Taboo: A Reading List
We invite you to deepen your relationship with the taboo through the words of these extraordinary editors and authors. From discussions on sexuality to unwanted motherhood, nothing is off the table. Taboo is intrinsically multidimensional and we hope that you take a moment to challenge any previous conceptions that you hold of it.
“My Body” by Emily Ratajkowski
A brilliant exploration of what it means to be both a woman and a commodity. Ratajkowski seeks to understand society’s obsession with beauty and sexuality that starts at girlhood.
“Sober Curious” by Ruby Warrington
Warrington blends the guiding nature of a handbook and the personal examination of a journal to deconstruct what sober curiosity means, and eliminate the shame that may accompany it.
“The Women’s House of Detention” by Hugh Ryan
Ryan, a community-based historian, opens our eyes to the forgotten story of the Women’s House of Detention, now the garden next to the Jefferson Library in Greenwich Village. He shines a light on the queer women and trans people that were held there, and who eventually forged a sisterly community of queer resistance.
“White Tears/Brown Scars” by Ruby Hamad
Through a variety of international and racial backgrounds, Hamad provides deep thought into how racism manifests itself in our society, including our understanding of feminism. As a piece of cultural criticism, this novel argues how white feminism has been a weapon of white supremacy and patriarchy.
“Do They Hear You When You Cry?” by Fauziya Kassindja
A story of persecution, friendship and triumph, this novel chronicles the struggles of two women. The first is Fauziya, who fled her home in Togo to escape female genital mutilation, only to find herself in an American prison for 16 months. The other is Layli, a law student who fights for Fauziya’s freedom.
“Undo Motherhood” by Diana Karklin
Using photographs and interviews, Karklin presents a subversive side of motherhood, one where mothers simultaneously love their children while feeling a complicated sense of regret.
“Simple Passion” by Annie Ernaux
In the snares of all consuming passion, no one walks away unscathed. Ernaux walks readers through her two year relationship with a married foreigner whom she recognizes in every aspect of her physical, rational, and emotional life.
“The Girls Who Went Away”by Ann Fessler
Fessler brings to words the lives of the 1.5 million women who put up their children for adoption in the decades before Roe v. Wade through intimate journalism. This book is not a tale of sexual liberation, but instead details the devastating double standard brought upon women after putting their children up for adoption.
“So Sad Today: Personal Essays” by Melissa Broder
Beginning with @sosadtoday, an anonymous Twitter feed, Broder created a space to express her most vulnerable thoughts and feelings. In this collection, she further provides her insights on sex, love, death, self esteem, and addiction.
“Playing the Whore: The Work of Sex Work” by Melissa Gira Grant
As an advocate, journalist, and former sex worker, Grant dismantles the way we understands sex work by prioritizing the stories of sex workers and challenging existing myths about the industry.
“Acts of Service: A Novel” by Lillian Fishman
A provocative inquiry into the nature of sex, power and desire through the lens of Eve, who renegotiates her ideals about feminism after posting nude selfies online. Named a “sex masterpiece” by many, this is a must read.
“Wanting: Women Writing About Desire” edited by Margot Kahn and Kelly McMasters
An anthology of essays that examines the dynamic face of female desire. What are its rules? What role does culture play in romance? What is desire? These essays cast nothing aside in its conversation on wanting.
“Kiss Kiss” - Roald Dahl
A collection of short stories which explore the darkly satirical side of human nature, combining perverse twists with macabre humour. These stories challenge our understanding of ourselves with their unsettling explorations of human nature.
“Last Days at Hot Slit”- Andrea Dworkin
A provocative selection of Dworkin’s essays and speeches which dissect sexual politics, patriarchy and violence, offering radical critiques with searing honesty. This is a powerful book for those willing to confront the most uncomfortable truths about gender based violence.
“Justine”- Marquis de Sade
A controversial novel which confronts themes of vice, morality and taboo desires with extreme, and even shocking libertinism. “Justine” questions the limits of societal norms, presenting an unyielding portrait of innocence under threat.
“Delta of Venus” by Anais Nïn
A sensual collection of Nïn’s erotica, which celebrates our desires and explores the boundaries of intimacy with poetic flair. Universal and deeply personal, Nïn’s prose is second to none.
This piece was included in our inaugural print issue, Taboo. To explore this edition of MEUF Magazine, please visit the issues page.