• Write about your definition of love.
• Write about your first experience with love.
• Write about a time when you felt most loved.
• Write about a time when you did not feel loved.

All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks

This is not a new book. The most recent edition was published in 2018, three years before the author's passing at the age of 69. The small print reads, "Love song to the nation." This book is needed now more than ever. My son gave it to me years ago. Back then, I skimmed it, but this time I took a deep dive and carefully read every page. It is truly a gem. I highlighted many sections, but the one most pertinent to what's going on in our nation is: "When love is present, the desire to dominate and exercise power cannot rule the day" (p 98).

bell hooks' inspiration to write this book emerged from a childhood of dysfunction and her search for love. She believes—and I agree—that our childhood experiences shape our notions of love. She grew up to become a feminist while simultaneously fighting racism.

In this book, she defines love and writes about the divisions that cause suffering. She discusses the concept of Venus and Mars and the differences between the sexes. She poignantly notes that men speak most often speak about how much love they receive, while women speak about how much love they need. She also writes that, "giving is healing to the spirit," and describes how it brings communion to humanity. Many people have neglected this essential human need during a time when narcissism seems especially prevalent.

hooks illuminates so many important elements of love. She believes that love is a verb, not a noun. The book is a powerful reminder of what John Lennon told us so many years ago: "All you need is love."