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.