Quick Take

From a National Book Award finalist and a powerful literary mind, an incisive new work examining capitalism's toxic creep into the land, our bodies, and our thinking.For Jenn Shapland, the barrier between herself and the world is porous; she was even diagnosed with extreme dermatologic sensitivity--thin skin. Recognizing how deeply vulnerable we all are to our surroundings, she becomes aware of the impacts our tiniest choices have on people, places, and species far away. She can't stop seeing the ways we are enmeshed and entangled with everyone else on the planet. Despite our attempts to cordon ourselves off from risk, our boundaries are permeable. Weaving together historical research, interviews, and her everyday life in New Mexico, Shapland probes the lines between self and work, human and animal, need and desire. She traces the legacies of nuclear weapons development on Native land, unable to let go of her search for contamination until it bleeds out into her own family's medical history. She questions the toxic myth of white womanhood and the fear of traveling alone that she's been made to feel since girlhood. And she explores her desire to build a creative life as a queer woman, asking whether such a thing as a meaningful life is possible under capitalism. Ceaselessly curious, uncompromisingly intelligent, and urgently seeking, with Thin Skin Shapland builds thrillingly on her genre-defying debut ("Gorgeous, symphonic, tender, and brilliant" Carmen Machado), firmly establishing herself as one of the sharpest essayists of her generation.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Thin Skin: Essays

Introduction

"Thin Skin: Essays" by Jenn Shapland is a thought-provoking collection of essays that delves into the complexities of boundaries, both personal and societal. Shapland, a National Book Award finalist, explores the impact of capitalism on the environment, our bodies, and our thinking. With her incisive prose and sharp intellect, she examines topics ranging from nuclear weapons development to white womanhood and queer desire. In this article, we will explore the author's background, analyze readers' views, and summarize the reasons for both recommending and not recommending this book.

About Jenn Shapland

Jenn Shapland is a writer and PhD in English from the University of Texas at Austin. Her first book, "My Autobiography of Carson McCullers," received critical acclaim and won several awards. With "Thin Skin," Shapland continues to showcase her literary talent and intellectual prowess, offering readers a glimpse into her exploration of the world around us.

Analysis of Views

Permeability of Boundaries: Readers appreciate how Shapland's essays challenge the notion of boundaries, highlighting how they are both porous and permeable. She examines the impact of forces such as nuclear weapons development and capitalism on our lives and the environment, revealing the interconnectedness of all things.
Critical and Affirming: Shapland's essays are both critical of disparities and injustices while also affirming the possibilities of alternatives. Readers appreciate her ability to balance these conflicting perspectives, providing a nuanced understanding of complex issues.
Crystalline Prose: Shapland's writing style is praised for its clarity and openness. Her prose is described as porous, capacious, and open to exploration, allowing readers to engage with her ideas on a deeper level.
Wide Range of Sources: Shapland incorporates a variety of sources into her essays, including scientific studies, literary works, interviews, and her own experiences. This broad range of sources enriches the collection and provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the topics at hand.
Intellectual Ambitiousness: Readers find Shapland's essays ambitious in scope, tackling a wide range of subjects that span personal experiences to political and environmental issues. Her intellectual curiosity is evident throughout the collection, making it a compelling read for those seeking thought-provoking content.

Reasons for Recommendation

Coherence and Intelligence: Readers appreciate the coherence and intelligence displayed in Shapland's essays. Her ability to weave personal experiences with research and analysis creates a memorable collection that resonates with readers on both an emotional and intellectual level.
Exploration of Relevant Topics: Shapland's essays tackle relevant issues such as capitalism, gender considerations, consumerism, and environmental destruction. Readers find her insights valuable and her ability to connect these topics to broader societal issues commendable.
Porosity of Boundaries: The exploration of boundaries in "Thin Skin" resonates with readers who feel drawn to books that challenge conventional thinking. Shapland's examination of the permeability of boundaries allows readers to reconsider their own beliefs and perspectives, making it a recommended read for those seeking intellectual stimulation.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Grabbing Content: Some readers felt that the essays lacked a clear focus or direction, making it difficult to fully engage with the material. They found themselves lost in certain sections or felt that certain topics were not adequately developed.
Pity Party: A minority of readers felt that some essays in "Thin Skin" descended into a pity party or self-indulgence. They felt that Shapland's exploration of her own privilege and personal choices became overly self-serving or self-absorbed, detracting from the overall impact of the book.

Conclusion

"Thin Skin: Essays" by Jenn Shapland offers readers a thought-provoking exploration of boundaries, both personal and societal. With her incisive prose and sharp intellect, Shapland challenges conventional thinking and provides readers with a nuanced understanding of complex issues. While some readers appreciate the coherence and intelligence displayed in the essays, others find them lacking in direction or overly self-indulgent. Overall, "Thin Skin" is recommended for those seeking intellectual stimulation and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of our world.