BOOK BRIEF

Mysterious Skin

Scott Heim
Guide cover placeholder

Mysterious Skin

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2005

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Scott Heim

Mysterious Skin

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

292

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Hutchinson, Kansas • 1980s

Publication Year

2005

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Mysterious Skin by Scott Heim explores the lives of two boys in Kansas who experience a shared traumatic event. As they grow up, each boy copes differently, grappling with memory gaps and the effects of their childhood. The novel delves into themes of identity, memory, and healing as they confront their past.

Mysterious

Dark

Emotional

Unnerving

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.4

12,209 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Mysterious Skin by Scott Heim delves into the complexities of trauma and identity through compelling narratives. Readers praise its evocative prose and emotional depth, highlighting the nuanced portrayal of sensitive topics. However, some criticize the graphic content as potentially distressing. Overall, it is lauded for its bravery in addressing challenging themes with sensitivity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Mysterious Skin?

A reader who enjoys Mysterious Skin by Scott Heim is likely drawn to intense, psychological narratives exploring trauma and identity. Fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold will appreciate its raw, emotive storytelling and complex characters.

4.4

12,209 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

292

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Hutchinson, Kansas • 1980s

Publication Year

2005

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!