Bell Hooks Books in Order: A Complete Guide

bell hooks (real name Gloria Jean Watkins) was a renowned American author, cultural critic, feminist thinker, and educator. She became one of the most important voices in feminist and race-related debates. Through her writings, she explored themes such as love, race, gender, politics, and identity. Her work continues to inspire and encourage people to think deeply about society and its issues. Below is a list of her books in order, showcasing her significant contributions to literature and activism.

1. Ain’t I a Woman? Black Women and Feminism (1981)

bell hooks’ first major work, Ain’t I a Woman, is a seminal text in both feminist literature and black feminist literature. It examines the intersection of race, gender, and class oppression faced by black women in the United States, challenging both the feminist movement and broader social structures.

2. Feminist theory: from the margin to the center (1984)

In this work, hooks critiques mainstream feminism for being predominantly white and middle-class. She advocates for an inclusive feminist movement that centers marginalized voices, particularly those of women of color and working-class women.

3. Talking Back: Thinking Feminist, Thinking Black (1989)

Talking Back is a collection of essays that reflect on the power of words and dialogue, especially for Black women who have been historically silenced. Hooks writes about the importance of speaking out as an act of resistance and liberation.

4. Longing: Race, Gender, and Cultural Politics (1990)

In Yearning, hooks delves into cultural critique, focusing on the politics of race, gender, and representation. She addresses the complexities of identity and the yearning for a transformative culture.

5. Breaking Bread: The Insurgent Black Intellectual Life (1991, with Cornel West)

This book, co-authored with Cornel West, presents a dialogue between two prominent black intellectuals who debate issues such as race, class, politics, and the role of the black intellectual in society.

6. Black Looks: Race and Representation (1992)

Hooks examines media, literature, and visual culture in Black Looks, analyzing how black identity is represented and often misrepresented in mainstream culture. She also explores the relationship between blackness and desire.

7. Yam Sisters: Black Women and Personal Recovery (1993)

In this book, hooks focuses on healing and personal recovery for Black women. She encourages self-love and the importance of addressing trauma and emotional pain.

8. Culture outside the law: resistance to representations (1994)

This collection of essays critiques popular culture and its role in reinforcing social norms around race, gender, and class. Hooks explores how resistance to these norms can create new spaces for marginalized voices.

9. Teaching to Transgress: Education as a Practice of Freedom (1994)

A seminal text on education, hooks examines the importance of liberatory pedagogy and advocates for transformative, democratic, and inclusive education for marginalized communities.

10. Killing Rage: Ending Racism (1995)

Killing Rage addresses the deep anger and pain caused by systemic racism. Hooks discusses the need to confront this rage in order to dismantle racist structures and promote healing.

11. Art in my mind: visual politics (1995)

In this exploration of visual arts and culture, hooks highlights how art can be a powerful tool for social and political commentary. She critiques how race and representation intersect in the visual arts.

12. Bone Black: Childhood Memories (1996)

This memoir offers a deeply personal account of hooks’ childhood, touching on themes of race, identity, and growing up in the segregated South.

13. From Reality to Reality: Race, Sex and Class in Film (1996)

In Reel to Real, hooks examines the representation of race, gender, and class in film. She critiques the film industry and highlights how films often reinforce stereotypes.

14. Wounds of Passion: A Writer’s Life (1997)

Another autobiography, Wounds of Passion, chronicles hooks’s journey as a writer and thinker, exploring her personal experiences and the emotional aspects of her intellectual work.

15. The Abduction of Memory: The Writer in Action (1999)

In this book, hooks reflects on the writing process and the challenges of being a black writer in a world that often marginalizes both.

16. All About Love: New Visions (1999)

One of Hooks’ most popular works, All About Love explores the concept of love and how it can be a transformative force in both personal and social relationships. It calls for a new understanding of love that prioritizes compassion and justice.

17. Happy to be Nappy (1999)

Happy to Be Nappy is a children’s book that celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of black hair, promoting self-love and pride among black girls.

18. Where We Stand: Class Matters (2000)

In this book, hooks addresses the often overlooked question of class in America. She analyzes how class relates to race and gender, and calls for a deeper understanding of class oppression.

19. Feminism is for everyone: passionate politics (2000)

This accessible introduction to feminist thought argues that feminism is for everyone, not just women. Hooks argues that true feminism works to end sexism, exploitation, and oppression of all people.

20. Salvation: Blacks and Love (2001)

Continuing its exploration of love, Salvation focuses on the Black community and examines how love can be a transformative force in the fight against racism and oppression.

21. Communion: A Woman’s Search for Love (2002)

In Communion, hooks approaches the complexities of love and relationships from a feminist perspective. She writes about finding meaningful connections in a world that often undermines women’s emotional needs.

22. Homemade Love (2002)

Another children’s book, Homemade Love is a tender story that celebrates family and the warmth of home.

23. Be a Boy (2002)

This children’s book celebrates Black girlhood and self-affirmation, encouraging young children to embrace their individuality and identity.

24. Teaching community: a pedagogy of hope (2002)

In this sequel to Teaching to Transgress, hooks explores the importance of community in education and how it can create spaces for resistance, hope, and change.

25. Rock My Soul: Black People and Self-Esteem (2002)

This book explores the impact of racism on self-esteem within the black community, addressing historical and contemporary issues.

26. We’re Really Cool: Black Men and Masculinity (2003)

In We Real Cool, hooks examines the challenges black men face in navigating a society that devalues ​​them. He explores issues of masculinity, vulnerability, and love.

27. The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity and Love (2003)

In this book, hooks calls on men to embrace emotional vulnerability and reject toxic masculinity in order to create healthier, more loving relationships.

28. Belonging: A Culture of Place (2004)

Belonging is a reflection on hooks’ relationship to place and community, particularly her return to her childhood home in Kentucky.

29. Skin Again (2004)

This children’s book addresses issues of race and identity, encouraging young readers to look beyond skin color to see the real person underneath.

30. Homegrown: Committed Cultural Criticism (2006, with Amalia Mesa-Bains)

Co-written with artist Amalia Mesa-Bains, this book examines cultural criticism and the ways in which art and activism intersect.

31. Soul Sister: Women, Friendship and Fulfillment (2007)

In this work, hooks explores the importance of female friendship, particularly how it can serve as a source of strength, support, and empowerment.

32. Growl Growl (2008)

Grump Groan Growl is a children’s book that is a fun story that helps children understand and express their emotions.

33. Teaching Critical Thinking: Practical Wisdom (2009)

In this book, hooks offers guidance on how to teach critical thinking skills, emphasizing the need for educators to create an environment where students can question and challenge social norms.

34. Writing Beyond Race: Living Theory and Practice (2012)

In this work, hooks continues her exploration of race, offering insights into how individuals and communities can move beyond racism toward a more just society.

35. Uncut Funk: A Contemplative Dialogue (2017)

Uncut Funk is a thoughtful dialogue on culture, art, and identity, encapsulating hooks’ final thoughts on the intersection of race, gender, and artistic expression.