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In My Skin
How do you explain that sometimes it feels good to hurt?
In her sophomore year of college, Kara Winterson is coming undone. She’s not speaking to her best friend Shush, her boyfriend Eric broke up with her, and she’s on the verge of losing her scholarship.
But she’s fine. Really, she’s fine.
She’ll avoid Shush and the rumors she’s spreading about a predatory professor, get Eric back, and somehow not fail out of college. She’ll cope the way she always has. With the sharp edge of a razor blade writing stories into her skin.
Until Shush reveals a terrible secret and the one way Kara has learned to hold herself together becomes what tears her apart. And somewhere in the wreckage of everything she thought she knew, she starts the hardest thing she’s ever writing herself a new story.
In her debut novel, author Erin Lodes explores one girl’s story of self-harm and self-identity, informed and shaped by her own mental health struggles.
In her sophomore year of college, Kara Winterson is coming undone. She’s not speaking to her best friend Shush, her boyfriend Eric broke up with her, and she’s on the verge of losing her scholarship.
But she’s fine. Really, she’s fine.
She’ll avoid Shush and the rumors she’s spreading about a predatory professor, get Eric back, and somehow not fail out of college. She’ll cope the way she always has. With the sharp edge of a razor blade writing stories into her skin.
Until Shush reveals a terrible secret and the one way Kara has learned to hold herself together becomes what tears her apart. And somewhere in the wreckage of everything she thought she knew, she starts the hardest thing she’s ever writing herself a new story.
In her debut novel, author Erin Lodes explores one girl’s story of self-harm and self-identity, informed and shaped by her own mental health struggles.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2024
About the author
Erin Lodes
2 books6 followersErin Lodes currently lives between Ireland and Michigan. She hopes one day to be a full time author but until then, manages to fit writing in around a challenging but fulfilling day job. When she’s not writing or reading you can find her walking her dog Charlie, doing a puzzle, or watching her favorite TV shows for the millionth time.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 4, 2024
Wow. I could count on one hand the amount of books make me wish I could rate them more than 5 stars but this book has to be one of them. As someone who has struggles with mental health problems quite like the main character I related to so much of what Kara was feeling and what she was doing. I have never read a book that I related to on the same level as this one. Never read a book that made me feel heard and less alone. I would 100% reccomend reading but definitely check the trigger warnings first as it is a hard read.
Disclaimer: I recieved a free advanced review copy of this book however this reveiw is volontary and contains my own truthful opinions.
Disclaimer: I recieved a free advanced review copy of this book however this reveiw is volontary and contains my own truthful opinions.
March 27, 2024
Erin Lodes’ book, In My Skin, is an honest look at the inner struggles of a young woman. Kara is in college and has been self-harming for years. Her ‘boyfriend’, no spoilers here, takes advantage of her and other young women at the college, preying on their vulnerabilities and youth. Promised with fairy tale endings, Kara learns it is not the prince that saves her, but herself. This is an absorbing book, sad yet inspirational and educational.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2024
This book was such a moving, beautiful thing. There have been very few pieces of literature that i can put up on my shelf and point at and say "yeah there's a character like me" and now that shelf is getting bigger.
It was dark at times but not in a way that was overwhelming, and the pacing was off the charts.
This is the type of book that worms it's way into your ribs, slips in and stays. Every breath shifts it and brings your attention back to it. I'll think of this one for a very long time.
Oh and guys by the way she's fine. Definitely. Absolutely. 100%
P. S. i did receive an ARC (advanced reader copy) for this but one thing about me is i love to hate and so when i DON'T hate something i am very honest. And i have since bought it with real money because it's just that good.
P. P. S. definitely read this book xox
It was dark at times but not in a way that was overwhelming, and the pacing was off the charts.
This is the type of book that worms it's way into your ribs, slips in and stays. Every breath shifts it and brings your attention back to it. I'll think of this one for a very long time.
Oh and guys by the way she's fine. Definitely. Absolutely. 100%
P. S. i did receive an ARC (advanced reader copy) for this but one thing about me is i love to hate and so when i DON'T hate something i am very honest. And i have since bought it with real money because it's just that good.
P. P. S. definitely read this book xox
July 31, 2024
Raw. Honest. Brutal.
In My Skin, is the story of a young woman struggling with her mental health and self harming, especially after an unhealthy relationship comes to an end. I have never read a story where the narrator perfectly depicts what it is like to be in my own head struggling with mental health. The way this book is narrated with the short sentences and constant stream of inner monologue was so relatable and made the novel fast pace.
In My Skin, is the story of a young woman struggling with her mental health and self harming, especially after an unhealthy relationship comes to an end. I have never read a story where the narrator perfectly depicts what it is like to be in my own head struggling with mental health. The way this book is narrated with the short sentences and constant stream of inner monologue was so relatable and made the novel fast pace.
