Books matching: societal pressures
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- #1
Save:A sparkling debut that’s part heist, part heartfelt exploration of friendship and social pressure - perfect for fans of dramatic and witty contemporary fiction, even if the plot asks you to just go with it.
Women of Good Fortune by Sophie Wan follows three friends in Shanghai—Lulu, Rina, and Jane—who are unhappy with their lives and decide to steal the wedding gift money from Lulu's lavish upcoming wedding. The plot dives into their individual struggles, revealing the societal pressures on women in contemporary China, including familial expectations and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. Throughout the story, their plan for the heist showcases moments of humor and tension, but it ultimately becomes a journey of self-discovery and friendship.
The writing style is engaging yet a bit uneven, filled with twists that keep readers guessing. While the prose sometimes feels choppy and the narrative can drag in places, Wan succeeds in portraying the characters' unique perspectives and the cultural backdrop of high society Shanghai. Although the friendships may feel contrived at times, the exploration of women's roles and the pressures they face offers insightful commentary, making the book both entertaining and thought-provoking.
March 2024 - #2
Save:A beautifully written, thought-provoking novel that's both heart-wrenching and socially relevant - just be prepared for a challenging (and open) ending.
One Part Woman by Perumal Murugan is a poignant tale set in a village in Tamil Nadu, focusing on the struggles faced by a childless couple, Kali and Ponna. The story delves into the societal pressures, cultural norms, and religious beliefs that impact their lives, leading to a drastic decision during a festival where any man and woman can consensually join for a night. The writing style is described as rich, coherent, and emotional, with deep layers that allow readers to visualize the scenes vividly.
The portia tree was dense with foliage. If you looked closely, you could see the yellow trumpet-like flowers with their flared mouths, and the drooping, fading red ones with their inviting smiles. Por...2010•270 pages Deeply impactful and fiercely honest, "Wasted" is an unforgettable, sometimes harrowing memoir - not for the faint of heart or the vulnerable, but powerful for those wanting a no-holds-barred look inside eating disorders.
"Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia" by Marya Hornbacher is a raw and brutally honest account of the author's struggles with anorexia and bulimia from a young age. Through vivid descriptions and poignant storytelling, Hornbacher takes the reader on a journey through her battles with disordered eating, hospitalizations, and attempts at recovery. The book delves deep into the day-to-day life of an individual living with an eating disorder, shedding light on the harsh realities and emotional turmoil that accompany such illnesses.
Hornbacher's writing style alternates between creative, poetic language and stark, factual accounts, effectively demystifying the romanticized notions of thinness and beauty. The memoir serves as a powerful exploration of the author's inner struggles, self-hatred, and the constant battle for a normal, healthy life. It offers a candid portrayal of the author's ongoing fight with her demons and the lasting impact of her eating disorders, making it a compelling and eye-opening read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of these illnesses.
It was that simple: One minute I was your average nine-year-old, shorts and a T-shirt and long brown braids, sitting in the yellow kitchen, watching Brady Bunch reruns, munching on a bag of Fritos, sc...1997•318 pages- #4
Save:A short, offbeat character study that cleverly skewers ideas of conformity and happiness, Convenience Store Woman is both funny and unsettling - best for those who like their fiction thoughtful, unique, and a little bit strange.
'Convenience Store Woman' by Sayaka Murata is a quirky and atmospheric novel that delves into the life of Keiko, a woman who has worked at a convenience store for 18 years. Keiko finds comfort and satisfaction in her job, despite societal pressures to conform and lead a more traditional life. The book explores themes of societal norms, individuality, and the struggle to fit in, all through the lens of Keiko's unique perspective. The writing style is described as fresh, simple, and emotionally charged, making it a quick and absorbing read that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
A convenience store is a world of sound. From the tinkle of the door chime to the voices of TV celebrities advertising new products over the in-store cable network, to the calls of the store workers,...June 2018•143 pages - #5
Save:A short, intense, and unforgettable literary exploration of autonomy, madness, and defiance in a patriarchal society. Not for the faint of heart, but utterly thought-provoking.
'The Vegetarian' by Han Kang is a haunting and disturbing tale told in three parts from different perspectives, focusing on a young Korean woman named Yeong hye who decides to become a vegetarian after a disturbing dream. This decision sets off a series of events that lead to a slow decline in Yeong hye's mental and physical health, causing turmoil within her family and society. The writing style is stark, depressing, and beautifully constructed, delving into themes of alienation, mental illness, societal oppression, and the impact of personal choices on relationships.
The deep oxblood curtain fell over the stage. The dancers waved their hands so vigorously the whole row became a blur of movement, with individual figures impossible to make out. Though the applause w...October 2007•192 pages A thoughtful, eye-opening look at the challenges facing teen girls, best for parents, educators, and anyone curious about feminist psychology. While a bit dated and sometimes heavy-handed, it remains a classic for starting important conversations.
"Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls" by Mary Pipher delves into the challenges faced by teenage girls in the '90s, exploring issues such as sexism, lookism, and societal pressures. Through personal stories and case studies, the author highlights the struggles of adolescent girls dealing with problems related to family relationships, peer pressure, drugs, violence, and self-image. Pipher offers practical advice to parents and adults on understanding and supporting teenage girls through adolescence, drawing from her experiences as a psychologist working with young girls.
