A Few Books I Think Are Just Great

Two great reads are Killing the Black Body: Race, Reproduction, and the Meaning of Libertyby Dorothy Roberts. This book is very detailed and shows the numerous ways that black women are denied reproductive freedom, including the freedom to have children or more children as well as racist practices with harmful hormonal birth control on the basis of race. It also addresses the racism that was and continues to be a part of the feminist movement and how that has had a detrimental effect on the reproductive choices of black women. An eye-opener for any woman who considers herself a feminist but of particular relevance for both black men and women who want a historical framework of black fertility issues within the United States.

Also check out Communion: The Female Search for Loveby bell hooks. Outstanding job and really affirmed for me my right to believe in the importance of love and to expect to have love in my life. It also challenged me to confront the sexism within my relationship and the heterosexist notions I have about female-to-male interaction.

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