Reviews
"Watkins-Hayes provides a nuanced analysis of the opportunities that the safety net offers these women whilst simultaneously highlighting the impact of systemic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal racism on their ability to accept and thrive using these resources."—U.S. Studies Online
"Watkins-Hayes’ thoughtful book offers fresh insights into our current context. . . . reminds social workers that the most meaningful social science research is slow, intentional, and community-engaged."
—Affilia: Feminist Inquiry in Social Work
"Dr. Celeste Watkins-Hayes examines the resiliency of women facing incalculable challenges, and she chronicles the power of activism to change their lives for the better. By confronting what Watkins-Hayes calls the “injuries of inequality” and the AIDS response, Remaking a Life urges leaders to deliver bold policy solutions to address the complicated intersection of healthcare, social support, economic assistance, and civic engagement that could tackle persistent crises such as chronic homelessness, the ever-widening drug epidemic and the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS. She offers an under-appreciated, solutions-driven model that untangles how the public sector can help individuals and communities in crisis, and in so doing, Watkins-Hayes carves a path forward to progress."—Stacey Abrams, Founder and Chair of Fair Fight Action, Former Georgia House Minority Leader
"A brilliant book on political and personal transformation. For anyone interested in how activism and advocacy work to challenge inequality and transform state policy, while also remaking lives in local communities across the country, this book is a must read."—Cathy J. Cohen, author of Boundaries of Blackness: AIDS and the Breakdown of Black Politics
"Important, thoughtful, and original."— Mario Small, Harvard University
"A brilliant, ground-breaking analysis of how a diverse group of women living with HIV/AIDS transform their lives in the midst of seemingly insurmountable challenges surrounding the pervasive and devastating consequences of a broad range of structural inequalities. A must read for scholars, activists, policy makers, various communities seeking to understand the continuing challenges of combatting HIV/AIDS as safety nets become more fragile."—Beverly Guy-Sheftall, Anna Julia Cooper Professor of Women’s Studies, Spelman College.
"Watkins-Hayes carefully weaves together life and policy histories to give voice to the struggles of women marginalized by society, honoring their transformative work and efforts to make meaning across the life course. Remaking a Life is a powerful read and one critical for so many researchers, students, policymakers, and advocates to engage." —Scott Allard, University of Washington
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