Skin is a collection of short stories about Natalie and her relationship with her body, herself, and the world around her. As a 30-something, ex-teacher, who has also suffered from disordered eating, Natalie's journey towards self-acceptance and to a life that is hers felt really familiar. Though not every story resonated with me, the journey that she goes on and the lessons that she learns did. I found myself wishing Natalie would be kinder to herself and believe in herself more, and then realised that some of the things she says to herself are things I have said to myself, are things I still say to myself. The final chapter is the one I needed at this point in my life - the message that perfectionism and the quest for expertise should not stop us from starting something. I needed to be reminded of that right now.

Some stories were just right in length, but some felt too short and stopped just as the story and characters were starting to develop. I wanted to stay in these stories for longer and wish they were given an extra 10 pages or so just to flesh them out a bit more (not necessarily give a resolution or a happier ending).

An easy read, with some stories that have more difficult or emotional themes than others, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

It’s been around 4 months since I’ve finished this book but I’ve not stopped thinking about it. Books about sad women in Ireland have a special place in my heart. Especially the ones I bought in Ireland when I myself was ✨sad✨.

The travel sections were evocative and the slow pace of the writing mirrored the slow evolution the narrator is going through. Tender in parts but not enough care given to characterisation. Felt like a collection of essays rather than a novel.

This book didn't start well for me, as the vignettes didn't really connect together. Over time, though, they began to and formed a story that I came to really enjoy. The ending chapters were the best for sure, and I loved the message running throughout.

I liked how the book not only explored Natalie's issues with her body, but had some exploration into men's relationship with their bodies too. I felt like the story really started around halfway through, though I did like the inclusion of isolation as an Expat in a foreign country.

3.5 stars.

2.5 stars

Best for:
Women who have felt unseen - or too seen. Women trying to figure out what they want to do, and looking for ways to do it.

In a nutshell:
Natalie is a former teacher traveling, looking for what is next. She has disordered eating, binging when she is uncomfortable, sad, uncertain. She travels, lives with her family, travels some more, looking for what feels right.

Worth quoting:
“People always hoping that others will complete them, be their other half. It’s dangerous. We’re already whole. Don’t halve yourself for someone.”

“I’ve had my own body shit too. Some people carry their baggage on the inside.”

Why I chose it:
It was part of a subscription box.

Review:
When I read the description I was a bit concerned it might turn into an Eat Pray Love situation, but it doesn’t read that way. Natalie isn’t relying on ‘exotic’ locations to help her find herself; she doesn’t try on local cultures like a costume. She uses the time to try to work on herself.

The book starts in the middle - though not in a time-jumping sort of way. Natalie has already quit her job as a teacher, and is currently in Indonesia. She’s traveling alone, and is spending her evenings in her hotel room, binge eating. She meets folks on occasion, but doesn’t tend to have a lot of fun with them. She’s not a sad person, she’s just a person trying to grow and figure herself out.

I appreciate how the book unfolds - most chapters Natalie is in a new place. One chapter she’s in Australia with her Aunt; another she’s living in Dublin with friends. She spends time living with and taking care of her grandmother. She also starts working at a gym, and while I appreciate that the book doesn’t end (spoiler alert) with her suddenly becoming a star athlete, or married, she grows, learns more about herself. It’s a little two steps forward, one step back, like life often is.

Right from the start, I could relate to Natalie a bit. Me and food haven’t always had the best relationship, although I’ve not been where she is. I have travelled alone, however, and not being the most social, I’ve spent many evenings in a hotel room, alone, eating what I found at a local convenience store, watching local TV or reading a book. Most of my time alone has been spent in Ireland, so I didn’t have language barriers, but it was still hard at times. It was also wonderful - I loved the freedom of figuring out what and where I was going each day, not having to check with anyone on my plans. And I loved having the space to think, daydream, write, plan, without having chores or anything else to do. It was fun, a bit stressful, sometimes hard, sometimes sad, but I know helped me grow. That time was a real gift, and reading this book brought me back to those times, which was pretty great.

Keep it / Pass to a Friend / Donate it / Toss it:
Donate it

If you have body image issues- this is fairly triggering. Nice story though