understandable language. It is easy to listen to. The language is readily accessible and the narration is superb. Miles uses a steady pace--not too slow, not too fast. She matched her tone to the author's content: insightful and poignant. Together, bell and Robin take us, the listeners, on a journey from historical to present-day that conveys the importance of embracing feminism.

I certainly hope that serious listeners aren't put off by the misleading reviews. bell hooks (note that ms. hooks doesn't capitalize her name) is an amazing writer and a whole lot more: cultural critic, feminist theorist, former Yale professor, charismatic speaker, and writer, the "The Atlantic Monthly" calls her one of our America's leading public intellectual, while the Utne Reader's has her in their "100 Visionaries Who Could Change Your Life" list, etc. etc. It would be a shame to miss this because a few people were buying the book to diss it intentionally (like the guy who is trying to find "a solid argument in favor of feminism" - as though they aren't abundant). I guess I can't fault people who don't like the narration; Robin Miles may be a highly regarded and award winning narrator, but the listening experience is very subjective and one can't please everybody. Nevertheless, feminism is for everybody!

We All Must Be Feminists

bell hooks was recommended to me about a decade ago. As this book is now available as an audio edition, it the first I've gotten around to.

I've identified as a feminist since I know what feminism was (sometime in high school). In a patriarchal society, feminism is not just about women—it is about arriving at a societal dynamic whereby everyone is respected.

The title pretty much sums it up. This is a primer on feminism, and it is for everyone (especially white men). hooks explores the ways in which patriarchy is bad for everyone, even the "winners." I happen to be reading Derrick Jensen's "A Language Older Than Words" simultaneously; in it, Jensen speaks of being molested by his father. It is the sickening illustration of the truth to hooks' words.

There are some elements of the book that were surprising to me. For example, hooks draws links between abortion rights and birth control. I hadn't previously heard abortion described as a standard birth control method.

In our current era, with Trump as president and the Me Too movement, now is a great time to read this book.

Dissecting Patriarchy

Really good read for anyone looking to dig deeper into feminism by exploring the intersection of race and class. Highly recommended!

Lots to learn

This was a great introduction to feminism for me (29 y/o M). There were many eye opening revelations, from historical accounts of how racism was present in the movement, to the many examples of how the patriarchy negatively affects men.

I sometimes felt like arguments and trains of thought were not laid out in an easy way to follow, though a second listen will likely make it easier.

The narrator was impeccable. She delivered with such feeling that I kept believing that she was the author herself.

a needed book

bell hooks should be read at schools and by all living human beings. Her reflections over male domination and the end of patriarchy are needed to understand the world we live in and have the hope, strengh and love to change it.

Approachable and informative

Great book by the wonderful Bell Hooks. While I caught myself having to rewind and listen again when the book got a bit heavy and complicated, for theory this is a very easy book to comprehend and absorb.

a guide to feminism for everyone

showing how feminism especially in the black community is an inclusive movement that will ultimately need everyone from every sex, gender, creed and race.

Academic

Chapters 5 through 8 are the most accessible, because the author relates her personal experience. It's ironic the title has the phrase "for everyone" in it because it's awkwardly worded with many academic terms from women studies theory. It's not really written for the lay person.

Everybody should read!

Great introduction to feminist theory. I’m going to buy copies for my friends and family. Just finished and now I’m going to listen again!

bell hooks is awesome

Great writing, wonderful narration, alot of learning took place. I literally couldn't stop listening, superb !

THE BOOK IS AMAZING but Audible is missing a proper description.

This is disrespectful to the author and readers. There’s no publishing information on the details and that could and should very well be on Audible’s description of this book, on the APP and webpage. In detail and clearly put.
Also, just wanted to reiterate that the book is excellent.

Amazing, inspiring and very informative

There are many points of consideration within this book. One being accessibility to feminist education, this book provides just that. Information, inspiring and overall an amazing book for people wanting to gain a basic understanding of feminism within a contemporary age.