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Book Review: bell hooks' Spiritual Vision

Editor's Note:This review was originally published in Los Angeles Book Review.

Author Nadra Nittle

Educator and journalist Nadra Nittle expands her exploration and explication of how Black feminist authors and thinkers imbue spirituality in their works. "bell hooks’ Spiritual Vision" is a thoughtful interpretation and revelation of the late writer’s grounding in Buddhism, Christianity, and African-American folk beliefs and practices. Nittle applies a perceptive analysis of hooks’ critical writings to develop an understanding of its underlying ethereal and moralistic tenor. Nittle provides a fresh perspective on the legacy of the renowned writer, best known for calling out the intersecting systems of racism, classism, and sexism.

Nittle, who has previously published "Toni Morrison’s Spiritual Vision," presents a deep reading of Hooks’ own critiques of and criticisms from other scholars and writers, revealing aspects of her writings that are not widely known. From hooks’ writings about her childhood and spiritual formation, Nittle pulls together insights from various works. She offers a textured view of hooks’ unique perspectives on love, mysticism, Black feminism, and decolonization. This offering is suitable for readers nurturing a renewed focus on Hooks’ works. They may even be surprised by how the author incorporated an understanding of magic and mysticism in her feminist and antiracist writings. 



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