March 19, 2024
Everything is okay in Kara's life. Except for the huge fight with her best friend, her boyfriend breaking up with her, her failing calculus which might cause her to lose her college scholarship, and her parents being worried about how she is holding up. But she convinces herself she is fine because she still has her ritual, her prayer, which is the only thing keeping her sane right now. But no one will understand her, of that she is sure. She lost the Prince of her story because of the Dragon, as she refers to her former best friend, and she is hoping that everything will be back to normal soon enough. Until the Dragon strikes again, making her question her whole story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Trigger Warnings~ (for both the novel and this review) Self harm (cutting), suicide attempt, description of sexual assault, and discussions about mental health.
I thought this book would be heavy and that I might not be able to finish it in one day. But here I am, having read the book not just in a day but in one sitting. I was so engrossed in Kara's story, her metaphors, constant comparisons to fairy tales, and the beautiful writing style of the author. Yes, it was a heavy topic, but I felt very comfortable reading it because This feeling was wonderfully encompassed and explained in the novel.
I felt a connection with Kara from the very beginning. I believed every word she thought and was fascinated by her thought process. The depiction of her trauma was so poetic. I enjoyed seeing the world from Kara's perspective and loved that she had amazing and supportive people in her life to help her get through the tough times.
This is one of the best young adult fiction books I have read in a while, maybe because the author herself has gone through what she has written about, making the story even more raw and relatable. I highly encourage you to read this book if you are not triggered by the above warnings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Trigger Warnings~ (for both the novel and this review) Self harm (cutting), suicide attempt, description of sexual assault, and discussions about mental health.
I thought this book would be heavy and that I might not be able to finish it in one day. But here I am, having read the book not just in a day but in one sitting. I was so engrossed in Kara's story, her metaphors, constant comparisons to fairy tales, and the beautiful writing style of the author. Yes, it was a heavy topic, but I felt very comfortable reading it because This feeling was wonderfully encompassed and explained in the novel.
I felt a connection with Kara from the very beginning. I believed every word she thought and was fascinated by her thought process. The depiction of her trauma was so poetic. I enjoyed seeing the world from Kara's perspective and loved that she had amazing and supportive people in her life to help her get through the tough times.
This is one of the best young adult fiction books I have read in a while, maybe because the author herself has gone through what she has written about, making the story even more raw and relatable. I highly encourage you to read this book if you are not triggered by the above warnings.
March 31, 2024
1.2 stars
I’m not going to lie, this one wasn’t a vibe for me. I had picked this ARC up originally because I had thought the portrayal of the mental health experience (even though I know it’s unique per case) would be similar to My Dark Vanessa. In a way it is, but it seemed there was just something about this work that I couldn’t particularly allow myself to dive deep into.
I really wanted to appreciate this but I couldn’t find a way to understand what was going on. The first chapters took awhile for me to get through and the way time passed throughout the novel was very questionable for me. I couldn’t tell which was in the past and what was in the present and I think that was the biggest part as to why I couldn’t appreciate it. None of this was clear for me and even though mental health isn’t clear and straightforward, I do think it’s important that if and when it’s written that it is clear.
I also wasn’t sure what the whole dragon thing was about in the beginning but I suppose it comes full circle at one point. I just somehow kind of came to understand it but it took way too long to get.
I’m sorry, not for me. Perhaps I read this at a wrong point of my life so I couldn’t particularly appreciate it.
This is an ARC I picked up and I am leaving this honest review in exchange of getting it for free. I may read this again at another point but for now this rating stays at it is.
I’m not going to lie, this one wasn’t a vibe for me. I had picked this ARC up originally because I had thought the portrayal of the mental health experience (even though I know it’s unique per case) would be similar to My Dark Vanessa. In a way it is, but it seemed there was just something about this work that I couldn’t particularly allow myself to dive deep into.
I really wanted to appreciate this but I couldn’t find a way to understand what was going on. The first chapters took awhile for me to get through and the way time passed throughout the novel was very questionable for me. I couldn’t tell which was in the past and what was in the present and I think that was the biggest part as to why I couldn’t appreciate it. None of this was clear for me and even though mental health isn’t clear and straightforward, I do think it’s important that if and when it’s written that it is clear.
I also wasn’t sure what the whole dragon thing was about in the beginning but I suppose it comes full circle at one point. I just somehow kind of came to understand it but it took way too long to get.
I’m sorry, not for me. Perhaps I read this at a wrong point of my life so I couldn’t particularly appreciate it.
This is an ARC I picked up and I am leaving this honest review in exchange of getting it for free. I may read this again at another point but for now this rating stays at it is.
