Rating: 
Summary: My thoughts
Review: i feel that bell hooks did an excellent job on this book. she presents social class issues in a way that is never thought of by other people. this book really makes you think about where you stand on particular issues (i.e. materialism, social class and the church, etc.). Where We Stand is a very thought-provoking book that deals with social problems in America.
Rating: 
Summary: Repetitive yet enlightening
Review: I had to read Where We Stand for my college english class. I liked the way that hooks used her own experiences to point out the fact that most people do not want to think about the position they hold on the social ladder. However, I felt that hooks was quite repetitive with her words and phrases, which made it a little difficult to remain interested. I would still recommend the book though. It really makes you think about where you stand in society and the reasons why you are where you are. The book is quite enlightening. Just look past all of the mechanical monotony.
Rating:
Summary: Coming Out Of The Shadows
Review: I have already tried this once so if it appears twice I apoligize. Where We Stand by bell hooks addresses the issuses of class that lurk in the shadows. She does this by using her experiences an a poor black female born into lower class. Her experiences told of her climbing the social ladder to get to the point were she is now. She also gave her opinion on what she thought was keeping other lower class people bonded within their class. The points hooks addresses in this novel are ones that will make you think and identify with the concepts of social class. I enjoyed this book and put it down feeling more educated and aware of class and its place in society.
Rating:
Summary: Class dosent matter!
Review: I loved the beginning of this book, and I was really understanding how she felt, and how all this made her who she is now. But once i got to the middle and end, I thought she was taking iteverything out porportion. I have heard Bell Hooks, is a very inspirational speaker, and I'm sure she is, but she can go alittle too far.
Rating: 
Summary: Can't believe this ever got published!
Review: I read this book for my sociology class. While I agree completely that class matters I think Bell Hooks does an extremely poor job of explaining why. Throughout the novel I felt like I was reading a paper written by a ten year old. Things just don't make sense. Also, the way it's written is very subjective, taking away any credibility it might have had. She does make some good points but nothing that other books about the same subject don't make. It's not worth trudging through the repetative nonsense of the rest of the book. Don't waste your money, there are many GOOD books out there (try "Ain't no Makin it" By Jay MacLeod for a good book on same topic).
Rating:
Summary: My thoughts on social class and materialism
Review: I was raised in a house where there wasn't a lack of money but there definetly wasn't a surplus. We belived God would meet our needs and everything beyond that was a blessing. I have two theories that I always live by. One is that until you reach not only a certain age but a certain level of maturity nothing you have is a direct reflection of your own accomplishments. Furthermore, there is a belief that comes with being a Christian that material possesions lack importance anyway. Why? Because they are only precious in the human eye. Meaning that they carry no value in any after-life. Reading books like this make me thank God that I was raised to look at and live for more than today. I strive to gain everlasting riches in life. My rewards are in heaven where I shall make my home.
Rating:
Summary: Review on bell hooks Where We Stand
Review: Reading bell hooks, Where We Stand, was a challenge in itself. I had never thought of myself as being racist or having strong bias against any one group of people, but I did find myself getting angry with some of the things that she wrote about. I thought in the beginning that she painted a very sad harsh picture of her life growing up, and the trials she had to go through to get where she wanted to be. They were long and hard days, but she did get there. What I was most frustrated with was her repetitive nature. It was almost like she was going to make sure we GOT IT! I just think that when someone is on a soapbox about something they beat the subject matter into their audience's head until it is no longer interesting. I found myself becoming defensive about things. I got frustrated with her at times, but then I read on and began to see the injustices that were out there. Making it unfair in many different ways for blacks. I particularly felt strong about a chapter dealing with real estate, and how it is manipulated by "desirables" to keep "the undesirables" out. It is sad to think that you can put a dollar amount on the color of a person's skin. I felt ashamed at times, thinking the same things perhaps at one time or another. This reading has helped me grow as a person and it opened me up to the ways of the world. At least I hope that it has. I suggest that everyone takes a look, it will be worth it.
Rating:
Summary: Review of Where We Stand by bell hooks
Review: Reading bell hooks, Where We Stand, was a challenge in itself. I had never thought of myself as being racist or having strong bias against any one group of people, but I did find myself getting angry with some of the things that she wrote about. I thought in the beginning that she painted a very sad harsh picture of her life growing up, and the trials she had to go through to get where she wanted to be. They were long and hard days, but she did get there. What I was most frustrated with was her repetitive nature. It was almost like she was going to make sure we GOT IT! I just think that when someone is on a soapbox about something they beat the subject matter into their audience's head until it is no longer interesting. I found myself becoming defensive about things. I got frustrated with her at times, but then I read on and began to see the injustices that were out there. Making it unfair in many different ways for blacks. I particularly felt strong about a chapter dealing with real estate, and how it is manipulated by "desirables" to keep "the undesirables" out. It is sad to think that you can put a dollar amount on the color of a person's skin. I felt ashamed at times, thinking the same things perhaps at one time or another. This reading has helped me grow as a person and it opened me up to the ways of the world. At least I hope that it has. I suggest that everyone takes a look, it will be worth it.
Rating:
Summary: Review of Where We Stand by bell hooks
Review: Reading bell hooks, Where We Stand, was a challenge in itself. I had never thought of myself as being racist or having strong bias against any one group of people, but I did find myself getting angry with some of the things that she wrote about. I thought in the beginning that she painted a very sad harsh picture of her life growing up, and the trials she had to go through to get where she wanted to be. They were long and hard days, but she did get there. What I was most frustrated with was her repetitive nature. It was almost like she was going to make sure we GOT IT! I just think that when someone is on a soapbox about something they beat the subject matter into their audience's head until it is no longer interesting. I found myself becoming defensive about things. I got frustrated with her at times, but then I read on and began to see the injustices that were out there. Making it unfair in many different ways for blacks. I particularly felt strong about a chapter dealing with real estate, and how it is manipulated by "desirables" to keep "the undesirables" out. It is sad to think that you can put a dollar amount on the color of a person's skin. I felt ashamed at times, thinking the same things perhaps at one time or another. This reading has helped me grow as a person and it opened me up to the ways of the world. At least I hope that it has. I suggest that everyone takes a look, it will be worth it.
Rating: 
Summary: So desperately needed
Review: Thankfully, bell hooks is always brave enough to tell it like it is. She is also compassionate enough to devote time to addressing the most important issues of our time. The class crisis in this country is coming to a head as the middle class dwindles even more rapidly in this economy. Perhaps with many millions more joining the ranks of the poor, we as a nation will finally confront and resolve our class related conflicts. Read and begin to think critically and behave compassionately. Her observations are wise. Her grasp of history is absolute. Her ideas stimulate intelligent and loving thought, conversation, and action. Read this book.
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