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Acne
Laura Chinn tells her by turns horrifying and hilarious story of growing up with non-conformist, pre-occupied parents and countless family tragedies, including really bad, chronic acne, her brother’s tragic decline from brain cancer, and how she found happiness despite everything.
Despite having blonde hair and fair skin, Laura Chinn is half-Black, the daughter of a Black father and a white mother, which on its own makes for some both hilarious and insightful looks at identity. Laura's parents--both Scientologists and nonconformists in myriad ways--got divorced early in Laura's childhood, and she spent her teen years ping-ponging back and forth between Clearwater, Florida and Los Angeles (with an extended stint in Tijuana for good measure). Laura lived alone and raised herself for long periods of time (don't worry, an alcoholic stepdad was always nearby to supervise), lost many family members to horrific tragedies, dropped out of high school in her teens, and was all the while completely obsessed with and scarred by her severe acne condition.
This story is not a sad story. There is Jello-wrestling. There is a story about what it means to "borrow mayonnaise" from your cute new neighbor. There is information about whether you can drink gallons of sangria while taking unregulated Accutane acquired in Mexico. But mostly there is love, and ultimately there is redemption. Laura shows how with grit and determination and an openness to the good in the world, we can overcome almost anything to find love, happiness, and yes, even clear skin.
Despite having blonde hair and fair skin, Laura Chinn is half-Black, the daughter of a Black father and a white mother, which on its own makes for some both hilarious and insightful looks at identity. Laura's parents--both Scientologists and nonconformists in myriad ways--got divorced early in Laura's childhood, and she spent her teen years ping-ponging back and forth between Clearwater, Florida and Los Angeles (with an extended stint in Tijuana for good measure). Laura lived alone and raised herself for long periods of time (don't worry, an alcoholic stepdad was always nearby to supervise), lost many family members to horrific tragedies, dropped out of high school in her teens, and was all the while completely obsessed with and scarred by her severe acne condition.
This story is not a sad story. There is Jello-wrestling. There is a story about what it means to "borrow mayonnaise" from your cute new neighbor. There is information about whether you can drink gallons of sangria while taking unregulated Accutane acquired in Mexico. But mostly there is love, and ultimately there is redemption. Laura shows how with grit and determination and an openness to the good in the world, we can overcome almost anything to find love, happiness, and yes, even clear skin.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2022
64 people are currently reading
6051 people want to read
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November 14, 2022
UPDATE is below the 💕
5 +++++ star rating!!!! Every once in a while we listen to a book that you want to put in the hands of every single person on the planet and especially the people that you love —
especially to anybody who has experienced any amount trauma in their lives. Especially to the people who haven’t.
I’m out hiking… I’ll write a more complete review later— but for now I want to deeply thank my friends who read this book before me.
Read the other five star reviews on Goodreads— I agree that this is a MUST READ (read every single word from beginning to end) — the AUDIOBOOK IS EXCEPTIONAL!!
Nobody is beyond or above the content in this book —-
💕
UPDATE REVIEW ….
Laura Chinn struggled with acne. It almost feels humorous that her zits (a form of inflammation-blocked follicles-and possibly too much stress), could upstage the trauma of her parents divorce and her brothers brain cancer.
Ha…
…but welcome to the neurological development of the teenage brain —a time when the frontal lobe is not fully developed ….yet — (the rational part of a teenager’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until around age 25 or so).
Here’s an example of the way Laura was thinking during her teen years):
“My Brother was blind and deaf and in a wheelchair, and I was still jealous of his clear skin”.
Laura was growing up fast — in ways most parents ‘pray-to-god’ —‘not-my-kid’……(witnessing gang bangs, drinking, smoking, hanging around with other teen friends where the majority of them had been having abortions for years (ages 14-16), jello wrestling, mechanical bull-riding at a strip club, drunk driving, High School drop out,……
all the while,….’years’ of searching for solutions to clear her skin:
Accutane, diet, anabiotic‘s, and purification rituals.
One of the things that might have saved Laura is she (herself) never did hard core drugs.
Laura’s parents were not like most parents — (they were non-conformist/Scientologist)- they also had a messy divorce.
Laura was not an average-‘All-American-Kid’.
… her dad was Black…..her mother White….
Laura simply felt like ‘OTHER’.
Laura spent many of her primitive years bouncing back-and-forth between living in Clearwater Florida, and Los Angeles…and a short time in Tijuana). Her parents, (in Los Angeles), were focused on trying to save their son, Max’s life.
For awhile, at age 13, Laura lived by herself in their Florida home. Her mom‘s alcoholic-boyfriend lived in another room behind the house.…(he gave Laura money for food when she needed it).
Laura’s dad lived in Los Angeles
There were several parts in the book where Laura talks about how blatantly racist people were around her. Yet in her own family she grew up with everyone being a different color.
Because of her identity she was able to add some interesting insights into racism. (very real - very thought-provoking).
There is much more to say about this book — much to contemplate—A BOOK WORTHY TO BE READ BY MILLIONS….
Soooo much tragedy- loss- deaths-
Fact is ….it’s heartbreaking!…..
But…..
…..Yes….there are funny parts (because Laura Chinn is adorable— with a spunky lovable personality)…..
and like ‘real life’ ……tragedy is often braised comedy.
Towards the end …. there are several opportunities to shed some tears…..(it’s possible for sure)…..but might not actually happen to readers….
The sadness is sad
The growth, healing, and forgiveness is LIFE ALTERING significant/ important/ difference-making….leaving an impressive impression.
Today….Laura Chinn is the creator and star of a series called “Florida Girls”. (Paul and I purchased the 11 episodes/series last night for $11)….haven’t watched it yet.
