Sisters of the Yam: Black Women and Self-Recovery

by bell hooks

In Sisters of the Yam , bell hooks reflects on the ways in which the emotional health of black women has been and continues to be impacted by sexism and racism. Desiring to create a context where black females could both work on their individual efforts for self actualization while remaining connected to a larger world of collective struggle, hooks articulates the link between self recovery and political resistance. Both an expression of the joy of self healing and the need to be ever vigilant in the struggle for equality, Sisters of the Yam continues to speak to the experience of black womanhood.

Genres: Nonfiction, Feminism, Race, Self Help, Psychology, Womens, Sociology

184 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1993

About the author

bell hooks (deliberately in lower-case; born Gloria Jean Watkins) was an African-American author, feminist, and social activist. Her writing focused on the interconnectivity of race, class, and gender and their ability to produce and perpetuate systems of oppression and domination. She published over thirty books and numerous scholarly and mainstream articles, appeared in several documentary films and participated in various public lectures. Primarily through a postmodern female perspective, she addressed race, class, and gender in education, art, history, sexuality, mass media and feminism.

Reviews

[Angela]

I had the honor of having Gloria Watkins ("bell hooks") as a professor at Yale. I was actually one of the Sisters of the Yams, a group on campus. I come back to this book often. The main lesson I got from this book is that if you are not happy in a place, get up and leave. It's the way I live my life. Definitely a great read.

[Rowena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of this woman. I find so much healing and understanding in her words. I admire her candidness in acknowledging issues that are often just swept under the rug. She is one of the first academics I came across who considers the black experience in fields that often take the human condition as a homogeneous one. I feel so many black women would appreciate this book so much. Alongside Alice Walker's books, this is a good companion for black women's self-actualization, and the realization that we have to heal and continue the struggle as well.

Her book was written in 1993 so a few points are a bit dated and obsolete but it is still great.

Some quotes:

"Such wounds do not manifest themselves only in material ways, they effect our psychological well-being. Black people are wounded in our hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits.

"Everywhere black women live in the world, we eat yam. It is a symbol of our diasporic connections. Yams provide nourishment for the body as food yet they are also used medicinally- to heal the body."

Collective healing

"Traditional therapy, mainstream psychoanalytical practices, often do not consider "race" an important issue, and as a result do not adequately address the mental-health dilemmas of black people."

[Stephanie Spines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant.

As a long-time bell hooks fan, it took me a while to read this one. I was in search of a self-help style book and had tried a few out when I realized that none of them adequately reflected my experiences as a black woman. Why I hadn't turned to hooks sooner is beyond me. While the book doesn't PERFECTLY reflect my experience, since hooks is of African-American heritage and I myself am of Caribbean heritage, and since hooks was raised poor while I experienced a degree of class privilege, it is, one of the best self-help books I have ever read. Also, I'm not necessarily on the same page as hooks where religion and spirituality is concerned, but even still, these parts of the book resonated with me.

If you are in any way lost in your life and particularly if you are a black woman, I would recommend this book to you.

[chantel nouseforaname · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yo what can I say! Sister bell hooks is a legend. This book dropped gem after gem. So much quality content. Like real talks, if you're a sister on a spiritual journey, get into this. I try to separate the people from the text where I can because if you follow all the stories about people it'll fuck with your head. However, what I will say is that the content in this book is a necessary must read for my black women who are feeling out of sorts. It's a great place to centre and organize just for you. Just for you, sis. More times we gotta do things just for us because we ain't getting any younger and the world ain't never on our side.

RIP Breonna Taylor and any other young black woman who has tragically lost her life, when she had just begun living, for some completely senseless reason. I love us and we need to take care of ourselves, our emotional states, our souls. Shit is real, shit is really real.

[Phobean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hard book to rate. I'm not sure why? Maybe because it's not really about enjoyment, it's about life and how to weave through the layers of injustice, abuse, confusion, and fear to live with awareness and confidence and love, in community. In particular, this book is for black women - grand and great-grand children of American slavery and apartheid. Broadly, anyone can take from it hook's wisdom and sisterly care. Also, I appreciated how ms. hooks quotes from and draws on so many works of literature and non-fiction --of both the black American and self-help and recovery cannons. This book is one to come back to, a study.

[Aisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A self-help book geared specifically towards black women - it's about time! What a phenomenal book and incredible woman. I'm sure this work has helped a lot of black women in their self-recovery process. What I don't understand is why more books like this don't exist.

hooks's caring and insight make reading this book an enlightening experience. Even if you don't agree with everything she has to say, there is at least one thing you can relate to.

Recommend it to sistas worldwide!

[DeaFlourishment · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este es un libro que, si bien, está hablando de la experiencia de las mujeres negras, perfectamente nos interpela a cualquier persona. Es un texto sobre el proceso de sanar, la necesidad de los cuidados, el procurarnos un espacio en la comunidad y tejer juntas para resistir a la violencia y la opresión del mundo.

[Beverlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure if I can articulate how important this book is to me, especially at this particular moment. I read Sisters Of The Yam at a time where I have to make a decision that will have a lasting impact- choice to further education, apply for a new position, or attempt both. Reviewing a passage from chapter 3 from a sister who was interviewed " you don't just work to get money, you work to create meaning for yourself and other people" is affirming my personal beliefs that one should never let a job be their identity and that whatever work you do should have meaning.
Another key point in self recovery is the ability to live well. hooks explores an idea that is revolutionary (in my opinion anyway) that black women are entitled to live well. Society's definition of live well differs along racial and gender stereotypes, but hooks explains it as "we feel empowered to make changes, to break with old patterns." There is a huge responsibility with living well, essentially being proactive about how your live vs being reactionary.
The closing chapter, Walking in the Spirit, is not only about being able to connect with a higher power, but healing oneself in solitude. A black woman should embrace oneness as a time to hear God, to renew our spirit. I am definitely in favor of feeling my best, so I can present positive energy to people I encounter and the community at large.

[Never Without a Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a book! It's a bit out dated but still much of what bell mentions is still relevant today. Over all 4.5stars.

[Nella ☾ of Bookland · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

“We cannot fully create effective movements for social change if individuals struggling for that change are not also self-actualized or working towards that end. When wounded individuals come together in groups to make change our collective struggle it is often undermined by all that has not been dealt with emotionally.”

Making my way through bell hooks work has been part of my healing journey as a black woman. Hooks writes about difficult topics in a thoughtful and compassionate way that encourages readers, particularly black women, to interact with the complicated sentiments (suffering, pride, love, hope) that color our existence. In this book, she focused on how we can begin healing the collective black female consciousness by looking inward at our individual traumas. We deserve healing! We've given the world so much (willingly and unwillingly) and must cultivate our strengths as survivalists to preserve our greatness and continue to flourish in spite of setbacks.

As per usual, I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to embark on a journey of introspection regarding sex, race, love, beauty, etc.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

SISTERS OF THE YAM: Black Women and Self-Recovery by bell hooks was my first book by her and it was amazing! This book was originally published in 1994 and I listened to the audiobook of the second edition which came out in 2005 narrated by Adenrele Ojo. This book is still extremely relevant today. She discusses how Black women are assaulted by racism and sexism and how their emotional health suffers. She also offers insights and strategies on how Black women can empower themselves. This is a daily practice that is still needed in 2022. I loved the addition of the interview with hooks at the end. I’m so eager to read more of her work now.
.
Thank you to Tantor Audio via NetGalley for my ALC!

[Helena Brantley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read Sisters of the Yam in my 20's and for years it lived on my nightstand. Nearly 20 years later, it has been eye-opening to re-read the pages I highlighted back then and how large parts of this book are still relevant and helpful. With so many recent headlines about feminist thoughts, anniversaries, leaning in, and leaning out, much of it omitting issues of race and class, I wanted to re-read this book about feminism and about healing from a black women's perspective. I continue to give thanks for bell hooks, nearly 20 years after first discovering her writing as a young, single, woman living outside of Washington, DC.

[Samara · Rating 5 out of 5]

My friend Jackie recommended this book so many years ago. Yet, it is a standout and a "must read" for all women of color. Self love is s crucial to our well being. bell hooks continues to uplift and support "the sisterhood."

[Mikey ಠ◡ಠ · Rating 4 out of 5]

By far bell hooks' most approachable book for me so far, this book definitely leaned more casual than academic in its approach so I'm pleased to say I understood this book all the way through!

As per, I don't have anything thought provoking or ground breaking to say in my review. I'm just here to utilize my local library and read as many of bell hooks' books as I'm able and learn from the wealth of knowledge and information that she is.

[waithaileyreadwhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every chapter felt like a lecture, but that’s quite typical for the cultural critic. Don’t ever read hooks looking for easy answers; I promise you’re not getting them. Instead, you’ll get a history lesson on how you arrived at the current moment and notes from multiple self-help, fiction, and nonfiction books to support her assertions. Don’t be intimidated by that though; if you’re open to it, this book can be quite helpful.

[Charnise Mangle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read book for Black women, and our
allies. The journey of self recovery has been incremental and deliberate for me over several years, and I am so thankful I stumbled across this book.

If I might be so bold as to suggest you next book it would be: Sacred Pampering Principles: An African-American Woman's Guide to Self-care and Inner Renewal
by Debrena Jackson Gandy. This suggestion because you now need to begin a journey that is like a soothing balm. After you’ve labored to till up your dried earth during self recovery. This book will teach you how to treat yourself because you deserve it.

