Jack Halberstam

Skin Shows is one of those books which landed on my shelves when I was in academia, but which I was so curious about that I kept it around to read (eventually) even after leaving that world behind me. And, truly, I'm glad I did. Although this book is undeniably academic in nature, it's also so accessible and readable that I found myself reading far more in one sitting than I ever would have expected. Halberstam's analysis and discussions of horror, as grouped around both classic literary texts (such as Frankenstein and Dracula) and more recent films (such as Silence of the Lambs and Texas Chainsaw Massacre), range from covering the ground of literary theory on to psychoanalysis, so that an incredible amount of thoughtful commentary is packed into the relatively short book. The ideas are offered with a depth and thoughtfulness that add weight to each discussion of the monstrous and what it entails.

For anyone interested, I'd certainly recommend the book.… (more)

I learned quite a bit from this book, especially the distinction between androgyny and masculinity. These two presentations of being are not equal, and for me this was an important point in understanding female masculinity. Halberstam excellently explains the power and politics that keep masculinity toxic, violent, and heavily policed by society. This is a straightforward read. I always appreciate Halberstam for being detailed in their philosophical reasoning and explanation without making me feel like I'm trying to read a foreign language. I feel this is a must read for anyone desiring to live in a gender equitable world.… (more)