A review by sanmeow
Girl Oil by Grace P. Fong

emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

this short story follows chelle, who wants to be just like her roommate wenqian. when she doesn't get a role she auditioned for, she's told that it's because she's too fat. so, she starts using an oil that changes her body, in hopes that it'll make her better. 
i understand that this is a commentary on topics such as beauty standards, body shaming, and the influence beauty products can have on a person not just physically but also mentally. still, i feel like the message isn't strong enough, which might be because of how short this is. overall, i appreciate the message but it's not as memorable as it could've been.