13. American Psycho Part I - There Is An Idea of Patrick Bateman

American Psycho is a black comedy horror novel that critiques the superficiality and materialism of 1980s Wall Street culture through the character of Patrick Bateman, a charismatic but sociopathic investment banker. The novel explores themes of identity, consumerism, and the blurring of reality and fantasy. It is known for its graphic violence and dark humor, offering a commentary on the excesses of capitalist society.

In 'The Beauty Myth,' Naomi Wolf argues that the concept of beauty is an artificial construct used to oppress women, particularly in modern society. The book explores how this 'beauty myth' affects various aspects of women's lives, including work, culture, religion, sex, hunger, and violence. Wolf contends that this myth is perpetuated by large industries that profit from women's insecurities, keeping women in a state of self-consciousness and self-hatred as they strive to meet impossible beauty standards. The book calls for a reevaluation of society's perception of women's worth and challenges the harmful effects of these beauty ideals.

The Vanishing Half is a multi-generational family saga that follows the lives of identical twin sisters Desiree and Stella Vignes. Raised in the fictional town of Mallard, Louisiana, where residents are exclusively people with light skin, the twins experience a formative moment when they witness the lynching of their father and later decide to run away to New Orleans at the age of 16. Stella begins to pass as white, securing a job as a secretary and eventually marrying a wealthy white man, while Desiree marries a dark-skinned man and faces an abusive marriage. The novel spans from the 1940s to the 1990s, exploring the complex lives of the twins and their daughters, Jude and Kennedy, delving into themes of race, gender, class, and the consequences of identity choices.

The novel is set at the fictional Camden College and is told through the first-person narratives of multiple characters, primarily Sean Bateman, Lauren Hynde, and Paul Denton. It delves into their debauched and often meaningless lives, filled with parties, casual sex, alcohol, and drugs. The story highlights the subjective nature of reality, the futility of love and relationships, and the deep-seated self-deception and narcissism among the characters. The novel is known for its graphic and obscene descriptions, as well as its exploration of themes such as emotional manipulation, suicide, and the disconnection between individuals.