Skin (ePub)

“The author of the National Book Award Finalist Bastard Out of Carolina and Trash, a collection of short stories, has written a book of essays that are at once political, autobiographical and revolutionary. Underneath it all runs the bittersweet story of Allison’s journey to wholeness, as she moves to understand and embrace all the disparate parts of herself.” —Los Angeles Times

“Impassioned, personal and highly intelligent, Allison’s collection of published writings and addresses from the past decade examines issues of class and sexuality through the intricate lenses of autobiography and the literary experience.” —Publishers Weekly

“Allison has assembled a nourishing compilation of articles and essays about being ‘queer in a world that hates queers . . . poor [in] a world that despises the poor’ and a passionate writer and lover of literature. Written during the past 11 years, the two dozen pieces cover territory that has become central to Allison’s writing: the ‘deep and messy waters of class and sexual desire,’ prejudice, family, strong women, childhood sexual and emotional abuse, loss, love, betrayal, self-hatred, and self-definition.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Allison is fiercely honest and fearless when describing a sometimes-marginalized life among people who reject or patronize her because of her class or sexuality.” —School Library Journal