Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde was an American writer, feminist, womanist, librarian, and civil rights activist. She was a self-described 'black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,' who dedicated her life and her creative talent to confronting and addressing the injustices of racism, sexism, and homophobia. Lorde's poetry and prose largely deal with issues related to civil rights, feminism, and the exploration of black female identity.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Zami: A New Spelling of My Name

    This book is a biomythography, blending history, biography, and myth, of a young, black, lesbian woman growing up in 1950s Harlem. The narrative explores her early life, including her relationship with her immigrant parents, her sexual awakening, and her struggle to define her identity in a time of intense racial and homophobic prejudice. The protagonist's journey is marked by a series of women who shape her consciousness and her understanding of herself, leading her towards activism and writing.

  2. 2. Sister Outsider

    "Sister Outsider" is a collection of essays and speeches that delve into the complexities of intersectional identity, exploring themes of racism, sexism, and homophobia. The author, a black lesbian poet and feminist writer, challenges the marginalization of minority groups and critiques the lack of inclusivity within feminist movements. Through personal narratives and powerful prose, the work confronts social injustices and calls for the recognition and celebration of differences as a means to drive political change and dismantle systemic oppression. The book is a seminal text in intersectional feminist thought, advocating for solidarity and the importance of communication across diverse communities.

  3. 3. The Collected Poems of Audre Lorde

    This collection of poems serves as an exploration of a variety of themes including love, war, race, and feminism. The author uses her personal experiences as an African-American woman to shed light on societal issues. The anthology is a reflection of the author's life journey and her fight against injustice, and it seeks to empower and inspire readers through its raw and powerful narrative.

  4. 4. The Cancer Journals

    The book is a powerful exploration of the author's personal journey through the diagnosis, treatment, and aftermath of breast cancer. It is a profound reflection on illness, identity, and survival, blending personal narrative with critical insights into the societal pressures women face regarding their bodies and health. The author confronts the silence surrounding cancer and the expectations placed on women to maintain a semblance of normalcy and femininity, even in the face of life-threatening disease. Through her writing, she challenges the stigmatization of illness and the notion of compulsory positivity, advocating instead for the strength found in vulnerability and the necessity of speaking one's truth.