Skin

If you enjoy pulpy, queer body horror, then you absolutely need to read this! It might not be spooky season, and although the weather is getting warmer, this sent delightful chills down my spine. This isn't your typical horror book, and that's really what makes it stick with you after you finish reading, kind of haunting you in a way. This book is pain and beauty all mixed up into one, and Koja's unique writing style makes you feel the story unfold more than anything. It's more than just stepping into the story and watching it, it's something you feel deep in your bones. I'm honestly not sure how to describe it, it's something you have to experience for yourself to truly understand. The characters feel raw yet real, as does the world show more they inhabit. A must read for horror lovers show less

When Tess, a struggling metal artist and welder meets Bibi, an eclectic dancer, sparks fly. They combine their talents into a unique performance art, metal and bodies twisting together for a new underground experience. Their group gains momentum and a following, finding new ways to push boundaries and create something unseen. Tess learns to make machines that interact with the dancers and Bibi's choreography moves toward stretching the limits of the body. After a tragic performance, the group splits and Tess and Bibi each have separate artistic groups; although neither seems whole without the other. Tess' sculpture becomes more obscure and grotesque while Bibi's performance art turns to self-mutilation as a gateway to show more transcendence.

Skin" delves into themes of pain, obsession, and compulsion, using a distinctive writing style that mirrors the rawness of the characters' experiences. The intense and often unsettling relationship between Tess and Bibi is central to the narrative, portraying two individuals grappling with profound hurt and seeking solace in extreme ways. Bibi's descent into increasingly disturbing performances creates a palpable tension, blurring the lines between art and personal crisis, as highlighted by a show reviewer's observation of something profoundly "wrong" beneath the surface. "Skin" is a compelling, albeit disturbing, exploration of body horror and the depths of human pain. It is a story that is likely to evoke strong reactions in readers, potentially intriguing some while repelling others with its unflinching portrayal of its themes.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. show less

THE CIPHER! I don't even know what to say.

I've only recently joined the church of Koja. It may not be as big as some, Stephen King's say, but there are joys to be found in smaller congregations.

This is the story of Nakota and Nicholas who one day found a black hole, named it the funhole, and changed their lives forever. They stuck different things into the hole, (getting uncomfortable yet?), including bugs, a mouse, and then a hand. What happened to these items when they were thrust inside? You'll have to read this to find out!

I absolutely adore Ms. Koja's prose, and Joshua Saxon the narrator brought it home with flare. This must not have been an easy performance due to the style of the aforementioned prose-especially in the second half show more of the book because it's a stream-of-consciousness narrative. His voicing was phenomenal.

I'm a bit irritated with myself because the few clips I made of the audio that highlighted the prose apparently did not save. There were short, staccato-like descriptions that...stabbed at my heart. Beautiful, honest and evocative words that my brain immediately transferred to a visual-like a direct injection. For instance "...the flat was full of drizzly day." 7 words that draw a perfect scene. Brief, staccato, BAM: there's the picture-full and complete.

I could go on and on about this prose but I'll leave it at what I've written. Kathe Koja's writing probably isn't for everyone; the reviews seem pretty split on Goodreads. For me, however, I feel like I have been missing out out an author that is perfect for my dark and black heart. I'm on a mission to read everything she's written. I'm a Koja missionary, baby!

My highest recommendation!

*I received the audio-book from Audiobook Boom! and the narrator, in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!* show less

SKIN was way out of my comfort zone, but I'm so glad I gave it a shot. It was amazing!

This is the story of two women, Tess and Bibi. Artists. Body Art. Performance Art. Body Horror. Body modifications. Cutting. Lesbians. Bisexuals. Heart. Sculpture. Welding. Feeling. Cult Mentality. Hangers-on. Groupies. Darkness. Death. Wish you were dead. Wish I was dead. And finally? Love.
I love you.

Written in a prose that was sharp, stabbing, and staccato-like, SKIN takes some getting used to. I took a stab at it above, (get it? HA!), and it's much harder than it looks. (Or in this case, harder than it sounds, since I listened to this on audio.) I was amazed at how much the author was able to get across in so few words. Seriously, I was and still am show more astonished by it all.

I don't want to go into the plot too much, because it should unfold as the author intended. However, I did feel for these characters, I felt their pain and their need to be heard and loved. Though at other times I wanted to punch them both in the face. Either way, this book reached out to me and made me FEEL. Also, I feel like I accomplished something by surviving the experience, because this book was brutal at times.

At first I didn't care for the narration at all, but then I realized it was the prose that bothered me. As I said above, it takes some getting used to. Once I was more familiar with the writing style, the narration settled right into my head and this became more of a visual experience than a literary one. I'm not sure I'm making sense here, but looking at the other reviews, I don't think I'm the only one having trouble describing this book.

It's gory, heartbreaking, thrilling, cringe-inducing stuff. SKIN makes you think, it makes you face your fears, even as the characters attempt to face theirs. This tale isn't going to work for everyone, but it certainly worked for me!

Highly recommended!

*I was provided an Audible Audio code for this book by the narrator, in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!* show less

This book tells an interesting tale between two artists; one a sculptor who only lives for her work, no matter the cost, and a fey dancer who seems an unlikely companion to the other. The activities described in this book are not for the faint of heart and bring to light some of the “darker” sides of life. While lacking in total substance, the Author’s style is amazing. Not a book for everyone.

Im not sure what it was about this novel that made me give it a semi low score. Im just going to put that star directly in the middle.
I got halfway thru, and then reached a limit where I said, I can not continue down this path because of the writing style. I then began skimming thru chapters and thoroughly read the end.
It was way too erratic and DRAGGGGGED. At some points I enjoyed it for being artistic and unique, but I then became irritated and wanted the author to just please, for the love of God, just write the story out plainly so I can read this easily and not stagger in interpretation. If I knew I would have to interpret metaphors and symbolism, I would have been prepared for it and read it at a different time of my life. I show more jumped in expecting a normal horror story and came out of it feeling full of poetry and raw emotion.
What I did love about the story, was the imagery and the rawness of the characters.

The plot was completely insane so I did enjoy that as well.
It was just the erratic writing style that rubbed me a bit wrong. Is this the signature style of this author? OK Ill admit It is indeed unique and different in a world of plain cement stones...

It was interesting to view this group of starving frugal artists. I know quite a few of them in real life and I do find their lives fascinating. I know quite a few bizarre artists I would reccomend this to. show less

Another story of art and obsession. A pretty good read, but it never approaches the psychological darkness of her first two novels.