5 Books which Feminist Should Never Read

5 Books which Feminist Should Never Read: Some books open our mind, which challenge societal norms, and give us the right direction towards progress. And then there are those that do the deceitful writings ghosting in the corner of literary history, glorifying anguish, objection and the deduction of women to bare shadows of their potential. These works often wear the mask of tradition, nostalgia, or even romance. But underneath lies a disturbing honor of toxic masculinity. These books can serve as stark reminders of the battles still being fought, tales that celebrate a world where equality is nothing more than a distant dream.

Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray

One of the most popular self-help books, but the book has faced significant criticism from modern psychologists for reinforcing outdated gender stereotypes. The depiction of men and women as having unchangeable, such as men being unemotional problem-solvers and women being emotional caretakers.

It leans extremely on essentialist views of gender, suggesting that birth differences narrates how men and women should behave, communicate, and relate to one another, rather than admitting the impact of culture, socialization, and individual experiences.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

A story where women have stripped of their rights and reduced to rigid roles, their primary function of producing children for the ruling class. The story is told by Offred a “Handmaid” who belongs to one of the powerful Commanders. Offred recall her life before Gilead, where she had freedom, a family, and a job, but all of that was taken from her when the government came to rule.

The regime manipulates women through violence, surveillance, and religious doctrine, enforcing strict laws on their behavior and dress. The story dives into consequences of patriarchal power and the danger of losing hard-won freedom, it represents a world where women’s voices and rights are completely erased.

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

Patrick Bateman, a wealthy, successful investment banker in 1980s Manhattan who has secrets for his dark desires, psychotic tendencies beneath a polished, sophisticated exterior. Patrick leads a double life, by day he works on Wall Street, gratifying values of wealth, power and materialism.

But underneath this image of success, Bateman creeks a violent and sadistic nature. He plunges into horrifying acts of extreme violence, much of which is directed toward women. His behavior, narrated in a detached and often disturbing tone, including oppressive murders, torture, and acts of depravity that reflects his deteriorating mental state.

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Story begins when Anastasia Steele, a college student, takes an interview of Christian Grey, a wealthy and powerful businessman for her college newspaper. She is immediately attracted to him, but soon finds out that Christian has an unusual preference when it comes to relationships.

Their relationship is marked by intense sexual encounters, exploration of BDSM, and a complex power dynamic; they experience moments of passion, tension and conflict, as both characters navigate their feelings and boundaries. Christian’s behavior crosses the line into emotional manipulation and control, raising questions about consent and healthy relationships.

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

A controversial novel by Vladimir Nabokove that tells the story of Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged man who becomes obsessed with a 12-year-old girl named Dolores haze, whom he call “Lolita” Humbert is a complicated character who struggles with his own desires and the moral implications of his actions.

He is drawn to Lolita’s innocence and beauty, but he also considers that his feelings for her are inappropriate and potentially harmful. The book explores the theme of love, obsession and the blurred lines between passion and predation. It is a provocative and disturbing work that has been both praised and criticized for its exploration of taboo subjects.