Tits Up | Sarah Thornton

Tits Up: What Sex Workers, Milk Bankers, Plastic Surgeons, Bra Designers, and Witches Tell Us About Breasts

Accolades & Praise

• Critically Acclaimed: Recognized as one of The New Yorker’s Best Books of 2024.
• A Bold Exploration: A fearless, witty, and deeply investigative look into the power, politics, and perception of breasts in modern society.

Extended Synopsis

What do strip clubs, plastic surgeons, witches, and milk banks all have in common? The power, politics, and perception of breasts. In Tits Up, bestselling author Sarah Thornton takes readers on a bold, investigative journey through the cultural, economic, and personal significance of breasts. After undergoing a double mastectomy, Thornton set out to uncover what breasts really mean in society—far beyond their biological function.

From sex workers and lingerie models to lactation consultants, plastic surgeons, and free-the-nipple activists, she exposes deep-rooted myths, billion-dollar industries, and the hidden forces shaping our understanding of anatomy and identity. With sharp wit and powerful insights, Thornton’s work uncovers how businesses profit from the policing of women’s bodies, why human breast milk is treated as a luxury commodity, and how bodily autonomy reflects larger issues of gender, class, and race.

Featuring 50 illustrations, this innovative sociological exploration challenges patriarchal prejudices and unpacks how society constructs the meaning of femininity and personal freedom.

About the Author

Sarah Thornton is an acclaimed sociologist, author, and cultural commentator known for her sharp investigative journalism and insightful books on contemporary culture, art worlds, and gender dynamics.

Reader Targeting

• Readers interested in gender studies, feminism, and bodily autonomy.
• Fans of sharp investigative journalism and cultural critique in the vein of Roxane Gay and Gloria Steinem.
• Anyone navigating breast surgery, body image discussions, or healthcare politics.

Bibliographic & Physical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired Sarah Thornton to write this book?
The book was prompted by her own experience undergoing a double mastectomy, which led her to investigate the broader cultural and political meanings attached to breasts.

What industries and groups does the book explore?
Thornton interviews sex workers, milk bankers, plastic surgeons, bra designers, and activists to examine how society commercializes and polices chests.

Does the book include illustrations?
Yes, this edition includes 50 illustrations that complement the investigative text.

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