Reviews

Skinship by Yoon Choi

ckchiang's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Truthful and astoundingly intricate, Choi explores the voices and experiences of being Korean American. Each story makes you wanting more and derives beautiful themes about identity, family, and loss. Highly recommend!

Favorite line: "'How's that atrial,' he would ask, and she would become acutely aware that she had one. Actually, two. One on the right and one on the left sides of the heart, according to Mr. Sorenson. It gave her a feeling of strangeness toward her body and all it's functioning parts, as if they were not to be taken for granted."

suzpls's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

lindseyttttt's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

joshlynjavier's review against another edition

emotional reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

a rare occasion when an anthology of eight stories means eight five star stories, each story could standalone or be expanded upon into a full story. 

this book is centered on the relationships between family and friends and the layers of beauty and heartbreak that often bind us together or drive us apart. 

yoon choi’s patience and understanding of empty space is so evident in her writing. these stories read exactly like the cover, beautiful, intentional, and skillfully uses negative space and silence to create such impactful stories.

while reading this, i was really reminded of “past lives” from a24 — one of my favorite films of last year that is so delicate on the surface but articulates so much depth and complexity in its exploration of the nuances of our asian american identities, and how they are shaped by the immigrant experience. 

tldr i super love this book and urge everyone to read it 

twofourthree's review against another edition

4.0

rather poignant; the images of all the korean dishes linger in my head still. time seems to be momentarily arrested.

stanliao's review against another edition

3.5

does a good job of capturing different diasporoid vibes/characters but plots don't really go anywhere

dunkindonut's review against another edition

4.5

Really beautiful, complex and diverse stories through the lens of (mostly) female, Asian American storytellers. Something for everyone in here. Really would like to put the emphasis on how beautiful the stories are. 

lou_weed's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

megan_'s review

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

simplyselicia's review against another edition

3.0

A great collection of stories that shared some very sincere vulnerability.