Laura was brutally honest in this memoir —(an ex-zit-it-girl) —
So…..ha…..
feeling ( somewhat) like proud parents ‘for her’ — Paul and I want to see the show that she created.
Gotta love this quote by Tina Fey:
“You know how people justify insane horrors by saying ‘It was a different time’? Laura Chinn will transport you to that time. This book is funny and heartbreakingly honest”
A few excerpts from the books:
“Things get very real when you’re in the shit”.
“I learned very early that doing the work was the only method to achieving things I wanted”.
“It’s hard to become innocent and pure on the outside when you feel broken and corrupted on the inside”.
“There is nothing like finishing off a pack of cigarettes and then crawling into bed with your mom”.
“When it was my turn to be a teenager there was no curfew, no dinner to fight about, and nothing to rebel against. My mom had already given up being my mom, but she was my friend. My best friend. I told her everything. I was my genuine self around her because I knew she would never judge me or punish me. She was the person I could go to who would listen and show me compassion and love. She was my unconditional friend”.
Seriously astonishing …..
Laura’s memoir speaks with an understanding of the unconscionable……
….. stunning— heart wrenching with a lovely ending.
5 +++++ star rating!!!! Every once in a while we listen to a book that you want to put in the hands of every single person on the planet and especially the people that you love —
especially to anybody who has experienced any amount trauma in their lives. Especially to the people who haven’t.
I’m out hiking… I’ll write a more complete review later— but for now I want to deeply thank my friends who read this book before me.
Read the other five star reviews on Goodreads— I agree that this is a MUST READ (read every single word from beginning to end) — the AUDIOBOOK IS EXCEPTIONAL!!
Nobody is beyond or above the content in this book —-
💕
UPDATE REVIEW ….
Laura Chinn struggled with acne. It almost feels humorous that her zits (a form of inflammation-blocked follicles-and possibly too much stress), could upstage the trauma of her parents divorce and her brothers brain cancer.
Ha…
…but welcome to the neurological development of the teenage brain —a time when the frontal lobe is not fully developed ….yet — (the rational part of a teenager’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until around age 25 or so).
Here’s an example of the way Laura was thinking during her teen years):
“My Brother was blind and deaf and in a wheelchair, and I was still jealous of his clear skin”.
Laura was growing up fast — in ways most parents ‘pray-to-god’ —‘not-my-kid’……(witnessing gang bangs, drinking, smoking, hanging around with other teen friends where the majority of them had been having abortions for years (ages 14-16), jello wrestling, mechanical bull-riding at a strip club, drunk driving, High School drop out,……
all the while,….’years’ of searching for solutions to clear her skin:
Accutane, diet, anabiotic‘s, and purification rituals.
One of the things that might have saved Laura is she (herself) never did hard core drugs.
Laura’s parents were not like most parents — (they were non-conformist/Scientologist)- they also had a messy divorce.
Laura was not an average-‘All-American-Kid’.
… her dad was Black…..her mother White….
Laura simply felt like ‘OTHER’.
Laura spent many of her primitive years bouncing back-and-forth between living in Clearwater Florida, and Los Angeles…and a short time in Tijuana). Her parents, (in Los Angeles), were focused on trying to save their son, Max’s life.
For awhile, at age 13, Laura lived by herself in their Florida home. Her mom‘s alcoholic-boyfriend lived in another room behind the house.…(he gave Laura money for food when she needed it).
Laura’s dad lived in Los Angeles
There were several parts in the book where Laura talks about how blatantly racist people were around her. Yet in her own family she grew up with everyone being a different color.
Because of her identity she was able to add some interesting insights into racism. (very real - very thought-provoking).
There is much more to say about this book — much to contemplate—A BOOK WORTHY TO BE READ BY MILLIONS….
Soooo much tragedy- loss- deaths-
Fact is ….it’s heartbreaking!…..
But…..
…..Yes….there are funny parts (because Laura Chinn is adorable— with a spunky lovable personality)…..
and like ‘real life’ ……tragedy is often braised comedy.
Towards the end …. there are several opportunities to shed some tears…..(it’s possible for sure)…..but might not actually happen to readers….
The sadness is sad
The growth, healing, and forgiveness is LIFE ALTERING significant/ important/ difference-making….leaving an impressive impression.
Today….Laura Chinn is the creator and star of a series called “Florida Girls”. (Paul and I purchased the 11 episodes/series last night for $11)….haven’t watched it yet.
Laura was brutally honest in this memoir —(an ex-zit-it-girl) —
So…..ha…..
feeling ( somewhat) like proud parents ‘for her’ — Paul and I want to see the show that she created.
Gotta love this quote by Tina Fey:
“You know how people justify insane horrors by saying ‘It was a different time’? Laura Chinn will transport you to that time. This book is funny and heartbreakingly honest”
A few excerpts from the books:
“Things get very real when you’re in the shit”.
“I learned very early that doing the work was the only method to achieving things I wanted”.
“It’s hard to become innocent and pure on the outside when you feel broken and corrupted on the inside”.
“There is nothing like finishing off a pack of cigarettes and then crawling into bed with your mom”.
“When it was my turn to be a teenager there was no curfew, no dinner to fight about, and nothing to rebel against. My mom had already given up being my mom, but she was my friend. My best friend. I told her everything. I was my genuine self around her because I knew she would never judge me or punish me. She was the person I could go to who would listen and show me compassion and love. She was my unconditional friend”.
Seriously astonishing …..
Laura’s memoir speaks with an understanding of the unconscionable……
….. stunning— heart wrenching with a lovely ending.
October 26, 2022
I simultaneously read a Kindle e-edition and an Axis 360 audio edition read by the author.
