Bottom Line Books LogoOverdue Books

Cultural Studies

Explore books in the Cultural Studies category

52 books in this category

The Denial of Death

The Denial of Death

Ernest Becker

Analyzes how the fear of death influences human behavior, culture, and psychological motivations.

Learn More
What's Our Problem?

What's Our Problem?

Tim Urban

Explores societal issues and cultural divides, combining humor and research to offer solutions for improving collective understanding.

Learn More
History Has Begun

History Has Begun

Bruno Macaes

Explores how the U.S. is shaping a new global culture, arguing that traditional narratives about Western decline are outdated.

Learn More
But What If We're Wrong?

But What If We're Wrong?

Chuck Klosterman

Explores the possibility that many of our current beliefs may one day be proven incorrect, challenging our perceptions of certainty.

Learn More
Memory of the World

Memory of the World

UNESCO

A documentation of UNESCO’s efforts to preserve the world's cultural heritage, discussing the significance of historical documents.

Learn More
The Elements of Cricket

The Elements of Cricket

Jon Hotten

A humorous exploration of cricket, capturing the quirks and culture of the sport.

Learn More
Where Mountains Roar

Where Mountains Roar

Lesley Hazleton

A memoir of the author's experiences in the Middle East, reflecting on cultural landscapes and conflicts.

Learn More
Mr. China

Mr. China

Tim Clissold

Memoir of a Western businessman’s experiences in China, navigating cultural differences and business challenges.

Learn More
River Town

River Town

Peter Hessler

A memoir about the author’s experiences teaching English in a small Chinese town, offering insights into Chinese culture and transformation.

Learn More
In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger

Stacy Perman

Chronicles the history of the In-N-Out Burger chain, exploring its unique business model and cultural impact.

Learn More
The World's Religions

The World's Religions

Huston Smith

An overview of major world religions, examining their beliefs, practices, and historical impact.

Learn More
The Turtle of Oman

The Turtle of Oman

Naomi Shihab Nye

A children’s novel about a young boy’s journey from Oman to America, exploring themes of home and belonging.

Learn More
Pacific

Pacific

Simon Winchester

Explores the history, culture, and geopolitical significance of the Pacific Ocean, touching on its impact on global events.

Learn More
Other Words for Home

Other Words for Home

Jasmine Warga

A middle-grade novel about a young Syrian girl who moves to the U.S., exploring themes of identity, belonging, and resilience.

Learn More
The Case for Nationalism

The Case for Nationalism

Rich Lowry

Argues in favor of nationalism, discussing its importance and benefits in preserving cultural identity and sovereignty.

Learn More
A History of Civilizations

A History of Civilizations

Fernand Braudel

A comprehensive look at civilizations across history, examining cultural, economic, and societal developments.

Learn More
Bass Culture

Bass Culture

Lloyd Bradley

Chronicles the history of reggae music, examining its cultural impact and evolution in Jamaica and beyond.

Learn More
The Joy Luck Club

The Joy Luck Club

Amy Tan

A novel about Chinese-American immigrant families, exploring themes of identity, generational conflict, and cultural heritage.

Learn More
A Tale for the Time Being

A Tale for the Time Being

Ruth Ozeki

A novel that intertwines the lives of a Japanese teenager and a writer in the Pacific Northwest, exploring themes of time, identity, and loss.

Learn More
The Lost World of the Kalahari

The Lost World of the Kalahari

Laurens van der Post

A memoir about the author’s journey to the Kalahari Desert, documenting his encounters with indigenous cultures.

Learn More
The Sacred and The Profane

The Sacred and The Profane

Mircea Eliade

Explores the nature of religion and the human experience of the sacred versus the profane.

Learn More
Painting and Experience in Fifteenth-Century Italy

Painting and Experience in Fifteenth-Century Italy

Michael Baxandall

Explores the cultural context of art in Renaissance Italy, examining how paintings were influenced by societal norms.

Learn More
Cultural Strategy

Cultural Strategy

Douglas Holt

Discusses how brands can leverage cultural insights to create iconic products and build consumer loyalty.

Learn More
The Rise of the West

The Rise of the West

William H. McNeill

A global history analyzing the cultural and technological developments that led to the rise of Western civilization.

