In 'You Know You Want This', Kristen Roupenian delves into the complexities of desire, power, and human connection through a series of provocative short stories. Each tale unveils the darker sides of intimacy and explores the thin line between longing and repulsion. Roupenian's sharp, insightful prose challenges societal norms and invites readers to confront their own hidden desires. As the characters navigate relationships fraught with tension and uncertainty, they reveal what we often refuse to acknowledge about ourselves. This collection will leave you questioning the nature of attraction and the consequences of our most secret cravings.
By Kristen Roupenian
Published: 2019
"We are all haunted by the shadows of our desires, and sometimes it takes a dark turn to understand the light."
“What’s special about ‘Cat Person,’ and the rest of the stories in You Know You Want This, is the author’s expert control of language, character, story—her ability to write stories that feel told, and yet so unpretentious and accessible that we think they must be true.” —The New York Times Book Review “Kristen Roupenian isn’t just an uncannily great writer, she also knows things about the human psyche—things that I always supposed I would learn at some point, but never did. Some of these things are about men’s minds in particular and I’m pretty sure she’s right. The world has made a lot more sense since reading this book.” —Miranda July, New York Times bestselling author of The First Bad Man “If you think you know what this collection will be like, you’re wrong. These stories are sharp and perverse, dark and bizarre, unrelenting and utterly bananas. I love them so, so much.” —Carmen Maria Machado, National Book Award Finalist and author of Her Body and Other Parties A compulsively readable collection of short stories that explore the complex—and often darkly funny—connections between gender, sex, and power across genres. You Know You Want This brilliantly explores the ways in which women are horrifying as much as it captures the horrors that are done to them. Among its pages are a couple who becomes obsessed with their friend hearing them have sex, then seeing them have sex…until they can’t have sex without him; a ten-year-old whose birthday party takes a sinister turn when she wishes for “something mean”; a woman who finds a book of spells half hidden at the library and summons her heart’s desire: a nameless, naked man; and a self-proclaimed “biter” who dreams of sneaking up behind and sinking her teeth into a green-eyed, long-haired, pink-cheeked coworker. Spanning a range of genres and topics—from the mundane to the murderous and supernatural—these are stories about sex and punishment, guilt and anger, the pleasure and terror of inflicting and experiencing pain. These stories fascinate and repel, revolt and arouse, scare and delight in equal measure. And, as a collection, they point a finger at you, daring you to feel uncomfortable—or worse, understood—as if to say, “You want this, right? You know you want this.”
Showing 8 of 30 similar books
Lex Fridman is an artificial intelligence researcher, podcaster, and MIT professor, known for his work in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and deep learning. Fridman has gained widespread popularity through his podcast, Lex Fridman Podcast, where he interviews leading thinkers in science, technology, and philosophy, exploring topics like AI, consciousness, and the future of humanity. His academic work focuses on human-centered AI, aiming to create machines that can better understand and interact with humans. Fridman’s ability to distill complex topics into accessible conversations has earned him a large following, and his podcast is known for its thoughtful, in-depth discussions with some of the brightest minds of our time. He is also an advocate for the responsible development of AI, emphasizing the ethical implications of this rapidly advancing technology. Outside of academia and podcasting, Fridman is a practitioner of jiu-jitsu and frequently speaks about the importance of discipline and continuous learning.
Oprah Winfrey is a globally renowned media mogul, talk show host, and philanthropist. She gained fame through her groundbreaking talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which ran for 25 years and became one of the highest-rated programs in television history. Winfrey has significantly impacted literature through her influential book club, Oprah's Book Club, which has propelled numerous books to bestseller status and fostered a love of reading across diverse audiences. She is also the author of several books, including her memoir "The Life You Want," and has contributed to numerous inspirational and self-help publications. Beyond her literary contributions, Winfrey has been a powerful advocate for education and empowerment, founding the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.
Anya Taylor-Joy is an acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Beth Harmon in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Taylor-Joy has also starred in notable films such as "The Witch," "Split," and "Emma," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. In addition to her acting career, she has been praised for her contributions to promoting diverse and complex female characters in modern storytelling. Her work continues to inspire audiences and set a high standard in the entertainment industry.
Anderson Cooper is an esteemed American journalist and television personality, best known for anchoring "Anderson Cooper 360°" on CNN. He has gained widespread recognition for his incisive reporting on major global events, earning multiple Emmy Awards for his work. Cooper is also an accomplished author, having penned the best-selling memoir "Dispatches from the Edge," which chronicles his experiences covering some of the world's most perilous conflicts and disasters. His literary contributions extend to "The Rainbow Comes and Goes," a poignant dialogue with his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, that explores themes of family and resilience. Through his work in both journalism and literature, Cooper has made a significant impact on contemporary media and storytelling.
James Altucher is an American hedge fund manager, entrepreneur, author, and podcaster known for his candid and unconventional approach to success and self-improvement. He has authored over 20 books, including bestsellers like "Choose Yourself" and "Reinvent Yourself," which emphasize the importance of resilience and personal empowerment. Altucher is also a prolific blogger, sharing insights on various topics ranging from finance to mental health. His podcast, "The James Altucher Show," features in-depth interviews with a diverse array of influential figures, further cementing his reputation as a thought leader. Through his writing and media presence, Altucher has inspired millions to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.
Colin Firth is a British actor known for his roles in films such as The King’s Speech, Pride and Prejudice, and A Single Man. Firth’s portrayal of King George VI in The King’s Speech earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. He is widely respected for his ability to bring depth and nuance to a wide range of characters, from romantic leads to complex historical figures. Firth is also a passionate advocate for human rights and environmental causes, using his platform to support charitable organizations. His combination of talent and activism has made him one of the most admired actors in the film industry.