I swear I heard a student, young Ms. Fogle, suggest this book to me at the beginning of the school year. She was telling me of her love for bell hooks and I could have sworn she said this was her favorite book. However, when I told her I was reading it she said she hadn’t heard of it. I guess the book gods knew I needed it, and that she needed it too because now I’ve suggested it to her!

[Cookie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, as it forces me to look in the mirror to address trauma as I journey to infinite healing. It’s like the Auntie that really wants you to be healed and move onward with your life.

[Jessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

recovery for all...and thoughts for a new path forward

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all Black women.

[Kay F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The art and practice of loving begins with our capacity to recognize and affirm ourselves.”

Everyone should read this book.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take small bites of this book, and chew thoroughly.

[LitGirlLiv · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sprawling overview of points I've heard bell hooks make elsewhere.

[Trinity Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

O. M.G. the amount of times i was read and challenged for filth in this book — bell hooks, the audacity you have!! everything i do in my day to day life as a black woman was called into question in the name of self-help and self-healing. this was so affirming and helped me to intellectualize my identity as a black woman, the way i was reared and the way i am developing as an adult. it is progressive self help infused with cultural tradition and education to push forward.

this book talked about the importance of being well mentally/emotionally, community-wise (big one that got me as she went thru aspects of being a daughter, sister, friend, romantic partner, etc!!), sexually, professionally (in work settings), through reconciliation and so so so much more. each chapter was full of gems. even though when it started to feel a little slow, she’d make a crazy accusation about my life as if she was living it herself and then follow it up with “you know what i’m talking about.” ah!

not to mention bell hooks is a gorgeous writer. i’ll read anything she writes and i’m always going to be more than happy to :) i’m buying this book asap and telling every black girl i know to read it asap!!

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro se sintió como terapia. Aunque habla de la situación particular de las mujeres negras en EU, me identifiqué con muchas vivencias y sentires, tomaron sentido aquellos padecimientos que no sabía explicarme a mí misma o que me es casi imposible tratar de exponerlos en una sesión de psicoterapia. Como dice uno de los prólogos, en realidad nos podemos dar cuenta de que las comunidades oprimidas a lo largo y ancho del mundo compartimos padecimientos y que muchas veces estos provienen de nuestra condición social que se ve expresado en el círculo familiar, profesional o de nuestra misma comunidad.

La visión holística que presenta hooks nos ayuda a profundizar en cada sentir que nos atraviesa, más aún cuando nos sentimos solas mientras lo atravesamos, porque nos hace ver que es algo que podemos identificar en personas de nuestro círculo o de nuestra misma condición social y entonces adquiere otro sentido. Pensarlo de esta manera nos hace ver que podemos compartir ese sentir con una comunidad y buscar soluciones en conjunto.

Por otra parte, se hace imperante remitirnos a nuestros ancestros que pensaban de distinta manera el dolor y el sufrimiento, que sanaban sus padecimientos con el uso práctico del conocimiento de las hierbas (en nuestro caso mexicano), pero más aún, que son prácticas que siguen vivas y debemos saber apreciarlas e incluirlas en nuestro proceso de sanación.

Definitivamente es una lectura para acompañar nuestro camino por la recuperación. Creo que no lo soltaré en bastante tiempo.

[Ty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Released in 1994 but still very relevant in 2024. It speaks to many things that as a Black Woman, I’ve felt, experienced, or witnessed, but didn’t quite have the language for. I am always a fan of how bell hooks had the gift of making information more accessible to everyday people. This is a book I want to gift to all the Black women I know and love. This is required reading. This is essential.

[Tania Garcia Pareja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Con gracia y sutileza, Bell Hooks le escribe a las mujeres negras de EUA, sin embargo, se siente como si narrara las experiencias de las que hemos vivido en las periferias del sur global; quizás por la dificultad de saber quiénes somos en medio de miles de carencias, donde la carencia material se vuelve el principal muro que nos dificulta desarrollarnos en plenitud…

[Kayla Brooks]

Exceptionally written self-help for book for black women. It is comprehensive and deep, and yet approachable for the reader. hooks explores are trauma and is honest about what it will take for us to heal.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though the target audience is black women, I learned a lot from this book. There’s a lot of good info for general self-recovery, and I also learned a lot about black women’s experiences in a white man’s world. hooks has an easy to follow writing style and deftly pulls quotes from reliable sources, so that it feels like sitting down and listening to an interesting conversation.

[Bete Boe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ik wilde alles onthouden en opschrijven wat ik las. Wat een geweldig boek. En tevens het eerste zelfhulp boek dat ik las dat specifiek geadresseerd werd aan Zwarte vrouwen.

[J. Ferg · Rating 5 out of 5]

bell hooks explores the holistic wellness and needs of Black Womxn at the intersection of racism and sexism. for this piece to be published when i was two years old, yet speak to my current lived experiences at 31, is true prophetic work. this will be a piece i come back to often.

fyi: this isn’t your “mainstream” feminism work

everyone should read this, especially Black Womxn.