The Will to Change

Men, Masculinity, and Love

By: bell hooks, Ross Gay - introduction

Narrated by: Janina Edwards

From New York Times bestselling author, feminist pioneer, and cultural icon bell hooks, an evergreen treatise on how patriarchy and toxic masculinity hurts us all.

Feminist writing did not tell us about the deep inner misery of men.

Everyone needs to love and be loved—including men. But to know love, men must be able to look at the ways in which patriarchal culture keeps them from understanding themselves. In The Will to Change, bell hooks provides a compassionate guide for men of all ages and identities to understand how to be in touch with their feelings, and how to express versus repress the emotions that are a fundamental part of who we are.

With trademark candor and fierce intelligence, hooks addresses the most common concerns of men, such as fear of intimacy and loss of their patriarchal place in society, in new and challenging ways. The Will to Change “creates space for men to acknowledge their traumas and heal—not only for their sake, but for the sake of everyone in their lives” (BuzzFeed).

Phenomenal

Bell Hooks compassionately illuminates and brilliantly dissects the devastation wrought by patriarchal society on humanity. The female narrator's voice is pitch-perfect. This is a powerful work of immense importance to the world. This is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the roots of Trump-era societal self-immolation.

Do the work

Men, it’s on us to heal and reenter the circle of love. The rewards are well worth the risk.

Unquestionably Amazing

Bell hooks has such a way with words. I have nothing, but the utmost respect for her. manhood can be so confusing, and the shame that cames with it is suffocating. No single book can help start such a change of perspective, and understanding. it's painful to realize how much time as a man was wasted and spent stunning our own growth by working towards unhealthy or even impossible standards. Definitely a timeless book that will always hold a place in my heart

Very powerful

This is a very powerful analysis of men and patriarchy. It highlights the need for compassion if things are to ever change.

you need to take it in doses

so much good information abounds in this book. it enlightens with revolutionary concepts and perspectives. you'll need time to process and internalize it all. it will leave you refreshed and hopeful (especially if you are a man). very even-handed analysis of where feminism can help, and where it has gone wrong for men.