The Will to Change Audiobook By bell hooks, Ross Gay cover art

The Will to Change

Men, Masculinity, and Love

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The Will to Change

By: bell hooks, Ross Gay
Narrated by: Janina Edwards
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About this listen

Everyone needs to love and be loved - even men. But to know love, men must be able to look at the ways that patriarchal culture keeps them from knowing themselves, from being in touch with their feelings, from loving. In The Will to Change, bell hooks gets to the heart of the matter and shows men how to express the emotions that are a fundamental part of who they are - whatever their age, marital status, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.

But toxic masculinity punishes those fundamental emotions, and it’s so deeply ingrained in our society that it’s hard for men to not comply - but hooks wants to help change that.

With trademark candor and fierce intelligence, hooks addresses the most common concerns of men, such as fear of intimacy and loss of their patriarchal place in society, in new and challenging ways. She believes men can find the way to spiritual unity by getting back in touch with the emotionally open part of themselves - and lay claim to the rich and rewarding inner lives that have historically been the exclusive province of women. A brave and astonishing work, The Will to Change is designed to help men reclaim the best part of themselves.

©2003 Gloria Watkins (P)2020 Simon & Schuster Audio
Anthropology Gender Studies History & Theory Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences Thought-Provoking

Featured Article: 55+ Quotes About Fear—of the Unknown, Change, Love, and More


Looking for a little confidence boost? These quotes about fear from some of literature’s greatest writers can help bolster your bravado. In moments of fear, it’s natural to turn to others—from loved ones to professional counsel—for comfort, encouragement, and advice. But sometimes, it’s most helpful to hear what people you’ve never met have written on the topic. These quotes offer a comprehensive, reassuring portrait of fear and ways to conquer it.

What listeners say about The Will to Change

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Phenomenal

Bell Hooks compassionately illuminates and brilliantly dissects the devastation wrought by patriarchal society on humanity. The female narrator's voice is pitch-perfect. This is a powerful work of immense importance to the world. This is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the roots of Trump-era societal self-immolation.

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Do the work

Men, it’s on us to heal and reenter the circle of love. The rewards are well worth the risk.

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Unquestionably Amazing

Bell hooks has such a way with words. I have nothing, but the utmost respect for her. manhood can be so confusing, and the shame that cames with it is suffocating. No single book can help start such a change of perspective, and understanding. it's painful to realize how much time as a man was wasted and spent stunning our own growth by working towards unhealthy or even impossible standards. Definitely a timeless book that will always hold a place in my heart

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Very powerful

This is a very powerful analysis of men and patriarchy. It highlights the need for compassion if things are to ever change.

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you need to take it in doses

so much good information abounds in this book. it enlightens with revolutionary concepts and perspectives. you'll need time to process and internalize it all. it will leave you refreshed and hopeful (especially if you are a man). very even-handed analysis of where feminism can help, and where it has gone wrong for men.

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Necessary

A topic not articulated enough. A long path ahead still stands in our way. We need to start now.

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If you are living on earth read this immediately

If you are living on earth read this immediately. And then do a deep dive into this author

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Powerful and healing!

I am sending a copy of this book to every man I love. Every woman who loves a man or is a mother to a son should read this ASAP.

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A must read for all

I knew that I would glean something from this book, but it is very powerful. It articulates so many interesting things about patriarchy and focuses on healing the self and community. I plan to digest this information more than once and promote it.

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Incredible, life-changing work

This book is an absolute masterpiece. It is such a clear and powerful analysis providing important context for the difficult and hard to understand challenges in my life after decades of dissociation, depression, and addiction. There are many ways this work is aiding me, and helping me understand the problems I've faced as I work toward healing and reintegration of self. Everyone would benefit from exposure to this book.

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