Hilarious! I laughed out loud even when reading about truly traumatic and upsetting events. I haven’t laughed while reading a book this much for a very long time and for the most part it’s not even about amusing things. There were also times I didn’t laugh because it was just too sad. A lot of things that happen are heartbreaking.
Even though this author’s life and my life were wildly different in most ways I identified so much with her. The most obvious is growing up part of the time in a parentless house but there are other things too.
I’m happy that she found happiness and acceptance (for self and for others) and gained so much from treatments/work she tried and relieved that she seemed to keep some of her skepticism in some ways. I think some of the more “far out” things she did were actually very psychologically astute and the kinds of things that would happen in good psychotherapy sessions. I appreciate that she doesn’t tell anybody else what to do, including the things she has done.
I think anyone who has had trauma when young will love this book and those that haven’t had trauma probably should read it too.
4-1/2 stars The half star off is for an ending that seems rushed and rosy, though I don’t doubt that it is true.
She is seriously funny and I’m not surprised that she has ended up as a tv comedy writer.
I don’t want to write too many details about her life story. I knew one thing in addition to the acne (but no specifics about it) and I know I enjoyed reading the book more going in not knowing what would be on the pages.
The author’s narration of the audio book is great. If it was another book or the narrator was not the author I’d say there was too much emoting but the author did write it and does read it and she’s telling her own story so for me it worked perfectly.
I loved it.
Hilarious! I laughed out loud even when reading about truly traumatic and upsetting events. I haven’t laughed while reading a book this much for a very long time and for the most part it’s not even about amusing things. There were also times I didn’t laugh because it was just too sad. A lot of things that happen are heartbreaking.
Even though this author’s life and my life were wildly different in most ways I identified so much with her. The most obvious is growing up part of the time in a parentless house but there are other things too.
I’m happy that she found happiness and acceptance (for self and for others) and gained so much from treatments/work she tried and relieved that she seemed to keep some of her skepticism in some ways. I think some of the more “far out” things she did were actually very psychologically astute and the kinds of things that would happen in good psychotherapy sessions. I appreciate that she doesn’t tell anybody else what to do, including the things she has done.
I think anyone who has had trauma when young will love this book and those that haven’t had trauma probably should read it too.
4-1/2 stars The half star off is for an ending that seems rushed and rosy, though I don’t doubt that it is true.
She is seriously funny and I’m not surprised that she has ended up as a tv comedy writer.
I don’t want to write too many details about her life story. I knew one thing in addition to the acne (but no specifics about it) and I know I enjoyed reading the book more going in not knowing what would be on the pages.
The author’s narration of the audio book is great. If it was another book or the narrator was not the author I’d say there was too much emoting but the author did write it and does read it and she’s telling her own story so for me it worked perfectly.
I loved it.
January 10, 2022
I loved this! I saw myself in Laura Chinn's words so much. I laughed. I got teary. I felt shame. I felt her story, and it lit up some if my own that I have pushed away. Beautiful and powerful.
August 19, 2022
Available now this is a MUST-read memoir. I could not devour this fast enough. I see a lot of similarities to one of my favorite memoirs, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. Like Walls, Chinn is able to see her parents as humans with limitations and weaknesses. There is so much power in forgiveness and the path towards it is one I’m always invested in.
This memoir is filled with stories of Laura’s childhood that will horrify you, at times rip your heart out and even make you laugh uncontrollably. Laura’s parents were very unconventional and there’s so much I could spill about Laura’s life but you need to experience it for yourself. Having gone in blind I see that the synopsis spoils some of that for the reader, so I urge you to just jump in. Content warnings a plenty so feel free to reach out if you need a heads up.
This memoir is filled with stories of Laura’s childhood that will horrify you, at times rip your heart out and even make you laugh uncontrollably. Laura’s parents were very unconventional and there’s so much I could spill about Laura’s life but you need to experience it for yourself. Having gone in blind I see that the synopsis spoils some of that for the reader, so I urge you to just jump in. Content warnings a plenty so feel free to reach out if you need a heads up.
July 19, 2022
5✨
GODDAMN what a good memoir! What I thought would be the life story of a woman living with severe, life-altering cystic acne turned out to be so, so much more than that. This was funny, tragic, wholly enthralling, and painful, and above all RELATABLE in ways I just wasn't expecting. And I won't hold you, in the first couple chapters I was a little worried I wasn't going to like this -- fast forward to the last page and I'm blown away.
Somehow Laura Chinn was able to share some of the worst parts of herself, the most god-awful stories and revelations about her life. The wildly intimate and inappropriate stuff that really makes a person a person, and she did it with biting humor and a big brain. If you could see my physical arc, you'd probably laugh at the number of sticky tabs I stuffed in there. Every page unlocked another quip I want to keep forever.
I know this is a big, glowing review and I've made my point, it's really good, but I just want to say one more thing. I want to give Chinn her kudos for how she presented her journey with emotional healing through spirituality, magic, and physical movement. She took this concept that generates a lot of eye-rolls and skepticism and not only shared her experience but then followed up with "scrap all that hokey stuff, here's a little science if you're not totally convinced" and I really appreciate that. Not because I am a hard skeptic of the power of yoga or meditation or reiki or crystal work or hypnotherapy or any of that -- I know that stuff could work and does work and have experienced some of it in on my own way. I think I just really liked Chinn's real ass way of saying "yeah, it sounds weird and silly, roll your eyes, and try it anyway."
I'm going to try and list out some content warnings that really stand out to me and might help someone decide if they want to pick this book up or not. This is not an exhaustive list by any means and I'm sorry for that.
CONTENT WARNINGS: alcoholism, drug use, death (hospice care), death of a loved one/friends, murder, rape/sexual assault, grief, suicidal ideation, depression, infidelity/cheating, racism, sexism/misogyny.
