Meet New Books

Books matching: cultural critique

100 result(s)

Page 1
Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Tribe by Bari Wood
    Save:

    "The Tribe" by Bari Wood is a horror novel that intricately weaves Jewish folklore and mythology with the historical horrors of The Holocaust. Set in modern-day Brooklyn, the story follows a group of Holocaust survivors who have created a deadly cabal to protect themselves. The plot revolves around the creation of a Jewish Golem made of clay that goes out of control, leading to a thrilling narrative filled with suspense and cultural critique. Wood's writing style skillfully blends well-drawn characters, police procedural elements, and an exploration of themes such as grief, family, identity, and humanity.

    Adam Levy stopped at the top of the subway stairs. It was dark, the street was empty, and Adam was a little scared. He’d been in Minnesota for four years, teaching philosophy at a small college on the...

  2. #2

    The Witches Are Coming by Lindy West
    Save:

    "The Witches Are Coming" by Lindy West is a collection of essays that delves into contemporary issues such as society, sexism, hypocrisy, fat shaming, politics, and pop culture. West's writing style is a mix of humor and anger, with a sharp wit that addresses topics like sexual violence, internet trolling, and the complexities of being a feminist in today's world. Through her essays, West challenges societal norms, explores the concept of witch hunts, and advocates for progressive movements while acknowledging the messy nature of feminism.

    Not long ago, my husband was at a bar in Chicago. A friend had told him to check out this particular bar because it’s a cool dive run by queer people of color, with dancing and cheap drinks and a good...

  3. Darnell L. Moore's memoir, "No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America," is a powerful exploration of his experiences growing up as a gay Black man in America. Through his poignant storytelling, Moore delves into the challenges he faced dealing with family dynamics, racism, and his own sexuality. The book offers a raw and honest look at his journey, shedding light on the complexities of identity, trauma, and resilience. Moore's writing style seamlessly weaves together personal anecdotes with social commentary, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level.

    In "No Ashes in the Fire," Moore bravely confronts themes of marginalization, discrimination, and self-discovery. The memoir serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth and transformation in the face of adversity. Through his vivid descriptions and introspective reflections, Moore invites readers to empathize with his struggles and triumphs, ultimately inspiring a profound sense of understanding and solidarity. This book is a testament to the power of storytelling as a tool for healing, education, and empowerment.

    The first home I recall living in as a child was at 1863 Broadway. The year was 1980. I bounced around the modest two-story brick row house in South Camden like a typical four-year-old not yet blessed...

  4. #4

    Sixty Stories by Donald Barthelme
    Save:

    'Sixty Stories' by Donald Barthelme is a collection of short stories that are described as brilliant, avant-garde, and accessible at the same time. The stories are characterized by a bent sense of humor, mixing ennui and a sense of naughty fun. The writing style is graceful, sophisticated, and often surreal, with a touch of postmodernism and satire. The stories touch on various themes such as the distinction between children and adults, individual egos, and the human condition.


  5. "Female Chauvinist Pigs" by Ariel Levy explores the rise of raunch culture and its impact on women, particularly focusing on the objectification and sexualization of women in modern society. Levy delves into the feminist movement, examining how past movements have influenced current behaviors and attitudes towards sexuality and gender roles. Through insightful analysis and personal anecdotes, she challenges the notion that behaviors like exhibitionism and promiscuity are empowering for women, shedding light on the complexities of gender equality in today's society.

    Levy's writing style is described as thought-provoking, engaging, and accessible. She presents her arguments in a clear and compelling manner, drawing readers in with her observations on raunch culture, feminism, and the societal pressures faced by women. By combining research expeditions, interviews, and cultural critiques, Levy offers a comprehensive examination of the issues surrounding female empowerment, sexuality, and societal expectations.


  6. #6

    Free Women, Free Men: Sex, Gender, Feminism by Camille Paglia
    Save:

    'Free Women, Free Men: Sex, Gender, Feminism' by Camille Paglia is a collection of essays and articles spanning from the early 1990s to 2016, delving into topics of sex, gender, and feminism. Paglia challenges academic feminism's perspective on sex and gender, advocating for personal responsibility, self-awareness, and a libertarian approach to art and life. She explores the complexities of sexuality, societal constructs, and the historical evolution of feminist movements, offering a provocative and insightful take on modern feminism.

