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Books matching: beauty standards

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  1. 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...

  2. #2

    Rouge by Mona Awad
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    '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.


  3. #3

    If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha
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    '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...

  4. '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.


  5. #5

    The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
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    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...

  6. #6

    Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang
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    '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.


  7. #7

    Aesthetica by Allie Rowbottom
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    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.


  8. #8

    The Regulars by Georgia Clark
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    'The Regulars' by Georgia Clark is a novel that follows the story of three self-absorbed 20-something millennials who stumble upon a potion that transforms them into conventionally gorgeous individuals. As they navigate the consequences of their newfound beauty, the characters grapple with societal pressures, self-image issues, and the realization that looks aren't everything. The book offers a mix of humor, social commentary, and fantasy elements, creating a storyline that explores themes of identity, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness in a world obsessed with appearances. The writing style is described as gritty and edgy, with a touch of chick lit, incorporating elements of cursing, sex, and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged and entertained.

    The narrative of 'The Regulars' is praised for its thought-provoking messages, engaging plot, and the author's ability to deliver social commentary in a fun and entertaining manner. The book combines elements of fantasy and realism to explore complex themes such as self-acceptance, friendship, and the societal pressures surrounding beauty standards. Readers appreciate the character development, the witty writing style, and the way the story challenges traditional notions of beauty and happiness, making it a compelling and enjoyable read for those looking for a blend of humor and depth in a contemporary setting.

    Despite her mother’s impassioned insistence to the contrary, Evie Selby had never thought of herself as beautiful. There were moments when she felt cute: some high-angle, low-light selfies that made h...

  9. #9

    Extreme Makeover by Dan Wells
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    'Extreme Makeover' by Dan Wells is a thematically dense exploration of science, business, corruption, and basic humanity. The book follows a cosmetics scientist who accidentally creates a hand lotion that imprints on DNA, leading to mutations and cloning. The story delves into how corporations, governments, and individuals react to this development, all seen through the eyes of the main character, Lyle Fontanelle. The book weaves together elements of science fiction, apocalypse, and dark humor, offering a unique perspective on identity and appearance in a society controlled by money and obsessed with perfection.

    The narrative of 'Extreme Makeover' takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of apocalyptic science, humor, and deep questions about human individuality and ethics. The book skillfully combines elements of body horror, genetic manipulation, and corporate greed, creating a thought-provoking and entertaining story that challenges readers to reflect on the complexities of identity and appearance in a world where technology can rewrite DNA and reshape lives.


  10. #10

    Modelland by Tyra Banks
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    Modelland by Tyra Banks is a young adult novel that blends fantasy elements with a parody of the fashion and modeling industry. The story follows Tookie, a Forgetta Girl who embarks on a journey of self-discovery at Modelland, uncovering truths about her past and navigating friendships while dealing with adversaries like Zarpessa. The writing style is described as unique and creative, with a mix of top modelesque prose, hyper commercialist world-building, and a suspenseful plot filled with delightful melodrama.

    Our tale begins on a Thursday afternoon, the most ordinary of ordinary afternoons, a few days shy of the most unordinary day of the entire year. Tookie De La Crème was splayed on her back on the hallw...

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