Mysterious Skin

by Scott Heim
Review by Brynn Haley, grade 10

Brian Lackey's past is a complete mystery to him.  Pieces of his childhood are blanked out from his memory, erased as if those entire passages of time never even happened.  Brian needs to learn the truth about why-and what-his mind won't allow him to remember, and he can't move on until he does.

Neil McCormick remembers his childhood like it was yesterday.  He especially remembers secret meetings with his former baseball coach when he was only eight years old.  Today, Neil is a criminal and a hustler, exploring his sexuality with the older men he hooks up with each night.  Almost nothing fazes Neil after the things he's seen as a child.

Mysterious Skin is a story of two very different boys who share a very similar childhood, who come together to learn from each other.  This is a story of growing up and discovering oneself.

Mysterious Skin has also been adapted for film.  Check out the movie after you read the book!