Customer Reviews

Sisters of the Yam: Black Women and Self-Recovery

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I found Sisters of the Yam politically, spiritually and mentally satisfying in it's analysis of the forces that cause African-American Women to suffer depressive and other mentally draining conditions. Not only did bell hooks outline the conditions that cause these symptoms, but she offered solutions to overcome them as well. Sisters of the Yam is well worth reading if you are a sister trying to heal herself and move on with life rather than dwelling on past injustices.

This book has altered my thought process in ways I never thought possible. bell hooks has spoken with clear and simple words about black women and our individual and collective need to self-recover--from racism, sexism, of course--but also from our own (often) self-imposed 'isms carried from childhood. She's brutally honest in a book that sits unmoved from my bed-stand. A recommended read for black women. Period. Regardless of background and circumstance. A must read for those on the never-ending journey of self-introspection that eventually encourages self-recovery.

Sisters of the yam was a life savor...Although, Ms. Hooks presented a circumstantial presentation in the first two chapters, she eventually landed on track and was able to offer some sound advice on love, pain and the past...loved the book

bell hooks makes you think! which is a hard process to do

Sisters & brothers should read this material-there is no color barrier here but provoking thinking material.

I loved this book. I think every African American woman should read this book at least once a year, as an annual celebration of self. hooks is reflective and honest. It is also a good reference for mental health therapists working with African American women.

I purchased this book on amazon at the suggestion of one of my mentors. As a 25 year old young woman, this book has changed my life. Some of the topics bell brings up have challenged me to grow and take my place in todays society. As a young person and part of the "hip Hop generation" I have been affirmed that although it may be more popular to conform to the mindset of others, it does not affirm me and will not help me in the long run.

There are no words to express my gratitude to bell hooks for writing this book. This was one of the first books I've read where I felt it was my story. There's so much silence and suppression in the African-American community that has altered and distorted who are and in particular, women. However, bell does not park at the problem in the book. She offers solutions. One of my favorite lines in her book is that "we recover ourselves in the act and art of loving". This may seem abstract and not tangible as a to-do list but it's just the truth. This is the sweet spot and the bottom line. I would love to have been in one of the sister groups she highlights in the book.

A wonderful, thoughtful book with useful strategies for self-recovery for everyone, not just black women.

Sometimes we don't know what we need till it is almost too late. I encourage all (black) women to pick this book up it may very well save you a trip through the emr

I must admit that I read this book in bits and pieces over the course of a year. In retrospect, I would have to say that a lot of that has to do with the layout of ideas in the book. If I had to describe the nature in which it is laid out, I would say that it closely resembles a dissertation and that can make it a bit hard to stay the course in reading. Throughout the text, there were insertions of sources that could have used a footnote instead to help with the flow.

Outside of the layout, I would like to say that the subject was on point with what one can consider a start for self-recovery. I can appreciate the author's personal anecdotes which helped me feel like she does practice what she preaches.

This book does make the mark for being a part of one's personal library collection. Take the first to step to Self-Recovery by purchasing and reading this book.