40 pages • 1 hour read
Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower
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Book Brief
288
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower, Brittney Cooper uses 12 essays to argue that Black women should embrace anger as a constructive, political tool rather than viewing it as negative. Drawing from personal experiences, popular culture, and Black feminist theory, Cooper explores themes such as toxic masculinity, the limitations of white feminism, Black respectability, and the systemic challenges Black women face in areas like love, success, and sexuality. The book includes depictions of and references to racialized violence, violence against women and girls, debilitating use of alcohol, and sexual assault.
Emotional
Inspirational
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
15,574 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
<Eloquent Rage> by Brittney Cooper is praised for its impassioned narrative and incisive analysis of feminism and race, appealing to readers who appreciate candid social critiques. It's lauded for its authenticity but some find the tone occasionally polarizing. Overall, it's a compelling read that sparks important conversations about intersectionality.
Who Should Read Eloquent Rage?
A reader who would enjoy Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper is likely interested in feminist literature, social justice, and African American studies. Fans of Roxane Gay’s Bad Feminist and Ta-Nehisi Coates’s Between the World and Me will be captivated by Cooper’s insightful critique and impassioned prose.
15,574 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Cooper’s Grandmother
Cooper’s Grandmother
A woman rooted in Black respectability and Christianity, who encouraged Brittney Cooper to explore her identity and sexuality as a source of feminist insight.
Cooper’s Mother
Cooper’s Mother
A determined woman who valued education and defied societal norms to secure opportunities for her daughter, significantly shaping Cooper's feminist ideology.
Cooper’s Father
Cooper’s Father
An absent figure in Cooper's life post-separation, used to discuss themes of toxic masculinity and the complexities faced by Black men.
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama
Analyzed as a Black female icon to explore the dynamics of privilege, disadvantage, and the inefficacy of Black respectability in feminist discourse.
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter
Presented as a figure whose music and public persona exemplify the need for freedom and space within Black feminism to embrace contradictions and growth.
Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton
Studied as an example of a strong woman navigating gender norms, representing complexities in allyship and the challenges of being a female public figure.
288
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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