Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot

This book should be on every syllabus in the country because it fundamentally redefines what we consider 'feminist' work. Kendall argues with such incisive prose that it’s hard to look away from the ways mainstream movements have ignored basic survival needs like housing and food security. Frankly, her bluntness is refreshing in a genre that often feels too academic or detached from reality. I found the sections on gun violence and hunger particularly eye-opening, illustrating how these aren't just 'social issues' but core feminist concerns. Some might find her tone provocative, but that's exactly why it works so well. It forces you to confront your own privilege and ask who your feminism is actually for. If you are breathing, you should probably be reading this. It’s well-researched and incredibly easy to understand for anyone willing to listen.

Wow. This book is a visceral punch to the gut that demands you pay attention to the women living on the margins of society. Mikki Kendall’s writing is sharp, unapologetic, and deeply well-researched, providing a much-needed correction to the 'girl boss' feminism that dominates the media. She manages to take complex topics like maternal health and the housing crisis and make them accessible without stripping away their gravity. Not gonna lie, I had to take breaks between chapters because the truths she presents are so heavy and undeniable. It's a must-read for anyone who thinks they are an ally but hasn't yet considered how poverty is a gendered issue. The way she interweaves theory with lived experience makes the entire argument feel incredibly urgent. Seriously, just buy a copy and give it to everyone you know.

Mikki Kendall doesn't pull any punches in her exploration of what feminism actually means for women of color in the modern era. Her writing is incisive and blunt, cutting through the fluff of typical social justice rhetoric to reveal the hard truths about our society. I was particularly struck by the discussion on the fetishization of 'fierceness' and how it actually harms Black women. Personally, I think this should be required reading for anyone claiming to be part of the movement. She takes an in-depth look at how access to a living wage and medical care are foundational to equality. The book is easy to understand, even when dealing with heavy systemic analysis and statistics. It's rare to find a work that is this provocative while remaining so grounded in reality. Truly a stunning achievement.

If you think you know everything there is to know about intersectionality, think again. This collection of essays goes so much deeper than the surface-level definitions we usually see on social media. Kendall explores the intersection of race, class, and gender with a level of honesty that is both rare and refreshing. The chapter on the housing crisis was particularly enlightening for me, as I had never explicitly framed it as a feminist issue before. Not gonna lie, the book is quite packed with information, so it’s not exactly a light weekend read. However, the incisive prose makes even the most difficult concepts feel digestible and urgent. It’s an eye-opening journey through the parts of the female experience that the mainstream media often chooses to ignore. Highly recommend for any serious reader.

Picked this up because I wanted to broaden my understanding of the movement beyond just white, middle-class concerns, and it delivered in every way. The author’s voice is so distinct and powerful that I felt like I was having a conversation with someone who refused to let me off the hook. She masterfully connects the dots between poverty, gun violence, and the failures of modern feminism to protect Black women. In my experience, most books on this topic are either too dry or too vague, but Kendall finds the perfect middle ground. The discussion on how 'survival' is the most basic feminist issue of all is something that will stick with me for a long time. It’s a must-read for anyone who actually cares about making the world a safer place for every woman. Five stars for the raw honesty alone.

As a teacher, the chapter on education really hit home for me and changed how I view the barriers my students face daily. Kendall does a fantastic job of connecting the dots between systemic neglect and the feminist struggle, making it clear that intersectionality isn't just a buzzword. To be fair, some of the essays felt a bit less focused than others, occasionally veering into territory that felt slightly off-topic from the central thesis. However, the emotional weight of her personal anecdotes kept me grounded in the material throughout the whole experience. It’s a thought-provoking collection that challenges the idea that feminism is only about the glass ceiling. Instead, she refocuses the lens on the floor where so many women are still struggling just to stand up. It’s not a fast read, but it is a necessary one.

Finally got around to reading this after seeing it everywhere on my feed, and I can say it definitely lives up to the hype for the most part. The author’s ability to link gun violence and hunger to the feminist movement is brilliant and long overdue. Gotta say, her perspective on how 'mainstream' feminism centers white women while ignoring the basic needs of Black women is an essential critique. I did notice that the pacing felt a bit uneven in the middle sections, with a few chapters feeling like they were retreading the same ground. Regardless, the incisive nature of her prose kept me engaged even when the structure felt a little loose. It’s an eye-opening look at how we define 'safety' and 'equality' in very narrow terms. This book will definitely make you rethink your own activism.

The truth is that many of us like to call ourselves feminists without ever considering if our activism includes the most vulnerable among us. This book acts as a mirror, reflecting the ways in which we have failed to prioritize the survival of all women. Kendall’s focus on 'basic needs' as a feminist issue is a total game-changer for how I think about social justice. While I agree with the criticism that the book can be a bit unfocused at points, the overall impact remains incredibly strong. Her insights on how the movement centers those who already have their needs met are absolutely biting. I found the section on allies and accomplices to be one of the most useful things I’ve read all year. It’s uncomfortable, sure, but growth usually is.

Look, I found the section comparing Bernie Sanders supporters and Trump supporters a bit distracting from the main thesis of the book. It felt a little dated compared to the more evergreen discussions on things like maternal health and education. That being said, the vast majority of this book is an absolute masterclass in intersectional thought. Kendall’s blunt tone is exactly what is needed to shake people out of their complacency regarding racial equity. The information is well-researched and presented in a way that feels both personal and academic. I appreciated how she didn't shy away from the 'unpopular' opinions that challenge standard feminist narratives. Even with its minor flaws, it remains a thought-provoking and essential piece of literature.

To be fair, I went into this expecting a more cohesive systemic analysis, but it felt more like a series of loosely connected blog posts at times. While the author raises vital points about race and socioeconomic status, I’m not entirely convinced the editing did her logic justice in every chapter. Some of the arguments felt repetitive, especially if you already have a basic grasp of what intersectionality entails. Look, the core message about including the 'women a movement forgot' is essential, but the execution occasionally felt a bit unpolished. I also found the specific criticisms of political supporters a bit distracting from the broader, more universal points she was making. It’s a decent introductory text for someone brand new to these concepts, but seasoned readers might find it lacking new depth. I appreciate the honesty, but the structure just didn't quite land for me.