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February 2026 Reads—bell hooks, Mark Fisher, John Steinbeck And More

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 End-of-month blog check-in. I am very tired, and I'll keep this very short.

I read these books this month.

1. Capitalist Realism: Is There No Alternative by Mark Fisher

Heard of Mark Fisher before, read this following a book rec on IG. Need a good understanding of American and British pop culture to better grasp the book. Still, it's worth reading. 

"The relationship between capitalism and eco-disaster is neither coincidental nor accidental; capital's 'need of a constantly expanding market', its 'growth fetish', means that capitalism is by its very nature opposed to any notion of sustainability."  Truth!

2. All About Love by bell hooks

I was searching for a book by bell hooks, following the same IG book rec from above, but found this instead. Again, worth the read. 

"To truly love, we must learn to mix various ingredients- care, affection, recognition, respect, commitment, and trust, as well as honest and open communication." 

I think this best describes love. We cannot claim to love if we are hurtful and abusive. Simply giving care does not mean we are loving.

3. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Heard of Steinbeck, finally read one. I may be leaning towards those who say this is a bit dramatic. But it's readable, okay.

4. Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows by Melanie Joy 🙌🏻

I'll leave just one line here. "I realize that animals will continue to suffer and die- but not because of me."

5. Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Y. Davis

"we have to do the work even though we don't yet see a glimmer on the horizen that it's actually going to be possible"

6. On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder

Twenty lessons from the Twentieth Century. My favourite ones teach that the minor choices we make are themselves a kind of vote, to take responsibility and set example for others; to be reflective and not be among the conformists who made the great atrocities of the world possible and to investigate because not everything you see and hear is the truth.

I also read the Other Stories in the book White Nights And Other Stories. Also started a couple other books. On that, next month. Happy Reading.

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