Books matching: societal pressures on women
77 result(s)
- #1
The Girl Who Was Plugged In by James Tiptree Jr. is a classic sci-fi novella that delves into a dystopian future where society values superficial beauty and influencer culture. The story revolves around a physically deformed girl who gets a chance at a new life by controlling another lab-made body, becoming a celebrity used for product placements. Despite the technology not being entirely plausible, the novella accurately predicts influencer culture and corporate media control. It explores themes of performing femininity, societal pressures on women, and the difference between offline and online personas.
- #2
The Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde is a profound exploration of the author's personal battle with breast cancer, offering insights into her struggles with illness, treatment, and life post-treatment. Lorde's unique perspective as a Black, Lesbian, and Feminist individual allows her to analyze disease, pain, and social positionality in reference to her cancer diagnosis. The book delves into the societal constructs of femininity and body image, particularly in relation to women's bodies, and challenges traditional norms and expectations surrounding breast cancer treatment.
The Cancer Journals also serves as a wake-up call for readers to prioritize self-care and self-love during challenging and life-altering experiences. Lorde's writing style is described as superb, with a focus on personal observations and revelations that offer a deep and introspective look into her journey with cancer. Despite some readers finding the book lacking in details regarding relationships and coherence, it is praised for its thought-provoking content and Lorde's ability to articulate the complexities of illness and identity.
I would like to preface my remarks on the transformation of silence into language and action with a poem. The title of it is “A Song for Many Movements” and this reading is dedicated to Winnie Mandela... 'Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle' by Emily Nagoski delves into the stress and societal pressures faced by women and offers insights on how to effectively cope with them. Through a lens of women's studies, the authors, Emily and Amelia Nagoski, explore the stress cycle, providing practical advice on dealing with the consequences of poor self-advocacy. is well-researched, science-based, and offers real tools for managing stress in a practical and applicable manner. It emphasizes the differences in how men and women experience burnout and provides a simple, science-based plan to help women minimize stress, manage emotions, and lead a more joyful life.
“I’ve decided to start selling drugs so I can quit my job.” This is how Amelia’s friend Julie recently answered the question “How are you?” the Saturday before the new school year started. She was kid...- #4
'Grotesque' by Natsuo Kirino is a dark and twisted tale that delves into the lives of three young women who are fighting for empowerment and recognition in a world where beauty is the only accepted currency. The story follows the brutal and crude narrative of female bitterness, exploring themes of competition, beauty, jealousy, and the dark forces that lead some women into prostitution. Through a diary-like format and multiple perspectives, the book uncovers the unsettling realities of Japanese society and the complexities of human relationships.
The book provides a bleak and harrowing look at the dark side of female relationships, societal pressures, and the impact of beauty on one's life. Kirino's writing style is described as detached and soulless, yet completely gripping, as she paints a disturbing picture of the characters' damaged psyches and the relentless competition and status-driven nature of Japanese society.
In Japan the school year begins in April and ends in March of the following year. It consists of three terms, separated by short vacations in the spring and winter, as well as a monthlong summer break... - #5
'Living a Feminist Life' by Sara Ahmed delves into the experiences of feminist killjoys, exploring the emotional and personal impacts of patriarchy. The book combines personal anecdotes with feminist theory, providing a deep understanding of how oppression is perpetuated through societal expectations. Ahmed's writing style weaves personal experiences as a woman of color and a queer woman into insightful feminist commentary, challenging readers to rethink their perspectives on gender and feminism.
IN THIS FIRST PART OF THE BOOK, I explore the process of becoming feminist. Reflecting on this process can offer a way of doing feminist theory, a way of generating new insights into how gender works,... - #6
'The Feast of All Saints' by Anne Rice is a historical novel set in New Orleans before the Civil War, focusing on the lives of the Free People of Color. The book delves into the complexities of race, identity, and societal expectations faced by the gens de couleur libre, portraying their struggles and freedoms in a world divided between master and slave, privilege and oppression. Through the characters like Marcel, Marie, Richard, and others, the author explores themes of family drama, lineage, societal norms, and the quest for identity within a society that dictates their place based on skin color and heritage.
Anne Rice's writing style in 'The Feast of All Saints' is praised for its historical accuracy, beautiful prose, and engaging storytelling. The book is commended for its in-depth exploration of a lesser-known aspect of Southern history, providing insight into the lives and challenges of the Free People of Color community in antebellum New Orleans. Readers appreciate the rich historical information, well-developed characters, and the nuanced portrayal of a hidden society struggling to navigate the complexities of a racially divided world.
ONE MORNING in New Orleans, in that part of the Rue Ste. Anne before it crosses Condé and becomes the lower boundary of the Place d’Armes, a young boy who had been running full tilt down the middle of... - #7
The Stepford Wives by Ira Levin is a chilling tale set in the well-insulated town of Stepford, where women are transformed into one-dimensional housewives. The book follows Joanna Eberhart as she uncovers the dark secret behind the town's perfect facade, leading to a suspenseful and eerie exploration of gender roles and societal expectations. The writing style is described as simple yet compelling, with a mix of horror, satire, and feminist themes that continue to resonate with readers.
The Welcome Wagon lady, sixty if she was a day but working at youth and vivacity (ginger hair, red lips, a sunshine-yellow dress), twinkled her eyes and teeth at Joanna and said, ‘You’re really going ... - #8
"The Pretenders" by Joan Wolf follows the story of Baron Reeve of Ormsby, Earl of Cambridge, and Deborah Deb, who pretend to be engaged so that Reeve can access his inheritance. The plot revolves around their fake engagement, financial troubles, family dynamics, and unexpected love that blossoms between them. The writing style is described as engaging, with a first-person narrative that offers insights into the characters' emotions and growth throughout the story.
It was three o’clock in the afternoon, on a beautiful but blowy day in mid-May, and I was, as usual, in the Earl of Cambridge’s stable office talking with his head groom. I was lounging in my chair, i... - #9
The Bostonians by Henry James is a novel set in post-Civil War Boston, revolving around the feminist movement and the battle of ideologies between men and women. The story follows the characters Olive Chancellor, Basil Ransom, and Verena Tarrant, as they navigate through love, power struggles, and the pursuit of women's rights. Henry James' writing style is described as a mix of social satire, drama, and romance, with detailed descriptions of old Boston and a slow-burn narrative that keeps readers engaged until the end.
These words were spoken with much volubility by a fair, plump, smiling woman who entered a narrow drawing-room in which a visitor, kept waiting for a few moments, was already absorbed in a book. The g... - #10
In "The Dollhouse" by Fiona Davis, the story unfolds in two different time periods, 1952 and 2016, revolving around the Barbizon Hotel in New York City. The novel delves into the lives of women residing in the hotel, their aspirations, struggles, and relationships. The narrative alternates between past and present, revealing mysteries and connections between characters from different eras, creating a compelling and intriguing storyline that keeps readers engaged till the end.
The author, Fiona Davis, skillfully weaves together historical elements, romance, mystery, and character development in "The Dollhouse." Through vivid storytelling, readers are transported to the vibrant setting of 1950s New York City, exploring the societal norms and challenges faced by women during that era. The dual narratives of Darby and Rose offer a unique perspective on the evolving roles of women over time, while also unraveling secrets and mysteries surrounding the Barbizon Hotel.
After all the preparation, the lists, the running out of work early to finish shopping and buy everything she needed for their special dinner, Rose had forgotten a key risotto ingredient. She checked ...