Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good

by Adrienne Maree Brown
Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Nonfiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £14.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 6386
  • Added: 2025-11-15
  • Updated: 2025-11-16
  • ISBN: 9781849353267
  • Published: 2019-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Pleasure Activism challenges the notion that politics must be a restrictive, joyless endeavor. Instead, it argues for an approach that embraces pleasure as a radical form of resistance and self-care. The book explores how pleasure can be a transformative force in both personal and political spheres, encouraging readers to reclaim their bodies and desires as sites of power and agency. /n/nThis collection brings together essays, poems, and art from a diverse range of contributors, each offering unique perspectives on the intersection of pleasure and activism. From discussions on sex positivity to explorations of racial justice, the book offers a comprehensive look at how pleasure can be a catalyst for change. It's a call to action for anyone seeking to create a more just and joyful world.

Reviews
Boston Review · 2022-10-11
empowering 4.50

Pleasure activism is about reclaiming our whole selves from the impacts of oppression. It is a powerful and necessary work in today's political climate.

In a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages of doom and gloom, this book offers a much-needed perspective on how to find joy and pleasure in the midst of struggle. The author argues that pleasure is not a luxury, but a necessity for those who are fighting for justice. They make a compelling case for how pleasure can be a form of resistance against oppression. The book is a powerful reminder that we deserve to feel good, even in the face of adversity. It's a call to action for anyone who wants to create a more just and equitable world.

Quick quotes

    Pleasure activism is the work we do to reclaim our whole, satisfiable selves from the impacts of oppression and supremacy.

    In a world where we are constantly bombarded with messages of doom and gloom, this book offers a much-needed perspective on how to find joy and pleasure in the midst of struggle.

    The book is a powerful reminder that we deserve to feel good, even in the face of adversity.

Shado Magazine · Adrienne Maree Brown · 2021-05-12
uplifting 4.75

The author speaks to the importance of centering pleasure in all aspects of activism. It is a refreshing take on how to approach social change.

This piece is a conversation with the author about her book and the importance of centering pleasure in activism. She argues that pleasure is not just a byproduct of social change, but a necessary component of it. The author shares her own experiences and offers practical advice on how to incorporate pleasure into our activism. She also discusses the challenges of doing this work in a world that often sees pleasure as frivolous or selfish. It's a powerful reminder that we deserve to feel good, and that our pleasure is a vital part of creating a more just and equitable world.

Quick quotes

    In this piece the author speaks to the importance of centring pleasure in all aspects of your activism.

    She argues that pleasure is not just a byproduct of social change, but a necessary component of it.

    It's a powerful reminder that we deserve to feel good, and that our pleasure is a vital part of creating a more just and equitable world.

Cannonball Read · Zinka · 2021-02-03
inspiring 4.00

The book encourages readers to consider how pleasure can be a powerful tool for social change. It challenges traditional notions of activism and offers a refreshing perspective on how to approach it.

This book is a wake-up call for anyone who thinks activism has to be all about sacrifice and struggle. The author makes a compelling case for how pleasure can be a driving force for change. They argue that when we focus on what brings us joy and fulfillment, we are more likely to create a world that is just and equitable. The book is not just theoretical; it offers practical advice on how to incorporate pleasure into our activism. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world.

Quick quotes

    Overall, it is a book that asks us to consider that changing the world for the better, that the fights necessary to make major shifts in our society can be fueled by pleasure.

    The book is not just theoretical; it offers practical advice on how to incorporate pleasure into our activism.

    It's a must-read for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world.

Appears in Lists