In 'Dead Girls: Essays on Surviving an American Obsession,' Alice Bolin critically examines the pervasive trope of victimized women in American pop culture. She delves into an array of media, from cult classics like 'Twin Peaks' to viral phenomena like 'Serial,' seeking to understand society's fixation on abused and disenfranchised women and their role as narrative devices. Through personal stories and cultural analysis, Bolin explores her experiences in Los Angeles, critiques Noir and analyzes lore surrounding witches and werewolves. She lays bare the complex challenges faced by women— the enduring injustices and the insidious ways white women contribute to oppression. With intellectual vigour and emotional honesty, this collection mirrors the reflective intensity of Joan Didion, James Baldwin, Rebecca Solnit, and Hilton Als, forming a compelling discourse on female representation and the shaping of cultural narratives.