Empowering Reads for When You’re Feeling Down on Yourself
Empowering Reads for When You’re Feeling Down on Yourself
Lena Dunham, the creator of the hit series “Girls,” faces harsh comments on social media daily. Critics say she’s not thin enough, not pretty enough, and doesn’t live her life the way they think she should. However, Dunham doesn’t let this stop her from freely expressing her opinions on current events. In 2016, she published a book titled “Not That Kind of Girl,” which, while not a bestseller, offers a valuable narrative about not always being able to follow the right path. Dunham loves to talk about books and often recommends them on her social media platforms. Here are several books she has recommended that can help you stop worrying about others’ opinions.
“Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier
Humility and kindness are more valuable in family life than wit and proud beauty. “Rebecca” is a novel that inspired Hitchcock’s cult classic film. The story follows a newlywed aristocrat’s wife who suffers from loneliness in a house permeated by the spirit of her husband’s deceased first wife, Rebecca. The protagonist struggles in the vast mansion where even the servants do not take her seriously and constantly compare her to the previous mistress. The young woman must exert considerable effort to understand why Rebecca was loved and to teach people to respect her.
“I Feel Bad About My Neck” by Nora Ephron
You need to cut down a tree to see how old it is, but you wouldn’t have to do that if it had a neck. This collection of essays by the screenwriter of “When Harry Met Sally,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “You’ve Got Mail” humorously explores the secrets of female beauty and the challenges of achieving it. Nora Ephron was 70 years old when the book was published. It includes several stories with captivating titles such as “I Hate My Purse,” “The Lost Strudel,” and “Moving On.” In these essays, Ephron shares life stories, discusses her inner self, and addresses the habits of men that are difficult to combat.
“The Marriage Plot” by Jeffrey Eugenides
“What are your plans for the future?” Richter asked. Mitchell smiled and said, “It feels like your father is hiding under the table.” This book is about finding oneself, one’s place in life, and the emotions that arise during this journey. Madeleine genuinely believes she can save Leonard with her love. She thinks that Leonard has a complex nature and that she needs to delve as deeply as possible to make him happy. However, Leonard has bipolar disorder, which Madeleine tries to ignore. She also overlooks her admirer, Mitchell, who could have been the perfect partner for her research on marital plots.
“On Beauty” by Zadie Smith
“I don’t ask myself what I live for,” Carlene said firmly. “That’s a man’s question. I ask myself who I live for.” This ironic novel explores the rivalry between two university professors who argue about art, politics, and equality. The social issues are intertwined with the professors’ personal family relationships: while the men feud, their wives and children become friends. It’s worth noting that the author pays significant attention to the women’s movement, which unfolds behind the backs of the stubborn men.
“Of Human Bondage” by W. Somerset Maugham
“Oh Lord,” she sighed, “it’s always the same! If you want a man to treat you well, behave like a doormat; but if you treat him as an equal, he’ll drain the life out of you.” This is the most famous novel by the author, telling the story of a young man named Philip who searches for the meaning of life. The narrative follows his actions and thoughts from his unhappy childhood as an orphan to his student years. Philip prepares for the priesthood but loses his faith in God. Studying literature, art, accounting, philosophy, and medicine, he seeks answers to his questions about human nature, intellect, and happiness.
For more inspiring reads, check out this collection of books that can change your perspective on life.
