Books matching: beauty standards
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A game-changer in its time and still a vital conversation starter, but not without flaws; best read as a classic touchstone rather than a comprehensive guide to beauty and feminism today.
In "The Beauty Myth: How Images of Beauty are Used Against Women" by Naomi Wolf, the author explores the societal pressures and expectations placed on women related to beauty standards. Wolf delves into how these standards have been weaponized against women in various aspects of life, including religion, media, advertising, and popular culture. The book discusses the impact of these beauty ideals on women's self-worth, mental health, and societal roles, highlighting the need to challenge and dismantle these constructs. Through insightful research and analysis, Wolf presents a critical examination of the beauty myth and its implications on women's lives.
AT LAST, AFTER a long silence, women took to the streets. In the two decades of radical action that followed the rebirth of feminism in the early 1970s, Western women gained legal and reproductive rig...1990•369 pagesA wild, surreal ride through beauty-obsessed nightmares and generational trauma - deliciously weird but not for everyone. Perfect for fans of dark fairy tales and gothic magical realism who don’t mind getting lost in the haze.
'Rouge' by Mona Awad is a dark and haunting tale that delves into the toxic sides of beauty standards and the impact of body image on mental and physical health. The story follows Belle as she uncovers the mysterious death of her mother and the unsettling secrets behind their obsession with beauty. The narrative is nonlinear, filled with surreal imagery and a gothic atmosphere, akin to a dangerous Grimm fairytale, as Belle navigates through a macabre journey of self-discovery and uncovering dark truths about societal expectations.
The writing style of 'Rouge' is described as unique, adding to the creepy depths of the story. It is likened to a fever dream, with an unreliable narrator that keeps readers on edge, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. The book explores contemporary beauty regimens, intergenerational female relationships, and mental health, all wrapped in a mysterious and gothic narrative that keeps readers engaged and intrigued.
After the funeral. I’m hiding in Mother’s bathroom watching a skincare video about necks. Cheap black dress that chafes. Illicit cigarette. Sitting on the toilet amid her decorative baskets, her red j...September 2023•384 pages- #3
Save:A powerful, sometimes dark glimpse into the realities behind South Korea's glossy exterior - beautifully written, thought-provoking, and essential for anyone interested in the intersection of culture, gender, and identity.
'If I Had Your Face' by Frances Cha is a novel that delves into the lives of four Korean women living in a society where beauty standards and patriarchal norms heavily influence their decisions. The book explores themes of plastic surgery, misogyny, class distinction, and the power of female friendships. Each character faces their own struggles and desires, showcasing the complexities of modern South Korean society through their interconnected lives. The writing style immerses the reader into a world where societal pressures and personal aspirations collide, offering a poignant reflection on the challenges women face in a materialistic and judgmental environment.
Sujin is hell-bent on becoming a room salon girl. She has invited Kyuri from across the hall to our tiny apartment, and the three of us are sitting on the floor in a little triangle, looking out the w...April 2020•295 pages - #4
Save:Devastating, beautifully written, and essential - 'The Bluest Eye' is a brilliant but challenging novel that will leave you thinking long after the last page.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is a powerful and tragic story that delves into the themes of racial tension, self-hatred, abuse, and societal beauty standards. The narrative follows Pecola Breedlove, a young black girl who longs for blue eyes in the belief that it will make her beautiful and accepted. Set against a backdrop of poverty, racism, and violence, the novel explores the devastating impact of systemic racism and self-loathing on individuals' lives, particularly children growing up in a harsh and uncaring world.
Toni Morrison's writing style in The Bluest Eye is described as astonishing, beautiful, and poetic. She skillfully weaves together intricate details of tragic events and characters, creating a narrative that is both heartbreaking and thought-provoking. Through the eyes of children, Morrison paints a stark and painful depiction of the consequences of passive racism, societal indifference, and the longing for acceptance and beauty in a world that often denies it to those who need it the most.
Nuns go by as quiet as lust, and drunken men with sober eyes sing in the lobby of the Greek hotel. Rosemary Villanucci, our next-door friend who lives above her father's cafe, sits in a 1939 Buick eat...1969•216 pages - #5
Save:Wild, thought-provoking, and unexpectedly moving - a surreal takedown of beauty culture that’s unlike anything else. If you’re up for something unsettling and wholly original, give it a go!
'Natural Beauty' by Ling Ling Huang delves into the complex themes of beauty, race, class, and identity through a captivating storyline. The narrator, an unnamed Asian woman, undergoes a transformation at a beauty company called Holistik, where extreme beauty standards are enforced through their products. As she navigates this world of societal pressures and transformations, the book explores the impact of these standards on women's decisions and bodies. Through a mix of lyrical writing, social commentary, and elements of body horror, the book highlights the struggles faced by women in conforming to unrealistic beauty ideals.