Learn More
The Lowland

The Lowland

Jhumpa Lahiri

A novel about two brothers from India, dealing with themes of family, politics, and cultural identity.

Learn More
Plato at the Googleplex

Plato at the Googleplex

Rebecca Goldstein

Imagines Plato in modern-day scenarios to explore philosophical questions, blending ancient and contemporary thought.

Learn More
Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus

Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus

Lois Tverberg

Explores the teachings of Jesus from a Jewish cultural perspective, encouraging readers to understand his messages in context.

Learn More
A House for Mr Biswas

A House for Mr Biswas

V. S. Naipaul

A novel about a man’s struggle for independence and identity in post-colonial Trinidad.

Learn More
The Discovery of France

The Discovery of France

Graham Robb

A historical exploration of France’s diverse regions and cultures, revealing lesser-known aspects of French identity.

Learn More
Orientalism

Orientalism

Edward W. Said

Critiques Western perceptions of Eastern societies, exploring how cultural biases shape understanding and power dynamics.

Learn More
The Fifties

The Fifties

David Halberstam

A social and cultural history of America during the 1950s, exploring the decade’s impact on modern society.

Learn More
David Bowie

David Bowie

Dylan Jones

A biography of David Bowie, exploring his life, music, and influence on culture.

Learn More
Children of Ash and Elm

Children of Ash and Elm

Neil S. Price

A history of the Vikings, exploring their society, culture, and influence on Europe.

Learn More
Exploring Historic Dutch New York

Exploring Historic Dutch New York

Gajus Scheltema

A guide to historic Dutch sites in New York, detailing the Dutch influence on American history.

Learn More
The Story of Writing

The Story of Writing

Andrew Robinson

A history of written language, examining the development of different writing systems worldwide.

Learn More
Moorish Spain

Moorish Spain

Richard Fletcher

A history of Islamic rule in Spain, examining the cultural and scientific contributions of Moorish civilization.

Learn More
My Bombay Kitchen

My Bombay Kitchen

Niloufer Ichaporia King

A cookbook and memoir that delves into Parsi cuisine, blending recipes with cultural history.

Learn More
Nonstop Metropolis

Nonstop Metropolis

Rebecca Solnit

A cultural atlas of New York City, offering maps and insights into its diverse neighborhoods.

Learn More
There There

There There

Tommy Orange

A novel following twelve Native American characters whose lives intersect at a powwow in Oakland, California.

Learn More
Lost Children Archive

Lost Children Archive

Valeria Luiselli

A family road trip story that delves into issues of migration, family, and history.

Learn More
Immigrant, Montana

Immigrant, Montana

Amitava Kumar

A coming-of-age novel about an immigrant's journey through love, identity, and self-discovery in America.

Learn More
Dapper Dan

Dapper Dan

Daniel R. Day

Memoir of Harlem-based designer Dapper Dan, detailing his journey in the fashion world.

Learn More
Lot

Lot

Bryan Washington

A collection of short stories set in Houston, Texas, exploring themes of race, identity, and family.

Learn More
Washington Black

Washington Black

Esi Edugyan

Historical novel about a young slave who escapes from a Barbados plantation, exploring themes of freedom and adventure.

Learn More
If I Ever Get Out of Here

If I Ever Get Out of Here

Eric Gansworth

A young adult novel about friendship, identity, and music, set in the 1970s.

Learn More
McDonald's

McDonald's

John F. Love

A comprehensive history of McDonald’s and its impact on the fast food industry.

Learn More
Food of the Gods

Food of the Gods

Terence McKenna

Explores the relationship between humans and psychoactive plants, arguing for their cultural significance.

Learn More
Out of Many, One

Out of Many, One

George W. Bush

A collection of portraits and stories celebrating immigrants in America.

Learn More
Tomb of Sand

Tomb of Sand

Geetanjali Shree and translated by Daisy Rockwell

Award-winning novel exploring family, borders, and feminism in India.

Learn More
Lucky Fish

Lucky Fish

Aimee Nezhukumatathil

Poetry exploring family, folklore, and the immigrant experience.

Learn More
Bowling Alone

Bowling Alone

Robert D. Putnam

Analysis of declining social capital in America.

Learn More
Season of the Witch

Season of the Witch

David Talbot

History of San Francisco in the late 20th century, examining its cultural and political transformations.

Learn More