Cultural Studies
Explore books in the Cultural Studies category
52 books in this category
The Denial of Death
Ernest Becker
Analyzes how the fear of death influences human behavior, culture, and psychological motivations.
What's Our Problem?
Tim Urban
Explores societal issues and cultural divides, combining humor and research to offer solutions for improving collective understanding.
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Explores how the U.S. is shaping a new global culture, arguing that traditional narratives about Western decline are outdated.
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.
Memory of the World
UNESCO
A documentation of UNESCO’s efforts to preserve the world's cultural heritage, discussing the significance of historical documents.
The Elements of Cricket
Jon Hotten
A humorous exploration of cricket, capturing the quirks and culture of the sport.
Where Mountains Roar
Lesley Hazleton
A memoir of the author's experiences in the Middle East, reflecting on cultural landscapes and conflicts.
Mr. China
Tim Clissold
Memoir of a Western businessman’s experiences in China, navigating cultural differences and business challenges.
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.
In-N-Out Burger
Stacy Perman
Chronicles the history of the In-N-Out Burger chain, exploring its unique business model and cultural impact.
The World's Religions
Huston Smith
An overview of major world religions, examining their beliefs, practices, and historical impact.
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.
Pacific
Simon Winchester
Explores the history, culture, and geopolitical significance of the Pacific Ocean, touching on its impact on global events.
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.
The Case for Nationalism
Rich Lowry
Argues in favor of nationalism, discussing its importance and benefits in preserving cultural identity and sovereignty.
A History of Civilizations
Fernand Braudel
A comprehensive look at civilizations across history, examining cultural, economic, and societal developments.
Bass Culture
Lloyd Bradley
Chronicles the history of reggae music, examining its cultural impact and evolution in Jamaica and beyond.
The Joy Luck Club
Amy Tan
A novel about Chinese-American immigrant families, exploring themes of identity, generational conflict, and cultural heritage.
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.
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.
The Sacred and The Profane
Mircea Eliade
Explores the nature of religion and the human experience of the sacred versus the profane.
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.
Cultural Strategy
Douglas Holt
Discusses how brands can leverage cultural insights to create iconic products and build consumer loyalty.
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.
The Lowland
Jhumpa Lahiri
A novel about two brothers from India, dealing with themes of family, politics, and cultural identity.
Plato at the Googleplex
Rebecca Goldstein
Imagines Plato in modern-day scenarios to explore philosophical questions, blending ancient and contemporary thought.
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.
A House for Mr Biswas
V. S. Naipaul
A novel about a man’s struggle for independence and identity in post-colonial Trinidad.
The Discovery of France
Graham Robb
A historical exploration of France’s diverse regions and cultures, revealing lesser-known aspects of French identity.
Orientalism
Edward W. Said
Critiques Western perceptions of Eastern societies, exploring how cultural biases shape understanding and power dynamics.
The Fifties
David Halberstam
A social and cultural history of America during the 1950s, exploring the decade’s impact on modern society.
David Bowie
Dylan Jones
A biography of David Bowie, exploring his life, music, and influence on culture.
Children of Ash and Elm
Neil S. Price
A history of the Vikings, exploring their society, culture, and influence on Europe.
Exploring Historic Dutch New York
Gajus Scheltema
A guide to historic Dutch sites in New York, detailing the Dutch influence on American history.
The Story of Writing
Andrew Robinson
A history of written language, examining the development of different writing systems worldwide.
Moorish Spain
Richard Fletcher
A history of Islamic rule in Spain, examining the cultural and scientific contributions of Moorish civilization.
My Bombay Kitchen
Niloufer Ichaporia King
A cookbook and memoir that delves into Parsi cuisine, blending recipes with cultural history.
Nonstop Metropolis
Rebecca Solnit
A cultural atlas of New York City, offering maps and insights into its diverse neighborhoods.
There There
Tommy Orange
A novel following twelve Native American characters whose lives intersect at a powwow in Oakland, California.
Lost Children Archive
Valeria Luiselli
A family road trip story that delves into issues of migration, family, and history.
Immigrant, Montana
Amitava Kumar
A coming-of-age novel about an immigrant's journey through love, identity, and self-discovery in America.
Dapper Dan
Daniel R. Day
Memoir of Harlem-based designer Dapper Dan, detailing his journey in the fashion world.
Lot
Bryan Washington
A collection of short stories set in Houston, Texas, exploring themes of race, identity, and family.
Washington Black
Esi Edugyan
Historical novel about a young slave who escapes from a Barbados plantation, exploring themes of freedom and adventure.
If I Ever Get Out of Here
Eric Gansworth
A young adult novel about friendship, identity, and music, set in the 1970s.
McDonald's
John F. Love
A comprehensive history of McDonald’s and its impact on the fast food industry.
Food of the Gods
Terence McKenna
Explores the relationship between humans and psychoactive plants, arguing for their cultural significance.
Out of Many, One
George W. Bush
A collection of portraits and stories celebrating immigrants in America.
Tomb of Sand
Geetanjali Shree and translated by Daisy Rockwell
Award-winning novel exploring family, borders, and feminism in India.
Lucky Fish
Aimee Nezhukumatathil
Poetry exploring family, folklore, and the immigrant experience.
Season of the Witch
David Talbot
History of San Francisco in the late 20th century, examining its cultural and political transformations.