Finally, shoutout to my fellow book friend Molly (@book.ish.bitch on IG) for sending me the arc from Hachette Books. This officially comes out July 2022, keep your eyes peeled.
--
✍🏽 Add me as a friend or follow my Goodreads for more reviews like this!
📚 Follow me on IG: @whataprilreads
🐝 Keep tabs on me here, so you know when I start a new project! https://linktr.ee/whataprilreads
GODDAMN what a good memoir! What I thought would be the life story of a woman living with severe, life-altering cystic acne turned out to be so, so much more than that. This was funny, tragic, wholly enthralling, and painful, and above all RELATABLE in ways I just wasn't expecting. And I won't hold you, in the first couple chapters I was a little worried I wasn't going to like this -- fast forward to the last page and I'm blown away.
Somehow Laura Chinn was able to share some of the worst parts of herself, the most god-awful stories and revelations about her life. The wildly intimate and inappropriate stuff that really makes a person a person, and she did it with biting humor and a big brain. If you could see my physical arc, you'd probably laugh at the number of sticky tabs I stuffed in there. Every page unlocked another quip I want to keep forever.
I know this is a big, glowing review and I've made my point, it's really good, but I just want to say one more thing. I want to give Chinn her kudos for how she presented her journey with emotional healing through spirituality, magic, and physical movement. She took this concept that generates a lot of eye-rolls and skepticism and not only shared her experience but then followed up with "scrap all that hokey stuff, here's a little science if you're not totally convinced" and I really appreciate that. Not because I am a hard skeptic of the power of yoga or meditation or reiki or crystal work or hypnotherapy or any of that -- I know that stuff could work and does work and have experienced some of it in on my own way. I think I just really liked Chinn's real ass way of saying "yeah, it sounds weird and silly, roll your eyes, and try it anyway."
I'm going to try and list out some content warnings that really stand out to me and might help someone decide if they want to pick this book up or not. This is not an exhaustive list by any means and I'm sorry for that.
CONTENT WARNINGS: alcoholism, drug use, death (hospice care), death of a loved one/friends, murder, rape/sexual assault, grief, suicidal ideation, depression, infidelity/cheating, racism, sexism/misogyny.
Finally, shoutout to my fellow book friend Molly (@book.ish.bitch on IG) for sending me the arc from Hachette Books. This officially comes out July 2022, keep your eyes peeled.
--
✍🏽 Add me as a friend or follow my Goodreads for more reviews like this!
📚 Follow me on IG: @whataprilreads
🐝 Keep tabs on me here, so you know when I start a new project! https://linktr.ee/whataprilreads
August 14, 2022
I didn't even know who Laura Chinn was before I read her memoir, "Acne". This was such a fun and heartbreaking read. I don't think there was anything I didn't like about this book. Memoirs can be a hit or miss for me, but this one was a winner all the way! This book is more than a girl/woman suffering from cystic acne. Laura has gone through a lot of personal loss and setbacks in her life. She also had a very unconventional childhood. She pretty much raised herself after her parents checked out mentally after their divorce. Laura's prose is hilarious, heartfelt, candid, and poignant. I'm so glad I went into this book with an open mind. She's very lucky she survived such a chaotic and traumatic upbringing. Such a down-to-earth and relatable memoir. Highly recommended!
Thank you, Netgalley and Hachette for the digital ARC.
Thank you, Netgalley and Hachette for the digital ARC.
October 10, 2022
No comedian or sitcom can come close to the hilarity of real human suffering, the agonizing pain that builds up and can only be released through maniacal laughter. (57)That line alone in this wild memoir gives you the gist of the celebratory energy flowing through this tale of dysfunction, chronic pimples, and healing.
I loved it!
July 5, 2022
A fascinating memoir about family, happiness, identity, grief and finding yourself.
Also, there is Jell-O wrestling.
Also, there is Jell-O wrestling.
July 18, 2022
what a fantastic, funny, tragic-but-laugh-through-the-pain memoir. Laura Chinn writes not just of crippling cystic acne (relatable) but more so the trauma of her parents’ divorce, zig zagging coast to coast trying to navigate life without real parental figures, her brother’s terminal brain cancer, drug-addled friends and questionable youth escapades (not relatable at all but wild and intimate and entertaining). this kind of memoir could definitely fall into the dark humor puff pity piece, but Chinn describes it all with a really biting humor that acknowledges she was going through a lot, but also maybe also was an asshole at times, just surviving. What can I say, I laughed, I cried, I bookmarked like crazy bc the little quips cut right to the emotional core of healing from trauma, I’m a fan.
thank you Hatchette Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
thank you Hatchette Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
October 4, 2022
I could not put this memoir down! Laura Chinn has worked as a comedy television writer/producer/actress and her skills are evident here. This book had me laughing out loud and trying to tell the nearest person all about it. That's no easy feat for a book that traces many serious parts of Chinn's life.
She writes about her rough and tumble upbringing bouncing back and forth between California and Florida (and briefly Mexico). While the book is titled for her decades-long relationship with acne, she weaves that thread through the times in life when she was faced with grief, addiction, poverty and other traumas.
The humor is dark at times, but overall Chinn's writing belies a compassion for her younger self and the adults in her life who couldn't be everything she needed at the time. I appreciated Chinn's willingness to share her experiences growing up in the Church of Scientology. She also writes candidly about her experience as a mixed-race, white-passing person.
In the latter part of the book there were sections that bordered on self-help that I didn't care for. I'm a Californian and have a high tolerance for "woo" content, but I'm particularly tired of rhetoric espousing "clean food" or fear-mongering around "toxins," because I find these labels harmful. These sections are about Chinn's health journey, and she emphasizes that this was just her own experience, so I don't take great issue with it.
