Books matching: societal pressures
100 result(s)
- #1
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... "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..."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,...- #4
Woyzeck by Georg Buchner is a play that delves into the story of a soldier who descends into madness due to societal pressures and experiments, ultimately leading to tragic consequences. The book is noted for its dark and chaotic narrative, with a fragmented structure that adds to the overall impact of the story. It highlights themes of mental illness, societal injustice, and the struggle of an individual against oppressive forces.
- #5
'Regretting Motherhood' by Orna Donath is a groundbreaking book that delves into the taboo topic of mothers who regret having children. Through qualitative research and interviews with women who openly share their experiences, the book sheds light on the complexities and challenges of motherhood. Donath's writing style is described as honest, thought-provoking, and insightful, offering a fresh perspective on the societal pressures and expectations surrounding motherhood. The book challenges the romanticized notions of motherhood and encourages readers to consider the reality and impact of choosing to become a mother.
Nancy Chodorow, The Reproduction of Mothering: Psychoanalysis and the Sociology of Gender (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1978). Simone De Beauvoir, The Second Sex (London: Random House, 20... - #6
Sweet Harmony by Claire North is a novella set in a world where biological nanotechnology can enhance human health and appearance through in-app purchases. The story follows Harmony, a shop girl struggling with financial burdens, personal relationships, and the societal pressures of maintaining upgrades. As Harmony navigates the consequences of relying on nanotechnology for physical perfection, the narrative delves into themes of consumerism, debt, and the loss of control over one's life. Claire North's writing style is described as beautiful and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a near-future society where technology blurs the lines between humanity and artificial enhancements.
- #7
'Stick Figure' by Lori Gottlieb is a memoir that delves into the author's experience with anorexia at the age of eleven. It portrays the societal pressures on women to be thin and the author's journey through an eating disorder. The writing style captures the internal struggles and emotions of a young girl battling with body image issues, providing a detailed insight into the author's thoughts and experiences during that period.
Lady Camembert wants to live her life on her own terms and journeys to the Kingdom of Fromage to start over as Count Camembert, befriending Princess Brie and developing a crush on her. Their relationship faces complications due to status differences, hidden identities, and parental pressures, ultimately leading to a stronger bond and a push for change in the kingdom. The book explores themes of finding oneself, true love, friendship, societal pressures, and the struggles of different fears and expectations.
The graphic novel is a beautifully illustrated story that delves into sexuality, romance, gender expression, and societal pressures in a humorous yet poignant manner. The characters are realistic and relatable, with a heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking narrative that keeps readers engaged throughout.
- #9
Motherhood by Sheila Heti is a contemplative exploration of the decision-making process around whether or not to have children. The unnamed narrator, a woman in her thirties, delves into the complexities of societal pressures, personal desires, and familial legacies that influence her stance on motherhood. Through the lens of autofiction, the book navigates themes of self-reflection, existential questioning, and the internal struggle of defining one's purpose in life.
Heti's writing style in Motherhood is characterized by a blend of introspection, emotional depth, and philosophical musings. The narrative grapples with the weighty topic of motherhood with a mix of vulnerability and honesty, drawing readers into the narrator's internal turmoil and the intricate web of emotions surrounding the decision to have children. The use of oracular coin tossing, dream recounting, and introspective monologues adds a layer of introspective complexity to the storyline, offering a unique perspective on the protagonist's journey of self-discovery.
This afternoon, a psychic lady—a spiritual healer or fraud—stopped me on the street as I stood in the West Village, window-shopping after an interview. The interview had been conducted by a reporter w... - #10
The novel 'Suicide Club' by Rachel Heng is set in a futuristic New York City where society is divided into 'Lifers,' who undergo treatments for immortality, and 'Sub 100s,' who live normal human lifespans. The protagonist, Lea Kirino, is an overachiever striving for immortality until she encounters the underground movement called the Suicide Club, challenging society's pursuit of eternal life. As Lea navigates between these two worlds, she discovers the complexities of life, death, and the true meaning of existence. The book presents a thought-provoking exploration of moral dilemmas, societal pressures, and individual choices in a world obsessed with longevity.
The narrative of 'Suicide Club' unfolds through a fast-paced dialogue and plot-heavy structure, keeping readers engaged with its swift pace. The novel delves into themes of immortality, freedom, love, and the consequences of eternal life, prompting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values. Through the characters of Lea, Anja, and others, the book challenges societal norms, raises profound questions about existence, and offers a poignant reflection on the human condition in a technologically advanced yet morally conflicted society.
No one talked about it, or even looked at it. But every now and then, someone would linger a little too long by the drinks table, pretending to assess the various bubbly greens on offer while peeking ...