Bill Burr is an American comedian, actor, and podcaster, known for his biting, no-nonsense style of humor that often tackles controversial topics with sharp wit. Burr has released several successful stand-up specials, including Paper Tiger and Walk Your Way Out, and is the co-creator of the animated sitcom F Is for Family. He also hosts the Monday Morning Podcast, where he shares his unfiltered thoughts on everything from current events to personal stories. Burr’s honest, raw comedic style has earned him a dedicated fanbase and has made him one of the most respected comedians in the industry.
Arianna Huffington is the founder of The Huffington Post and Thrive Global, a company focused on wellness and productivity. She is a bestselling author and prominent speaker on the importance of sleep and managing stress. Arianna’s work emphasizes the importance of balance between professional success and personal well-being. Her book The Sleep Revolution has inspired a global movement to prioritize rest. She is considered one of the most influential women in media and business.
Showing 8 of 10 related collections
“We are all haunted by the shadows of our desires, and sometimes it takes a dark turn to understand the light.”
You Know You Want This
By Kristen Roupenian
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Kristen Roupenian is an acclaimed author and short story writer, best known for her viral New Yorker story "Cat Person," which explores themes of modern dating and female experience. Her debut collection, "You Know You Want This," delves into the complexities of desire, power, and the intricacies of personal relationships, often with a darkly humorous and psychologically incisive touch. Roupenian's writing style is characterized by its sharp wit, bold examination of contemporary social dynamics, and an ability to capture the subtleties of human interaction.
Key information about the book.
Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
In 'The Undocumented Americans', Karla Cornejo Villavicencio weaves together poignant narratives that give voice to the often overlooked lives of undocumented immigrants in America. Each story illuminates the struggle, resilience, and humanity of those living in the shadows, challenging common perceptions and stereotypes. Villavicencio's bold prose blends memoir with powerful reportage, revealing the intersecting realities of hardship, hope, and identity. As she navigates her own experiences as an undocumented immigrant, she invites readers to empathize and connect with those whose stories are rarely told. This evocative work compels us to reconsider the meaning of American identity and the hidden lives that shape our society.
'Slaughterhouse-Five' follows the unconventional journey of Billy Pilgrim, a soldier who becomes 'unstuck in time' and experiences moments from his life out of sequence. As he navigates through the horrors of World War II, including the firebombing of Dresden, the narrative intertwines elements of science fiction and anti-war sentiment. Vonnegut's unique blend of dark humor and poignant commentary challenges the nature of free will and the chaos of war. Will Billy ever come to terms with his fragmented existence and the absurdity of human conflict? Join him on a mind-bending odyssey that questions reality and morality.
In 'How to Destroy America in Three Easy Steps,' Ben Shapiro provocatively dissects the ideological battles threatening the American fabric. He argues that the erosion of foundational values, the rise of radicalism, and the embrace of divisiveness are leading the nation towards peril. With sharp wit and incisive commentary, Shapiro challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about contemporary society. This thought-provoking work is not just a critique, but a call to action for those who cherish liberty and unity. Will you heed the warning before it’s too late?
In 'The Referral Engine', John Jantsch reveals the secret to transforming your business through the power of referrals. He provides actionable strategies that turn satisfied customers into enthusiastic advocates. By understanding the psychology behind referrals, readers learn how to create a system that generates a steady stream of new clients. This book is not just about getting recommendations; it's about building relationships that drive sustainable growth. Dive in to discover how to leverage the influence of others to supercharge your success!
'Cat's Cradle' is a satirical novel that explores the absurdities of modern technology and religion through the perspective of Jonah, a writer on a quest to document the creation of 'Ice-Nine'—a substance with the potential to freeze the world. As he uncovers the chilling secrets behind this dangerous invention, Jonah encounters a cast of quirky characters, including the enigmatic scientist Dr. Felix Hoenikker and the eccentric cult leader, the Church of God the Whole Event. Vonnegut's sharp wit and dark humor highlight the moral dilemmas of scientific advancement and the existential questions of human existence. With a blend of science fiction and philosophical inquiry, the novel challenges readers to contemplate the impact of their actions on humanity and the planet. Will Jonah uncover the truth before it's too late, or will he become yet another casualty of a world spiraling into chaos?
In 'Finding My Voice', Valerie Jarrett shares her remarkable journey from a young girl in a diverse Chicago neighborhood to becoming a key advisor in the Obama administration. With wit and candor, she unveils personal stories that highlight her struggles with race, gender, and the quest for identity. As she navigates the challenges of a male-dominated political world, Jarrett emphasizes the importance of mentorship and connection. Readers are taken behind the scenes of significant political events, revealing the human side of leadership. This inspiring memoir not only calls for finding one's voice but also for uplifting others along the way.
In 'White Teeth', Zadie Smith weaves a vibrant tapestry of post-colonial London through the intertwining lives of two families. As secrets and histories unfold, themes of immigration, identity, and cultural conflict emerge, painting a rich portrait of modern life. The tale is both humorous and poignant, exploring the complexities of family heritage and the search for belonging. With unforgettable characters and a sharp social commentary, Smith invites readers to question what truly connects us. Can the past ever be fully reconciled with the present, or does it remain a haunting specter?
In 'The Girl in the Picture,' Denise Chong unravels the poignant story behind a haunting photograph that has lingered in the public consciousness since the Vietnam War. This captivating narrative explores the life of a young Vietnamese girl, whose image became emblematic of the struggles faced by her people. Through meticulous research and deeply personal accounts, Chong intertwines history with human emotion, shedding light on the impact of war on individual lives. As readers journey through the past, they are invited to confront the complexities of memory, identity, and the quest for reconciliation. This book is not just about a photograph; it's a stirring reminder of the stories behind every image and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.