Trigger warning for content (I noticed): death in the family, terminal illness, ableism, euthanasia debate, racism, colorism, addiction, suicide, sexual assault/assault involving minors, divorce.
I voluntarily obtained a digital advanced reader copy of this book free from Netgalley and Hachette Books in exchange for an honest review. The book is expected to publish in July of 2022.
There's nothing like polishing off a pack of cigarettes and then climbing in bed with your mommy.
She writes about her rough and tumble upbringing bouncing back and forth between California and Florida (and briefly Mexico). While the book is titled for her decades-long relationship with acne, she weaves that thread through the times in life when she was faced with grief, addiction, poverty and other traumas.
She was gorgeous--really tall and had that glow that comes from a trauma-free childhood.
The humor is dark at times, but overall Chinn's writing belies a compassion for her younger self and the adults in her life who couldn't be everything she needed at the time. I appreciated Chinn's willingness to share her experiences growing up in the Church of Scientology. She also writes candidly about her experience as a mixed-race, white-passing person.
In the latter part of the book there were sections that bordered on self-help that I didn't care for. I'm a Californian and have a high tolerance for "woo" content, but I'm particularly tired of rhetoric espousing "clean food" or fear-mongering around "toxins," because I find these labels harmful. These sections are about Chinn's health journey, and she emphasizes that this was just her own experience, so I don't take great issue with it.
Trigger warning for content (I noticed): death in the family, terminal illness, ableism, euthanasia debate, racism, colorism, addiction, suicide, sexual assault/assault involving minors, divorce.
I voluntarily obtained a digital advanced reader copy of this book free from Netgalley and Hachette Books in exchange for an honest review. The book is expected to publish in July of 2022.
September 4, 2025
aici detalii: https://ramonaboldizsar.substack.com/...
Plot: autobiografia Laurei Chinn. O viață marcată de acneea explozivă în mijlocul tragediei personale, o familie disfuncțională, creșterea & dezvoltarea într-o societate patriarhală cu gândire pedofilă, pericolele mentale, fizice și de grup ale adolescenței.
Mi s-a părut teribil de bună Acnee. E o carte scrisă simplu, un memoir onest și înduioșător, adesea amuzant (tragicomic mai mult) care te va scoate din zona de confort. Laura Chinn vorbește despre o viață marcată de această acnee explozivă care i-a modificat complet viziunea despre sine și care a modelat multe din experiențele și deciziile sale, direct sau indirect. Vorbește însă și despre copilăria sa într-o familie ușor disfuncțională care mai târziu ajunge să se confrunte cu un lucru teribil de greu: fratele său face cancer și, în urma unei intervenții pe creier, viața lui se schimbă complet. Laura Chinn ne arată o forță extraordinară atunci când scrie despre cele mai inconfortabile lucruri, atunci când ne povestește despre deciziile neinspirate, adesea egoiste pe care le-a luat. Mi se pare importantă nu doar pentru această dramă personală, pentru această sinceritate debordantă cu care ne arată și se arată pe sine (nu tocmai într-o lumină pozitivă), ci și pentru că avem aici o analiză foarte bună a societății patriarhale cu mentalitate pedofilă în care am copilărit și noi. Laura Chinn s-a născut în 1986, eu în 1993 (și într-o complet altă cultură) și tot înțeleg foarte bine unele lucruri pe care le spune despre adolescență, despre corp, identitate, imagine de sine și modul în care sunt tratate fetele-minore de bărbați adulți (dar și femei, dintr-un unghi fie al protejării, fie al invidiei).
Laura Chinn a crescut într-o familie adeptă a Bisericii Scientologice - și e și asta interesant de observat. M-a dus cu gândul la O istorie a lumilor de Emily Fridlund (Vellant) în care avem povestea unei tinere, Linda, care se împrietenește cu o familie adeptă a Bisericii Scientologice, dar la modul pe care noi l-am numi „habotnic”. Laura Chinn însă rămâne la suprafață pe tematica asta, nevrând să aprofundeze sau pur și simplu nefiind un subiect la fel de relevant cum erau celelalte aspecte.
E cu siguranță o autobiografie pe care o s-o tot recomand, chiar dacă nu pot înțelege în întregime anumite decizii finale cu privire la vindecare copilului interior - totuși, îmi plac concluziile sale foarte bine trasate și raționale, complet rezonabile în ceea ce privește asumpția că stresul, emoțional și fizic, poate fi diminuat prin orice metodă e prielnică pentru tine.
Plot: autobiografia Laurei Chinn. O viață marcată de acneea explozivă în mijlocul tragediei personale, o familie disfuncțională, creșterea & dezvoltarea într-o societate patriarhală cu gândire pedofilă, pericolele mentale, fizice și de grup ale adolescenței.
Mi s-a părut teribil de bună Acnee. E o carte scrisă simplu, un memoir onest și înduioșător, adesea amuzant (tragicomic mai mult) care te va scoate din zona de confort. Laura Chinn vorbește despre o viață marcată de această acnee explozivă care i-a modificat complet viziunea despre sine și care a modelat multe din experiențele și deciziile sale, direct sau indirect. Vorbește însă și despre copilăria sa într-o familie ușor disfuncțională care mai târziu ajunge să se confrunte cu un lucru teribil de greu: fratele său face cancer și, în urma unei intervenții pe creier, viața lui se schimbă complet. Laura Chinn ne arată o forță extraordinară atunci când scrie despre cele mai inconfortabile lucruri, atunci când ne povestește despre deciziile neinspirate, adesea egoiste pe care le-a luat. Mi se pare importantă nu doar pentru această dramă personală, pentru această sinceritate debordantă cu care ne arată și se arată pe sine (nu tocmai într-o lumină pozitivă), ci și pentru că avem aici o analiză foarte bună a societății patriarhale cu mentalitate pedofilă în care am copilărit și noi. Laura Chinn s-a născut în 1986, eu în 1993 (și într-o complet altă cultură) și tot înțeleg foarte bine unele lucruri pe care le spune despre adolescență, despre corp, identitate, imagine de sine și modul în care sunt tratate fetele-minore de bărbați adulți (dar și femei, dintr-un unghi fie al protejării, fie al invidiei).
