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Books matching: challenging societal pressures

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  1. #1

    A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
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    "A Raisin in the Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry is a powerful play that delves into the struggles and dreams of the Younger family, an African American family living in Chicago in the 1950s. The play explores themes of the American Dream, race relations, family dynamics, and the impact of societal pressures on individual aspirations. Through well-developed characters like Walter, Ruth, Beneatha, and Mama, the audience witnesses the challenges faced by the family after receiving an insurance payout and the choices they must make to secure a better future. The play is known for its emotional depth, relatable themes, and poignant portrayal of the African American working-class experience.

    This is the most complete edition of A Raisin in the Sun ever published. Like the American Playhouse production for television, it restores to the play two scenes unknown to the general public, and a ...

  2. #2

    The Mismatch by Sara Jafari
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    The Mismatch by Sara Jafari is a compelling story that delves into the self-discovery journey of Soraya, a British girl of Iranian parentage, as she navigates through cultural expectations, family dynamics, and personal relationships. The dual timeline structure of the novel alternates between Soraya's modern-day struggles in Brighton and London, and her mother Neda's experiences in 1970s Iran and Liverpool. As Soraya grapples with the mismatch between her true self and societal perceptions, readers are taken on a poignant journey exploring themes of identity, family secrets, cultural clashes, and the complexities of relationships.

    The book intricately weaves together the narratives of different generations, offering a thought-provoking exploration of societal pressures, cultural identities, and the quest for self-acceptance. Through the characters of Soraya, Neda, and their family members, Sara Jafari skillfully portrays the challenges faced by immigrants, particularly British Muslim women, in balancing tradition with modernity, family expectations with personal desires, and the search for belonging in a world of conflicting values.


  3. #3

    Calling My Name by Liara Tamani
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    Calling My Name by Liara Tamani is a coming-of-age story following Taja Brown, an African American girl growing up in a conservative Christian family from childhood to adulthood. The book explores Taja's struggles with identity, faith, family expectations, first loves, and self-discovery. Written in a series of vignettes, the narrative delves into Taja's personal thoughts, battles, strengths, and weaknesses as she navigates through societal judgments, racism, bullying, heartbreak, and the challenges of adolescence. The story captures Taja's journey of growth, introspection, and resilience as she learns to balance her own desires with the expectations placed upon her.


  4. #4

    Breed by Chase Novak
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    'Breed' by Chase Novak is a horror novel that follows a wealthy New York couple, Leslie and Alex Twisden, who are desperate to conceive a child. After trying various treatments without success, they travel to Slovenia to undergo a radical fertility procedure. The treatment leads to the birth of twins, Adam and Alice, but the consequences of the procedure start to unravel their lives in horrifying ways. The story delves into themes of obsession, the lengths people will go to for their desires, and the consequences of tampering with nature, all depicted through a fast-paced and gory narrative style.

    It’s well known—part fact, part punch line—that people in New York think a great deal about real estate. In the case of Leslie Kramer, she actually was aware of the house Alex Twisden lived in before ...

  5. #5

    Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy
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    'Autobiography of a Face' by Lucy Grealy is a powerful memoir chronicling the author's childhood battle with Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare cancer that resulted in the removal of a large part of her jaw. Grealy candidly shares her emotional and physical struggles, detailing the trauma of her cancer treatments and reconstructive surgeries. Through her lyrical and honest writing style, she explores themes of beauty, self-acceptance, and the societal pressures placed on appearance. The narrative follows Grealy's journey from childhood through her early adult years, offering insights into her experiences of pain, loneliness, and the search for identity.

    I was knocked into the present, the unmistakable now, by Joni Friedman's head as it collided with the right side of my jaw. Up until that moment my body had been running around within the confines of ...

  6. #6

    It Happened One Season - It Happened One by Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh, Jacquie D'Alessandro, Candice Hern
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    The anthology 'It Happened One Season' by Stephanie Laurens, Mary Balogh, Jacquie D'Alessandro, and Candice Hern consists of four short stories with a common theme. The stories revolve around wounded soldiers who must marry for family's sake and find women who don't recognize their own worth to be their brides. Each author puts their own spin on this plotline, resulting in tales of love, sacrifice, and second chances. The writing styles vary across the stories, from historically accurate and culturally drenched narratives to more modern and sensual approaches.


  7. #7

    Such a Pretty Fat by Jen Lancaster
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    In 'Such a Pretty Fat', author Jen Lancaster embarks on a journey to lose weight, shedding light on the commercialized diet industry in the USA. Through her snarky humor and footnotes, Jen narrates her inspiring true story of determination to achieve a healthier lifestyle. The book details Jen's humorous yet motivating quest, exploring themes of self-acceptance, body image, and the struggles of adopting a healthier way of living.

    Jen Lancaster's writing style is characterized by her candid and upfront attitude, unapologetically sharing her personal experiences and opinions. With a blend of humor, honesty, and relatability, Jen's narrative delves into the challenges and triumphs of weight loss, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and making sensible choices for overall well-being.


  8. #8

    We Are Lost and Found by Helene Dunbar
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    Set in 1983 New York City, 'We Are Lost and Found' by Helene Dunbar follows the journey of Michael, a gay teenager coming of age during the early days of the AIDS crisis. The novel explores Michael's self-discovery, first love, and friendships with Becky, James, and his brother Connor, against the backdrop of a city and community grappling with the devastating impact of the disease. Dunbar's writing style, with short vignettes and the absence of quotation marks, captures the nuances of Michael's experiences and the vibrant yet tumultuous world of 1980s NYC.


  9. #9

    Marrying Mr. English - The English Brothers by Katy Regnery
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    'Marrying Mr. English' is a sweet and romantic book set in the 80's, part of 'The English Brothers' series by author Katy Regnery. The story follows Tom and Eleanora, who agree to a marriage of convenience for financial reasons. As their relationship progresses, they face challenges that test their commitment and love for each other. The plot is touching, emotional, and humorous, with strong main characters that captivate the reader's attention. The writing style is engaging, keeping the reader enthralled and entertained throughout the book.


    (Also, see 3 recommendations for the series The English Brothers )

  10. #10

    Summer of '69 by Elin Hilderbrand
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    "Summer of '69" by Elin Hilderbrand is a historical fiction novel that takes readers back to the tumultuous summer of 1969, exploring the lives of the Levin family as they navigate personal struggles against the backdrop of significant events such as the Vietnam War, the moon landing, Woodstock, and Chappaquiddick incident. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of different family members, providing a multi-generational view of the challenges and secrets that shape their relationships and individual journeys. The author's vivid descriptions, rich character development, and incorporation of real historical events create a nostalgic and immersive reading experience that captures the essence of the era.

    In "Summer of '69," Elin Hilderbrand skillfully weaves together the personal stories of the Levin family with the historical events of the time, offering readers a compelling blend of family drama, secrets, and coming-of-age themes set against the backdrop of a transformative summer in American history. Through the characters' interactions, evolving relationships, and introspective moments, the novel delves into themes of love, loss, resilience, and the impact of external events on individual lives, creating a poignant and engaging narrative that resonates with readers.

    They are leaving for Nantucket on the third Monday in June, just as they always do. Jessie’s maternal grandmother, Exalta Nichols, is a stickler for tradition, and this is especially true when it come...

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