This book raises mixed feelings for me. I adore bell hooks so was very excited to read All About Love, especially many have described it as a source of healing for them. And there were many aspects of the book that helped me reframe my views on love and relationships—for instance, when we were encouraged to redefine what love means and how love should be given to be true to its definition, or in the discussions of love as community or an extension of one’s approach to the present moment and death. But I struggled with some of the conclusions, perhaps because a good portion of the book’s points and analogies translate best on heterosexual relationships or those who identify as cisgender. Overall it was a thoughtful read, but I was disappointed after the hype that had been given.

Overall rating: somewhere between 3 & 4 stars