Laura Chinn a crescut într-o familie adeptă a Bisericii Scientologice - și e și asta interesant de observat. M-a dus cu gândul la O istorie a lumilor de Emily Fridlund (Vellant) în care avem povestea unei tinere, Linda, care se împrietenește cu o familie adeptă a Bisericii Scientologice, dar la modul pe care noi l-am numi „habotnic”. Laura Chinn însă rămâne la suprafață pe tematica asta, nevrând să aprofundeze sau pur și simplu nefiind un subiect la fel de relevant cum erau celelalte aspecte.
E cu siguranță o autobiografie pe care o s-o tot recomand, chiar dacă nu pot înțelege în întregime anumite decizii finale cu privire la vindecare copilului interior - totuși, îmi plac concluziile sale foarte bine trasate și raționale, complet rezonabile în ceea ce privește asumpția că stresul, emoțional și fizic, poate fi diminuat prin orice metodă e prielnică pentru tine.
December 29, 2021
A very moving memoir that I could not put down! I was drawn to the book because of it's extremely relatable title and description. I really appreciate how Chinn was able to intertwine the story of her dysfunctional childhood and young adult life with her battle with chronic cystic acne all while conveying the deep love she felt for her family despite all the hardships. Some parts of the book were tough to read but I really appreciated the honesty and her ability to make you laugh despite the pain you felt for her. Chinn's fortitude is so admirable and I, while not being a very "woo woo" person, really appreciated the way she tied it all with a bow in the end!
August 21, 2022
I think about this book every day, but I hesitate to write a review because nothing I can say will really capture how much this book has impacted me.
Laura Chinn's memoir is her coming-of-age story. Her mother is white, her father is black. They are both Scientologists. Laura's brother is seemingly perfect (until he isn't)., and her skin is riddled with acne. The acne isn't a big part of the story actually, though it was immensely important to Laura at the time. This book is much more about learning to communicate with those we love and embracing the mess that makes up each individual life.
Also, Laura Chinn is hilarious. A truly engaging storyteller.
Laura Chinn's memoir is her coming-of-age story. Her mother is white, her father is black. They are both Scientologists. Laura's brother is seemingly perfect (until he isn't)., and her skin is riddled with acne. The acne isn't a big part of the story actually, though it was immensely important to Laura at the time. This book is much more about learning to communicate with those we love and embracing the mess that makes up each individual life.
Also, Laura Chinn is hilarious. A truly engaging storyteller.
August 12, 2022
Damn, did Laura go through a lot in her life. A childhood that I can’t imagine and an adult hood that just giving out the punches. I almost felt horrible to laugh out loud at the eventful things that just kept happening but she made it lighthearted and easy to listen to. Was a nice change from my regular memoirs that tend to lean to the deep soul searching reads.
October 28, 2022
I didn't know who Laura Chinn was before I picked this up, but the title and premise got me -- finally, a book that would reflect my own lifelong experience of being plagued by bad skin! I was so eager to read a book about this topic and I hoped it would outline the debilitating effects of acne and that I'd feel understood. However, that isn't really the case here. It's not so much an acne journey but the author's recollection of growing up with acne, where her skin woes are on the periphery of some very serious and very tumultuous episodes of her adolescence, featuring some very colourful characters. Florida is definitely living up to its reputation here. Overall, it's an incredibly engaging and funny book -- I really liked Chinn's self-aware and witty voice, so even though it didn't live up to my expectations about how much she laments her skin, this is a very gritty and honest book that turned out to be unexpectedly sad.
Something I'll mention that I disliked is (to come back to my hopes of a truly acne-focused book) the way that she "heals" her skin. I understand this is a memoir so she's presumably recounting her real experience, but the ending made me roll my eyes. I wasn't expecting practical skin advice, but I also wasn't expecting spiritualism. Second, I was also confused at times by the narrative timeline. The chapters are short and are broadly in chronological order, yet some chapters jump back in time in a way that's confusing and didn't make sense.
Something I'll mention that I disliked is (to come back to my hopes of a truly acne-focused book) the way that she "heals" her skin. I understand this is a memoir so she's presumably recounting her real experience, but the ending made me roll my eyes. I wasn't expecting practical skin advice, but I also wasn't expecting spiritualism. Second, I was also confused at times by the narrative timeline. The chapters are short and are broadly in chronological order, yet some chapters jump back in time in a way that's confusing and didn't make sense.
August 7, 2022
Books had never made me cry before. But this one did.
When I bought this book, I was expecting a story of a woman who has been struggling with acne all her life, a story which I can relate to and get some comfort from and have some laughs with. Boy, it was much more than that!
Although I could relate to Chinn's acne, her life was beyond what I could imagine. I was horrified by her stories, and also surprised by her honesty. I wasn't expecting that level of honesty.
Kym Whitley says, "Chinn shares deeply personal stories that will make you inappropriately laugh out loud until you're in tears."
Chinn writes about her story with a sense of humour. I smiled, I laughed out loud, but at the same time, I felt sad and horrified. At one point, I cried.
I was really into this book that when I finished, it felt like I had just lived a life. That's what I love about good memoirs and novels.
