Book Review — Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall

*Review may contain spoilers.

Rating: 9/10 (5/5 on Goodreads)

Genre: Non-fiction, collection of essays

Blurb:

Hood Feminism is a critique of modern feminism and how mainstream feminists aren’t intersectional, particularly when it comes to race. Interspersed with reflections and stories of her upbringing, Kendall not only provides a searing admonishment of modern feminist movements, but also a compelling call to action on issues that occasionally take a back seat or worse, are perpetuated by women who actively participate in oppression using the veil of feminism. I recommend this.

Pros:

A very accessible collection of essays. Kendall incites you to action and to do better.
I loved how housing, poverty, and education were framed as feminist issues. I completely agree and Kendall proves how they must be seen as such!

Cons:

The essays are largely auto-biographical and although they provide facts and is well researched, this book functions best as a window into various issues. Each essay covered topics that could be covered in a single book.
Although, I had great nudges on how respectability politics helps no one and I gained insight on issues I don’t know much about (that I will look into). I did feel like the audience of this book was geared toward white feminists (which is not necessarily a bad thing and makes the most sense of this topic), but sometimes I don’t want white people to be the default audience.

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