"Reviving Ophelia" serves as a wake-up call to parents, educators, and society at large, urging for a cultural shift to create a safer and more supportive environment for adolescent girls. provides insights into the challenges faced by young girls in navigating puberty, peer expectations, and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of empowering girls to overcome obstacles and find their sense of self-worth in a world that often demeans and devalues them.
When my cousin Polly was a girl, she was energy in motion. She danced, did cartwheels and splits, played football, basketball and baseball with the neighborhood boys, wrestled with my brothers, biked,...January 1600•303 pages- #7
Save:A funny and smartly written take on modern womanhood in Singapore, with plenty of snark and style - just don’t expect a warm, fuzzy romance or a heroine you’re meant to adore. Great for fans of satirical chick lit, but not for those craving emotional depth or major character growth.
'Last Tang Standing' by Lauren Ho is a novel that follows the life of Andrea Tang, a 33-year-old unmarried lawyer in Singapore who is striving to make partner at her law firm while navigating the pressures from her family to get married. The book is described as a cross between 'Bridget Jones's Diary' and 'Crazy Rich Asians', offering a fun and enjoyable read with a diary-style format that delves into Andrea's romantic entanglements, family drama, and career aspirations. Despite the humorous tone and distinctive voice of the lead character, some readers found the pacing to be off and the romance between Andrea and Suresh to be unconvincing.
Hope. That’s what the Spring Festival, the most important celebration in the traditional Chinese calendar, is supposed to commemorate, aside from signalling, well, the coming of spring. Renewal. A tim...June 2020•403 pages - #8
Save:A heartbreakingly beautiful examination of longing and repression - 'Yerma' is a must-read for lovers of classic drama, but its somber mood and narrow focus may not appeal to everyone.
Yerma, written by Federico Garcia Lorca, is a powerful tragedy centered on the intense struggle of a woman named Yerma, whose desire for motherhood consumes her life. Set against the backdrop of rural Spain in the early twentieth century, the play explores the societal pressures surrounding womanhood, specifically the expectation to bear children. Lorca's writing is lyrical and vivid, fully immersing the reader in Yerma's emotional turmoil and the oppressive cultural norms that dictate her fate.
The plot unfolds over three acts and six scenes, showcasing Yerma's battles with her barrenness and her strained relationship with her husband. The tension escalates as she grapples with her yearning for a child, ultimately leading her to psychosis. Yerma's character earns sympathy despite her tragic actions, and Lorca’s focus on her singular journey highlights both the personal and societal tragedies faced by women. This brave character study resonates with universal themes of isolation and desperation, showcasing Lorca's growing mastery of modern theater.
1934•208 pages - #9
Save:A fun, sassy, and thought-provoking romp with reality TV vibes, poking holes in toxic relationship norms. Enjoyable for anyone who likes their fiction with a side of pop culture, humor, and heart - but not for those easily irritated by chauvinistic setups or reality-show drama.
Amy, a thirty-two-year-old woman, is unexpectedly dumped on a reality TV show called 'The Shelf' by her boyfriend, Jamie. The show follows six women, each dumped by their partners, who are left to compete for a chance to win £1 million by completing various tasks in a Big Brother-style house. As the women navigate challenges and confront sexist expectations, they learn to stand up for themselves and embrace their true personalities with the support of each other and therapy sessions. Through the show, Amy and the other contestants discover self-love, empowerment, and the importance of authenticity in relationships.
The book delves into themes of feminism, self-discovery, and societal pressures on women to conform to certain expectations such as marriage and motherhood. With a mix of humor, thought-provoking moments, and relatable characters, 'The Shelf' offers a captivating and insightful portrayal of modern women navigating reality TV, relationships, and personal growth.
Amy Wright is lying in bed, staring at herself in the mirror on the wall and counting her chins. Her long dark hair is curled up on top of her head like the chocolate doughnut she ate in secret yester...2020•400 pages - #10
Save:A lively, intriguing classic - Belinda is a must for fans of Austen-era fiction and social satire, but you’ll need patience for its old-school prose and a few outdated views.
Belinda by Maria Edgeworth is a late 18th-century novel that follows the titular character, Belinda Portman, as she navigates the matchmaking schemes of her aunt and the glamorous yet complex society of London. Belinda is sent to stay with Lady Delacour, a flirtatious and enigmatic woman, in hopes of finding a suitable match. As Belinda becomes entangled in the high society of the Ton, she encounters various suitors, including the charming Clarence Hervey and the mysterious Mr. Vincent. The novel explores themes of love, marriage, societal expectations, and individual agency, all set against the backdrop of the vibrant and scandalous society of the time.
Maria Edgeworth's writing style in Belinda is praised for its detailed and fast-paced narrative, reminiscent of Jane Austen's works but with a wilder and more exuberant tone. The characters in the novel are described as delightful yet appropriately aggravating, with Lady Delacour standing out as a particularly intriguing and complex figure. Through sharp dialogue, engaging plot twists, and a mix of scandal, suspense, and romance, Edgeworth weaves a story that captivates readers with its wit and charm.
Mrs. Stanhope, a well-bred woman, accomplished in that branch of knowledge which is called the art of rising in the world, had, with but a small fortune, contrived to live in the highest company. She...1801•544 pages