The final chapters also gave me some insights and realisations and some things to think about.
This is one of the books that I will never forget.
When I bought this book, I was expecting a story of a woman who has been struggling with acne all her life, a story which I can relate to and get some comfort from and have some laughs with. Boy, it was much more than that!
Although I could relate to Chinn's acne, her life was beyond what I could imagine. I was horrified by her stories, and also surprised by her honesty. I wasn't expecting that level of honesty.
Kym Whitley says, "Chinn shares deeply personal stories that will make you inappropriately laugh out loud until you're in tears."
Chinn writes about her story with a sense of humour. I smiled, I laughed out loud, but at the same time, I felt sad and horrified. At one point, I cried.
I was really into this book that when I finished, it felt like I had just lived a life. That's what I love about good memoirs and novels.
The final chapters also gave me some insights and realisations and some things to think about.
This is one of the books that I will never forget.
December 3, 2022
As always I struggle with rating memoirs, but reading this book was not an enjoyable experience for me. There are a lot of uncomfortable topics in this book and I’m glad for the author that she’s come out of her struggles and experiences able to find the humor in them, but I’m not able to. I’m really horrified at the things she went through growing up and my immediate feeling upon finishing the book is one of unease.
I was drawn to this book because of the title, as someone who still struggles with acne in my thirties. I can definitely relate to the awfulness of being a teen with acne and feeling like it is your whole identity, but there is so much more than just that to unpack in this book (sexual assault, alcohol and drug addiction, racism, death, and cringe-worthy high school drama).
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I was drawn to this book because of the title, as someone who still struggles with acne in my thirties. I can definitely relate to the awfulness of being a teen with acne and feeling like it is your whole identity, but there is so much more than just that to unpack in this book (sexual assault, alcohol and drug addiction, racism, death, and cringe-worthy high school drama).
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
February 4, 2022
Wow. I had no idea what to expect when I started this book. Disclaimer: I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. My presumption was that this was a book about Acne, and the author's lifelong struggle with it. But it is far more than that. It's the story of her journey through life...divorce, alcohol, death, and in the end finding her path in life, and finding happiness. Through it all the message of not judging people because you don't know the path they have walked resonates. Through her life she deals with her life traumas in the way many people do...destructive behavior, but in the end, she will come out of it all loving herself, and forgiving the people in her life, as well as herself. Highly recommend this book!
November 13, 2022
I HATE GIVING LESS THAN 3-star reviews!!
I feel like I am missing something huge because I am clearly in the minority, and because of the ratings, I pushed through, but I did not enjoy this book at all.
Note: I listened to the audio book - maybe that made a difference?
Anyway, I didn't laugh. I don't think I even chuckled. In fact, it just made me feel sad. And maybe that's because of my childhood?
I knew people like Laura. My best friend lived with her dad and brother - both alcoholics - and she was often home alone for long stretches and that's where everyone who didn't have parents who wisely stuck them in afterschool activities hung out. And that's where kids who were way too young, and way too bored, found smoking, then drinking, getting high, meth, and on and on.
I feel like I am missing something huge because I am clearly in the minority, and because of the ratings, I pushed through, but I did not enjoy this book at all.
Note: I listened to the audio book - maybe that made a difference?
Anyway, I didn't laugh. I don't think I even chuckled. In fact, it just made me feel sad. And maybe that's because of my childhood?
I knew people like Laura. My best friend lived with her dad and brother - both alcoholics - and she was often home alone for long stretches and that's where everyone who didn't have parents who wisely stuck them in afterschool activities hung out. And that's where kids who were way too young, and way too bored, found smoking, then drinking, getting high, meth, and on and on.
April 19, 2025
I got my copy of this book from the hospital library as I waited for my grandmother to pass. I never could’ve predicted the beauty and grief that this book would introduce into my life based on the silly title and cover. Reading memoirs is like having a first-row seat to slam poetry night. It’s like reading every personal thought and secret scribbled into an author’s journal. How can something so raw, so human not be 5 stars?
February 14, 2024
This book is great. Chinn grabs her past by the lapels and shows us a life that rough around the edges and, at times, shocking, but does so in a way that’s crafty, nuanced, and non-judgemental. One of Chinn’s strengths throughout is her ability to look at someone‘a mistakes and call them what they are without letting the mistakes define the person.
October 11, 2022
What a story. Chinn's journey is just remarkable. Funny. Heart-breaking. Honest. I felt every page.
December 1, 2022
It’s not that often that I want to gush about a book, but I’m knee deep in the gushy feelings after listening to this audio!! So so so so so good!
Laura Chin’s delivery, is probably the best in audio memoir I’ve ever listened to, right up there with WILL. Her dry, straight forward, matter of fact way of talking about really really dark stuff, is truly brilliant. Here’s the thing, even in that delivery, I was still moved to tears during the death of her brother. If she had told it to us in a more emotional way, it would’ve been a lot to take. Some would classify it as “a tough read.” Instead we hear her story through her filter of humor, allowing us to easily swallow the medicine with a spoon full of sugar, so to speak. That way of story telling was just a grand slam for me. Reading this would not have been nearly as good. We all have different senses of humor, but I couldn’t stop chuckling during this one.
I loved the mix of stories, from home life, to friendships, to romantic relationships. She really met some characters along the way. So entertaining.
I never experienced severe acne. Ironically Ive recently taken my own 11 year old to a Dr to discuss treating hers. I’m profoundly grateful for coming across this when I did, to help me understand a little better the feelings that might crop up in my own child. And bringing her skin condition through this memoir as a central issue around all the other chaos she experienced, was a really great way to keep us readers focused. Loved that.
I’m recommending this one to all my friends.