    In the beginning was nature. The background from which and against which our ideas of God were formed, nature remains the supreme moral problem. We cannot hope to understand sex and gender until we cl...

  7. #7

    The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain
    Save:

    Mark Twain's 'The Innocents Abroad' is a travel book humorously chronicling his Great Pleasure Excursion on board the chartered vessel Quaker City through Europe and the Holy Land with a group of American travelers in 1867. Twain skewers not only the crassness of American tourists but also finds little to like about the locals in the places he visits, creating consternation among those who seek political correctness. The narrative is filled with witty observations, biting sarcasm, and humorous anecdotes, providing a satirical commentary on the behavior of travelers and the cultural differences encountered during the journey.

    In the book, Twain's sharp wit is directed at various aspects of the journey, from the passengers to the natives of each country visited, creating ridiculous and humorous situations. The writing style is characterized by a mix of acerbic and sentimental tones, showcasing Twain's skepticism, secularism, and sarcasm. While the book may contain views that could be offensive by today's standards, it remains a delightful and very funny read, offering insights into the attitudes and perceptions of the time towards different cultures and places.

    For months the great pleasure excursion to Europe and the Holy Land waschatted about in the newspapers everywhere in America and discussed atcountless firesides. It was a novelty in the way of excursi...

  8. #8

    Mumbo Jumbo by Ishmael Reed
    Save:

    Mumbo Jumbo by Ishmael Reed is a wild and wonderful ride, described as a Neo Hoodoo conspiracy yarn. The novel delves into a world where Black and European cultures collide, giving rise to a unique flowering of American culture. Through a satirical lens, Reed explores the spread of Black culture and music, the battle between the straight-laced society and the hip music world, and the power dynamics at play. The book is a multi-vocal, multi-ethnic, and multi-cultural jazz novel that challenges readers' knowledge of history, culture, and literature.

    The plot revolves around the Jes' Grew epidemic, the spread of Black culture and music that is treated as a plague by the whites in power. Reed's writing style is described as wildly rambling, hilarious, and satirical, with a mix of comic relief, sarcasm, and deep political commentary. The novel incorporates legends from Europe and Africa, weaving together elements of African Voodoo and postmodernism to create a mystical murder conspiracy narrative.

    A TRUE SPORT, THE Mayor of New Orleans, spiffy in his patent-leather brown and white shoes, his plaid suit, the Rudolph Valentino parted-down-the-middle hair style, sits in his office. Sprawled upon h...

  9. #9

    You Are Not a Gadget by Jaron Lanier
    Save:

    'You Are Not a Gadget' by Jaron Lanier is a thought-provoking manifesto critiquing the impact of modern technology, especially the internet, on individuals and society. Lanier, an insider in the tech industry, delves into topics such as the devaluation of human uniqueness in favor of the wisdom of crowds, the limitations imposed by current technologies, and the cultural implications of digital advancements. The book covers a wide range of issues, from the necessity of considering the relative youth of technology to the negative effects of online platforms on creativity and human interaction.

    Lanier's writing style is a mix of insightful analysis and passionate criticism, drawing on his background as a computer scientist, visual artist, and musician. The book raises important questions about the role of technology in shaping our lives, challenging readers to reevaluate their relationship with digital tools and the internet. While Lanier's arguments can be complex and at times pessimistic, the book provides a deep exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age.

    SOFTWARE EXPRESSES IDEAS about everything from the nature of a musical note to the nature of personhood. Software is also subject to an exceptionally rigid process of “lock-in.” Therefore, ideas (in t...

  10. #10

    Minima Moralia by Ahmet Dogukan, Theodor W. Adorno, Orhan Kocak
    Save:

    Minima Moralia by Theodor Adorno is a collection of densely rendered pessimistic thoughts by a very cynical person, reflecting on societal issues post-World War II. The book offers a critical and relevant analysis of western culture and consumerist society, informed by Marxist critique. Adorno's writing style is described as academic, tortuous, and aphoristic, providing original, witty, and informative insights into the mechanics of western society.

    For Marcel Proust. – The son of well-to-do parents who, whether from talent or weakness, engages in a so-called intellectual profession, as an artist or a scholar, will have a particularly difficult t...

Page 1 of 10Next Page