In My Skin: A Memoir

I read this book maybe 6 years ago and never forgot about it! Can't wait to re read it!

I enjoyed the learning about the heroin and the prostitute business...It was a quick read for me, and as it is non-fiction, I didn't expect there to be a lot of fluff - but more about 'what is'. I do agree with the comments about not getting a feel for how she really got off the heroin, and would have appreciated more information in that area. I will definitely read Kate Holden again.

I loved this book. Im not gonna say what happens but, ill tell you that this book will show you the most evilest of sides of the human race. She will tell you all the graphic details of her horrific life. I think I love this book so much because i lived it, i know how it feels. but the way she writes it, it all just seems so messed up from the outside, and so PAINFUL. It will make you think about your own life, how much you really have.

I knew nothing about heroin addition before reading this book. Why on earth would anyone try it? Why don't the junkies just stop? Who cares about them anyway? In a clear, well written story Holden answers these questions and more. She goes from a bored uni-student from a happy home, to hanging out with "the wrong crowd", and sinks slowly, inevitably into heroin addiction. Her days become obssessed with a single goal - "Do I have enough money for a fix?" Most heartbreaking of all is her repeated abandonment of her family, whose agony she sometimes mentions, but is never important enough to make her stop. Eventually, penniless, she turns to prostitution. The contrast between the dangerous, dirty world of streetwalking compared to the safe clean environment of a legal brothel is striking. As a Melbourne resident it felt chilling to think that I walked the same streets of St. Kilda as Holden did. I occasionaly glimpsed street walkers with amusement, but knew nothing of who they were, or why there were there. This book taught me a lot.

I have read the few reviews on this book, and I have to say, I disagree. I absolutely loved this book. This woman has turned her life around from heroin and prostitution. It demonstates how easy it is to become addicted to drugs (heroin), and how difficult it is to come off it, no matter how intelligent you are, or how determined you think you are. And the depths you go to (prostitution) to get more money to buy drugs. Kate is very lucky to have the support of her family. I would definitely recommend this book.

i have a million and a half positive things to say about this book. first of all, it completely deconstructed all my stereotypes for "prostitutes" or "addicts." kate writes a beautiful, intelligent articulation of her life, leaving almost nothing to the imagination. her story is the playground of sexuality, intimacy, and power and i was captivated. infact, i'm still captivated. the book has lingered in my thoughts even days after i finished reading it. kate's parents seem ideal for what everyone wants/hopes their family to be. i'm in awe of their unconditional love, their ability to set boundaries, and intentional differentiation....all the while, somehow communicating their love for their struggling daughter. the language is abrasive and may to some be offensive, however, i highly recommend this novel. you will likely find glimpses of yourself and your story in the honest and raw depiction of the life of this (extra)ordinary girl.