Even the door is beautiful. A single piece of dark heavy wood, like rich chocolate poured under an ancient stone archway carved with wings and scales. My hand rests on the golden doorknob, surprisingl...April 2023•270 pages - #6
Save:Intense, devastating, and important - 'Only Ever Yours' will haunt you long after the last page. Highly recommended if you can stomach tough themes, but definitely not for the faint of heart or anyone seeking a comforting escape.
Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill is a dystopian novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where girls are genetically engineered to become companions, concubines, or chastities for men. The story follows the protagonist, Frieda, as she navigates a society where women are objectified, judged based on their appearance, and trained from birth to please men. The book delves into themes of beauty standards, misogyny, and the dark consequences of societal expectations on women. The writing style is described as dark, thought-provoking, and reflective of our own society's attitudes towards women.
But I cannot see these “vital organs” in the mirrors. All I can see are dark circles under my eyes, a gray pallor like a dusting of ashes over my face. The hallmarks of too many nights spent burrowing...June 2014•405 pages A provocative, challenging read that makes you rethink everyday beauty customs from a fiercely feminist angle - best suited for readers with a solid background in gender theory or those looking to be pushed out of their comfort zone.
'Beauty and Misogyny: Harmful Cultural Practices in the West' by Sheila Jeffreys is a powerful feminist critique that delves into the harmful impact of western beauty practices on women. Jeffreys argues that these practices perpetuate the subordination of women in society, enforced by male oppressors and capitalist systems. The book explores various beauty norms and their origins in prostitution, highlighting the physical and psychological harm inflicted upon women. Jeffreys calls for a reevaluation of beauty standards and advocates for resistance against harmful practices through political action.
June 2005•216 pages- #8
Save:Aesthetica by Allie Rowbottom is a dark and experimental novel that delves into the world of social media influencers and the extreme lengths individuals will go to in order to achieve beauty and fame. Through alternating timelines, the story follows Anna, a young woman who becomes a social media star at 19 and later undergoes experimental surgery to reverse her cosmetic enhancements at age 35. The book explores themes of beauty standards, societal pressures, and the consequences of seeking validation through likes and followers, creating a chilling and thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to question the impact of the beauty industry on our perceptions of self-worth.
The writing style of Aesthetica is described as stream of consciousness, creating a fever dream reading experience for the audience. The narrator is unreliable, leading to a sense of ambiguity and tension in the plot, which is filled with rushed moments and opaque scenes. Rowbottom weaves a narrative that blends horror elements with a cautionary tale, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the struggles faced by women in an industry dictated by external opinions and unrealistic beauty standards.
I am on my phone, of course I am. But the screams start, sudden as the sound of my own name. I look up. It’s only a group of girls, huddled by the hot tub. They lift arms, devices, as if in prayer; th...November 2022•264 pages - #9
Save:A fun, inventive, and surprisingly cozy sci-fi romance that flips the script on alien love stories. Expect banter, spice, a protective outcast MMC, and an empowered heroine all wrapped in smart worldbuilding. Worth a try for romance fans looking to escape into something fresh and low-angst!
'Choosing Theo' by Victoria Aveline is a sci-fi romance novel set in a world where human females are captured by aliens and have to participate in a ceremony to choose a temporary husband. The story follows Jade, a strong and brave protagonist who gets kidnapped by aliens and is rescued by the Clecanians, an alien race. As she navigates the new planet's culture and customs, she must choose a husband, leading to a relationship with Theo, a scarred hero with a mysterious past. The book explores themes of alien cultures, forced proximity, and the dynamics of relationships in a matriarchal society.
The writing style of 'Choosing Theo' is described as engaging and creative, with a mix of humor and tension. Readers praised the world-building and the author's ability to create a captivating story that keeps the reader entertained. The book delves into themes of alien romance, societal norms, and the complexities of relationships in a unique and imaginative setting.
It had never been easy for Jade to sleep. She envied people who were able to lay down and drift away to dreamland in a matter of minutes. Whenever she tried to sleep, her fatigued body was at odds wit...March 2020•367 pages - #10
Save:Visually stunning and thought-provoking, Eco's 'History of Beauty' is a must-have for art buffs and curious minds who love exploring how ideas of beauty shape our world - just know it's more of a rich, scholarly feast than a light snack.
History of Beauty by Umberto Eco is a detailed exploration of how beauty has been understood and represented from Ancient Greece to modern times. Through seventeen chapters, Eco examines various perspectives on beauty, drawing on literature, philosophy, and art. He discusses the evolution of beauty standards over the centuries, highlighting shifts from ancient ideals to contemporary interpretations. The book is richly illustrated with excellent photographs, making it appealing to both art lovers and casual readers.
Eco's writing style is engaging and accessible, presenting complex ideas in a way that is easy to understand. He skillfully combines scholarly analysis with visual beauty, creating a text that is both informative and enjoyable. The organization and design of the book are commendable, enhancing the reading experience. Overall, it’s a must-read for anyone interested in the interplay between art, culture, and changing notions of beauty.
November 2004•439 pages