Laura Chin’s delivery, is probably the best in audio memoir I’ve ever listened to, right up there with WILL. Her dry, straight forward, matter of fact way of talking about really really dark stuff, is truly brilliant. Here’s the thing, even in that delivery, I was still moved to tears during the death of her brother. If she had told it to us in a more emotional way, it would’ve been a lot to take. Some would classify it as “a tough read.” Instead we hear her story through her filter of humor, allowing us to easily swallow the medicine with a spoon full of sugar, so to speak. That way of story telling was just a grand slam for me. Reading this would not have been nearly as good. We all have different senses of humor, but I couldn’t stop chuckling during this one.
I loved the mix of stories, from home life, to friendships, to romantic relationships. She really met some characters along the way. So entertaining.
I never experienced severe acne. Ironically Ive recently taken my own 11 year old to a Dr to discuss treating hers. I’m profoundly grateful for coming across this when I did, to help me understand a little better the feelings that might crop up in my own child. And bringing her skin condition through this memoir as a central issue around all the other chaos she experienced, was a really great way to keep us readers focused. Loved that.
I’m recommending this one to all my friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2022
I am absolutely obsessed with this memoir. Chinn is hilarious, engaging, and relatable, even while having a childhood and adolescence I can't even imagine. I wanted to read this mostly for the title, as anyone who has experienced severe acne will understand, but wow, there is so much more here.
Chinn delves into growing up with interracially married Scientologist parents who divorce, moving to Florida, being biracial in the South, her brother's eventual illness, her lack of parenting and resulting wild antics with drinking and partying, and the general unfairness of life. I really appreciated the retrospective aspect, as she often clarifies, after a lot of work as an adult, that her behavior was because of a fear of abandonment, a lack of structure, etc. etc. Very compelling and emotionally satisfying.
Also, she's a comedy writer, and this book is hilarious. It's no easy task for me to laugh out loud while reading alone, and Chinn managed it. Highly recommend.
Chinn delves into growing up with interracially married Scientologist parents who divorce, moving to Florida, being biracial in the South, her brother's eventual illness, her lack of parenting and resulting wild antics with drinking and partying, and the general unfairness of life. I really appreciated the retrospective aspect, as she often clarifies, after a lot of work as an adult, that her behavior was because of a fear of abandonment, a lack of structure, etc. etc. Very compelling and emotionally satisfying.
Also, she's a comedy writer, and this book is hilarious. It's no easy task for me to laugh out loud while reading alone, and Chinn managed it. Highly recommend.
November 7, 2022
Hands down best memoir I've ever read (I liked Trevor Noah's too but this light be even better). Highly highly recommend. One of the best books of the year for me. Let the world know Laura Chinn and her heartbreakingly funny story.
November 8, 2023
I suffered from acne as a teenager, so my past experience was a big reason why I wanted to read this book. I went into this memoir expecting a recollection of the trials and tribulations Chinn struggled with regarding her skin, but got SO much more! Yes, Chinn does discuss her skin condition, but it’s used merely as a backdrop to discuss her childhood, which was pretty traumatic. Chinn moved back and forth between Florida and California for most of her upbringing. With divorced (and somewhat absent) parents, a brother with brain cancer, bouts of depression, exposure to sex, drugs, and alcohol at a very young age, she had a lot going on, and so much to process. My emotions were all over the place while reading Chinn’s story. One minute I’d be laughing hysterically at her witty comments, and then the next, I’d feel pangs of sadness on her behalf. I could relate to her in so many ways, laugh along with her, yet also feel deep sympathy for the numerous times that she needed guidance, but had no one to lean on. I’ll never forget her story.
October 1, 2024
This far exceeded all of my expectations! It felt like a mix of “I’m Glad My Mom Died” and “Everything I Know About Love,” so if you liked either of those memoirs, I’d highly recommend this one!
The audiobook was amazing and I loved how animated Chinn was as she narrated it. As someone who also struggled with acne, I empathized with her feelings and frustrations navigating various treatments and remedies. I loved how she wove in the mental and physical effects of the condition to the stories of her life, both funny and heart breaking.
Also her experience being raised by Scientologists was a chefs kiss addition to the memoir I was not expecting and found so fascinating.
The audiobook was amazing and I loved how animated Chinn was as she narrated it. As someone who also struggled with acne, I empathized with her feelings and frustrations navigating various treatments and remedies. I loved how she wove in the mental and physical effects of the condition to the stories of her life, both funny and heart breaking.
Also her experience being raised by Scientologists was a chefs kiss addition to the memoir I was not expecting and found so fascinating.
May 30, 2023
I loved this book and didn’t want it to end. I felt like a friend was telling me about her chaotic, heartbreaking childhood. She endured more than her fair share, all while dealing with chronic acne. Her humor (and resilience!) helped her navigate to a healthy path.
I love when she talked about forgiving her family.
“So when I judge a person’s actions today, I try to take into account what they endured yesterday. That has permanently softened my heart and helped me forgive.” ❤️
I love when she talked about forgiving her family.
“So when I judge a person’s actions today, I try to take into account what they endured yesterday. That has permanently softened my heart and helped me forgive.” ❤️
October 17, 2025
Absolut minunată!
Sinceră, terapeutică, adevărată.
Am ținut să aflu soarta fiecărui om din cartea asta.
Mi-a plăcut mult!
O lectură numai bună pentru părinți și copiii lor. Bun, mai mult pentru părinți totuși.
Sinceră, terapeutică, adevărată.
Am ținut să aflu soarta fiecărui om din cartea asta.
Mi-a plăcut mult!
O lectură numai bună pentru părinți și copiii lor. Bun, mai mult pentru părinți totuși.
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