Sobering in what it has to tell us, The Truth That Never Hurts forces us to face those truths that disrupt the placid surfaces of our lives. A personal/political odyssey that documents some of the most critical moments in the last three decades of our national life, Smith's book forces us to new levels of awareness. Her piercing eye and uncompromising search for human justice for all make this volume must-reading for everyone who cares about the future. (Nellie Y. McKay, co-editor, The Norton Anthology of African American Literature)

"Barbara Smith's uncompromising intelligence helped invent the politics of intersection which grounds progressive thinking today. These essays deliver trenchant analysis from one of the most original, astute, and practical thinkers in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender movement."

Urvashi Vaid, director, The Policy Institute, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"The ancestors are surely ecstatic about the diligence, courage, passion, and good humor exhibited in The Truth That Never Hurts. This is a landmark work from a pioneering activist who has always kept the faith."

Evelyn C. White, editor, The Black Women's Health Book

"Barbara Smith is visionary, courageous, and insightful. Her work provides a crucial challenge to all of us."

Cornel West, Alphonse Fletcher Jr. University Professor, Harvard University

"Sobering in what it has to tell us, The Truth That Never Hurts forces us to face those truths that disrupt the placid surfaces of our lives. A personal/political odyssey that documents some of the most critical moments in the last three decades of our national life, Smith's book forces us to new levels of awareness. Her piercing eye and uncompromising search for human justice for all make this volume must-reading for everyone who cares about the future."

Nellie Y. McKay, co-editor, The Norton Anthology of African American Literature

Barbara Smith is visionary, courageous, and insightful. Her work provides a crucial challenge to all of us.

"At every moment of serious political crisis- and no thinking person can argue that ours is not such a moment- certain writers step forward with words that seem to ring from the very heart of history. Barbara Smith is certainly one of these writers, and her new book, electrifying, thought-provoking, illuminating, eloquent, harsh, and funny, is essential reading. Whether you agree with everything she says is not important; the essays in this book will revivify your heart and mind and reawaken a passion for activism and for justice."

Tony Kushner, playwright