Eula Biss wants to understand, what is capitalism? Part memoir, part essay, part research project, Eula Biss dissects the contradictions of being a middle class consumer. From buying furniture to art to a washing machine, what are the ethics behind what we buy, how was it assigned value, and why does it feel good to acquire things.
essays
Ah, to be a rich, older white lady in New York City
in books, nonfiction, essays
If I could have another life, would I choose Nora Ephron’s? Probably. I Feel Bad About My Neck: Other Thoughts on Being a Woman could use some qualifiers to “woman”, like rich, white, successful, older…but despite not being any of those (my litmus test being I don’t have a cherished doorman, or a doorman at all) this book of essays is entertaining and (don’t let the title fool you) aspirational. Who knew menopause, aging, divorce, and New York City living could make it onto my vision board?
Analyzing cultural themes in your favorite television shows
in books, nonfiction, essays, culture
June 2019
If you like to look up theories, cultural analysis, Twitter responses and memes immediately after watching an episode of a show, I Like to Watch: Arguing My Way Through the TV Revolution (2019) by Emily Nussbaum, is the book for you. Essays range from gender bias towards female-led “soapy” dramas and “gritty” male-led “prestige” television to the argument for and against canceling Louis CK or The Cosbys from the narrative of television history. Nussbaum makes us think deeply about why we watch what we watch and how it reflects the world around us. Plus it’s just fun to read.
What's wrong with you and society, answered
in books, nonfiction, essays, culture
Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion (2019) by Jia Tolentino is the kind of non-fiction book that makes you feel smarter, while also making you feel like a real dummy. Each essay dives into a topic that you’re probably broadly aware of but haven’t taken the time to really think about. From athleisure to grifting to reality television to weddings, Tolentino explores and exposes our own hypocrisies. Like why GirlBoss (or capitalizing on female empowerment) feels like sham. Read it if you want to feel ashamed and want to know exactly why. Also read if you enjoyed this tweet.