Skin by Donna Jo Napoli
My lips are white. Sixteen-year-old Sep stares into the bathroom mirror. It's not some weird lipstick (she never wears lipstick). Her lips are just ? white. In a panic, she digs up an old lipstick and smears it on her colorless lips. But soon, more and more white spots begin to bloom, spreading their chalky tendrils across her olive brown skin. Does she have a disease? Is she turning into some kind of freak? Sep is usually the one who knows all the answers. With a quicksilver mind and a supple body, she's happiest when she's delving into the mysteries of animal biology or giving herself over to sweet, hot moves in Jazz Dance Club. Unlike her best friend, Devin, she's never been in a rush to get a boyfriend. But as the white blotches spread, her dating days ? like the endangered species she studies ? seem numbered. So when Joshua, a boy she's always liked, makes a flirty advance, she wonders: why not grab pleasure while she can? Frank, funny, and full of passion, this is the empowering story of a strong gifted teen who, as her life spins out of control, desperately tries to prove to the world ? and herself ? that she is deeper than skin.
Publishes in US: August 6th 2013 by Amazon Childrens Publishing
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: Netgalley
Series? No
Buy it: Amazon Barnes & Noble IndieBound Book Depository
Find Donna online: ~site
Sep is a character that is easy to relate to and it was a journey being in her head. She is realistic and although dealing with some hard issues and emotional, still brought humor and sarcasm to the table.
I can't imagine waking up and my lips being white, wondering what was wrong with me, and if it would spread, trying to hide it and deal with the worry would be so hard, but I get a glimpse of what that would be like through Sep.
I like the realistic friendship she has with her family and her best friend. It doesn't feel forced, but there is tension between her and her parents and her brother, but there are also those bonding moments that you know they are really there for her and I loved reading those moments. She tries to hide that there is anything wrong with her from everyone except her family at first, and that causes problems with her and her best friend. There is also the added bonus of the boy she used to be best friends with in elementary school now coming back into the picture.
It adds a lot of romantic tension as well as suspense because she isn't being upfront with him about the white spots. But still, I loved their stolen kisses and other touching as well as the awkwardness when she is straight up about things like asking if he is flirting with her and he gets all embarrassed and tongue tied.
Books similar to :(links go to my review)
My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you ever had to hide something physical like she uses lipstick to hide her white lips?
Lovely review for an interesting book, Brandi. As for your question, who hasn't used tubs of concealer to hide blemishes? :) Nothing major like Sep, however.
ReplyDeleteUnique story, strong female lead and voice, and to it's moving end. Please be aware that there are a few scenes that are not appropriate for younger readers.
ReplyDeleteIrene (Andean, Inc.)
So this is realistic fiction?? When I read the blurb I assumed it was paranormal or scifi or even a medical thriller. Sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics
I saw this yesterday, and I think it sounds really good. Great review.
ReplyDeleteWait..was this the author I tried to read a book by and it just mde me mad...hm
ReplyDeleteI like when a character brings some funny to what is a pretty emotional story. I hadn't heard about this before.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked Skin. The book was an emotional up and down for me, in a good way! The only thing was- I was a bit surprised that it was a YA, and some of the content threw me off guard. I thought some of it could have been handled with a bit more finesse. Loved the story and characters though.
ReplyDeleteOh wow this premise sounds really good! I would FREAK if I woke up with white lips lol. Like I'm super paranoid about health stuff. Anyways I think I'd really like this it sounds emotional with great overall relationships!
ReplyDeleteI have been wanting to read this one since I first heard about it. I can't recall trying to cover something up- but I would FREAK out if I woke up with white. I think I would have a panic attack. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete~Jess
yes I don't think I could imagine myself like that too.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time hearing of this, but it sounds really intriguing. I love the sound of the premise, its unique and something I would enjoy. I can't even imagine how I would react if something like that happened to me. Plus, I LOVE the sound of the engaging characters and just the right amount of romance! I can't wait to pick this up, soon! Glad you enjoyed this, Brandi! Great review! :D
ReplyDelete~ Maida
Literary Love Affair
I am really curious about this book. I remember seeing this one a while ago. I'm glad to know what it's about, but I want to know what the white spots are and if she's going to die from them. Guess I have to read then, don't I?
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting book, your post has made me intrigued! Would love if you could take a look at my blog :)http://storytellershannon.blogspot.co.uk/ xx
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of this book, very unique! Glad you enjoyed it. Other than the typical breakouts I've never really hid anything physical, but I can imagine it would be stressful to do that! Great review :-)
ReplyDeleteI have to put concealer under my eyes because I have dark circles from hell. I could sleep all day but the bags never fade :/ It's the one thing about my skin that really frustrates me. Of course, I don't think that compares to Sep's problem!
ReplyDeleteI've definitely experimented with concealer and foundation trying to cover my acne and zits-ugh, being a teenager! Love hearing about the realistic relationships featured in this book.
ReplyDelete