yearning in general is such a wonderful concept to organize a book around. while i’m not sure every single essay feels intimately tied into the theme, hooks’ yearning for polyvocality and collective supportive and collaborative exchange of thoughts definitely drives every essay. i think my standout was the chapter on zora neale hurston, it just balanced the love, care, and passion that is so present in hooks’ writing with her thoughtful and incisive critical eye. her cultural criticism is also fascinating to read and there were tons of films discussed that i’d love to watch! i also loved that even as the topic varies so widely, the books is still authentically bell hooks through and through.