Author, professor and profound feminist Gloria Jean Watkins, better known by her pen name bell hooks, died on Wednesday at the age of 69. Madame Noire reported that hooks’ cause of death was not immediately announced.

bell hooks became a giant in the novel industry for her compelling stories surrounding the Black feminist cultural commentary. If you have never read any of her work, here is a list of bell hooks’ novels you should read in honor of her thoughtful contributions.

Here’s a statement from bell hook’s family regarding her passing. @rolandsmartin @JoyAnnReid @CornelWest @marclamonthill @jemelehill @BenjaminPDixon pic.twitter.com/F6fgKzVkSU

— Enter Ebony (@Enter_Ebony) December 15, 2021

She adopted the pen name bell hooks to pay homage to her great-grandmother, Bell Blair Hooks. “It’s primarily about an idea of distance,” she told Tricycle in 1992. “The name ‘bell hooks’ was a way for me to distance myself from the identity that I most cling to, which is Gloria Watkins, and to create this other-self.”

In hooks’ writing, she chose to examine the intersectionality of race, capitalism, gender, and how they contribute to oppression and class. The notable author has had more than 30 books and several articles published, helping to pave the way for a new generation of socially conscious authors who explore similar narratives.

MORE: Here’s Why bell hooks Used Lowercase Letters For Her Name

hooks’ first book, Ain’t I a Woman, is named after American abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth’s famous speech. It has been added many must-read lists, like Oprah’s popular book list, for readers hoping to gain a better understanding of sexism, racism and the impact of feminism on Black womanhood. Most hooks fans will also point you in the direction of her novel, All About Love, which was published in 2000. That book explores the aspects of love in modern society where hooks combined personal anecdotes as well as psychological and philosophical ideas to develop and strengthen her argument.

An author. A professor. An intersectional feminist. An activist. An icon. Rest in power, Bell Hooks. pic.twitter.com/pffZuwn58b

— LEX (@iamlexstylz) December 15, 2021

Many readers speak of how bell hooks changed their lives for the better. If today is the first time you are discovering hooks’ impressive collection, keep reading to find a list of her novels that are recommended for you to begin with.

1. All About Love

‘Each day I am grateful for having known a love that enables me to embrace death with no fear of incompleteness or lack, with no sense of irredeemable regret.’ – bell hooks, All About Love

We will miss you pic.twitter.com/Op5WTaRhLx

— Hajar Press (@hajarpress) December 15, 2021

2. Ain’t I A Woman

Book 66 was Aint I A Woman by bell hooks, a 1981 study of the impact of racism and sexism on black women, civil rights and feminist narratives. Some of the history included is horrific. An interesting and compelling read. This edition came from the excellent @LeftBookClub. pic.twitter.com/mzZB2BymCa

— Andrew Smith (@andrew_graeme) October 15, 2021

3. Killing Rage: Ending Racism

Another book that always feels timely is Killing Rage: Ending Racism by bell hooks (I also recommend Teaching to Transgress. All of her books are amazing tbh). https://t.co/dS40v7gTzE pic.twitter.com/opHq9UBr58

— DIANCA LONDON (@diancalondon) May 10, 2018

4. Bone Black: Memories of Girlhood

Third book of the month is Bone Black memories of girlhood by Bell Hooks. pic.twitter.com/K8djZuJfjG

— moon child (@THIRDEYECHARM) February 1, 2021

 5. The Will to Change

All men should read bell hooks’ The Will to Change. She was impossibly perceptive and insightful on masculinity pic.twitter.com/9KuCxsZntI

— Chris McNulty (@mucca_05) December 15, 2021

6. Communion

bell hooks changed my life. A literary genius.

If you’ve never read her work, I highly recommend:

– all about love
– black people and move
– communion pic.twitter.com/MhrUJTwGoE

— Condola’s Surprise (@Shadynasty15) December 15, 2021

7. Where We Stand

bell hooks – Where We Stand: Class Matters

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and didn’t find it difficult to read at all. hooks’ writing style is simple and easy to follow and her books are short.https://t.co/SONFoucnI2 pic.twitter.com/6ZvDFJZ9SL

— Part Time Aunty (@kroeskopunzel) July 14, 2021

SEE ALSO:

15 Acclaimed And Unapologetically Black Authors

5 Books Addressing Race That Every Teen Should Read

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