"The Bluest Eye" (not to be confused with Toni Morrison's work)

"The Bluest Eye" is a novel that explores how societal standards of beauty impact individuals' self-worth, particularly focusing on a young Black girl named Pecola who longs for blue eyes, believing it will make her beautiful and loved. The story examines themes of racial identity, longing, and self-esteem, highlighting how societal pressures and racism distort self-perception. Through interconnected narratives, it reveals the damaging effects of beauty ideals rooted in whiteness and the desire for acceptance, offering a profound commentary on race, beauty, and personal identity.