March 15, 2024
Erin Lodes' debut novel "In My Skin" delivers an emotionally charged narrative that captivates from start to finish. Through vivid storytelling, Lodes paints a raw and powerful portrait of a college-aged girl grappling with heartbreak, mental health challenges, and the complexities of self-harm. The main character's journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and the more you read, the more you will want to leap into the pages and give her a hug.
"In My Skin" is not merely a book; it's an emotional rollercoaster that elicits empathy and connection through honest and accurate accounts of mental health struggles. If you appreciate classic feminist novels that deal with mental illness (The Bell Jar, etc) then look no further for a modern take that will leave a lasting impact long after you've turned the final page.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book. My rating and review are voluntary. Please read the content warnings before diving into the book.
"In My Skin" is not merely a book; it's an emotional rollercoaster that elicits empathy and connection through honest and accurate accounts of mental health struggles. If you appreciate classic feminist novels that deal with mental illness (The Bell Jar, etc) then look no further for a modern take that will leave a lasting impact long after you've turned the final page.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book. My rating and review are voluntary. Please read the content warnings before diving into the book.
April 1, 2024
I chose this book as I felt this was an interesting topic, and wanted to know more about people’s thoughts and feelings that brings them to do this.
This book was written as a story, but importantly shared lots of emotions and thought processes that ran through Kara’s head.
Throughout the book there were advisories, so you can miss certain sections if you didn’t feel you wanted to read about certain things.
This book gives insight to possible thoughts going through a persons mind that leads them to do this and why they keep it hidden. It also towards the end emphasises that you are not alone and help is out there.
This book for me was also personal as I’ve had a family member go through this.
Thank you Erin.
This book was written as a story, but importantly shared lots of emotions and thought processes that ran through Kara’s head.
Throughout the book there were advisories, so you can miss certain sections if you didn’t feel you wanted to read about certain things.
This book gives insight to possible thoughts going through a persons mind that leads them to do this and why they keep it hidden. It also towards the end emphasises that you are not alone and help is out there.
This book for me was also personal as I’ve had a family member go through this.
Thank you Erin.
April 4, 2024
So so moving. Such a genuine portrayal of the messiness of mental illness.
The first time I read this book I was in a dark place but was denying/repressing it, even to myself. It helped me put into words what I was feeling, and see it from the outside. I couldn't finish it at the time because it was too real for me. But I got help, worked through some stuff and when I was ready, it was there waiting for me. So do hede the trigger warnings, but if you're comfortable with seeing into the mind of someone who's struggling, I HIGHLY recommend. I really can't explain how much it helped me.
It's also just such a 'quotable' book. There are lines that give me John Green vibes for how thought provoking and poetically sad they are.
The first time I read this book I was in a dark place but was denying/repressing it, even to myself. It helped me put into words what I was feeling, and see it from the outside. I couldn't finish it at the time because it was too real for me. But I got help, worked through some stuff and when I was ready, it was there waiting for me. So do hede the trigger warnings, but if you're comfortable with seeing into the mind of someone who's struggling, I HIGHLY recommend. I really can't explain how much it helped me.
It's also just such a 'quotable' book. There are lines that give me John Green vibes for how thought provoking and poetically sad they are.
May 16, 2024
This book was a real page turner in a way I didn’t expect it to be, letting you uncover the backstory bit by bit, and throwing in some twists that offer devastating reveals and push the storyline forward. It does a great job of describing the internal struggles of the main character as she navigates college and relationships amid her acts of self-harm and her doubts about her self-worth. The deep dive into how she feels, how her mind and body react to anxiety, and how she copes with the world, really draws you into the story. It’s a moving and authentic debut from Erin Lodes, personal and universal at the same time. Truly, no one is alone in struggling as a human.
April 5, 2024
This is book is the first book that has ever described the internal struggle of mental health. And it was done in a vulnerable way. I felt the struggles of the main character in my soul. Mental health is something that isn’t talked about enough and this debut novel sheds light on something that is not talked about enough, self harm. Something that was unique was Kara’s internal struggle comparing her every day life to the fairy tales she grew up reading and watching in movies.
I was hooked on the story and couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the authors next story .
I was hooked on the story and couldn’t put it down. Looking forward to the authors next story .
March 15, 2024
In My Skin was so authentically raw and honest.
The portrayal of a girl struggling with mental health was refreshingly real. I have never read a book that depicted the day to day internal conflict in such genuine way. I did not want to put the book down and it definitely made me reflect on my own perceptions and experiences.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The portrayal of a girl struggling with mental health was refreshingly real. I have never read a book that depicted the day to day internal conflict in such genuine way. I did not want to put the book down and it definitely made me reflect on my own perceptions and experiences.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews