skin & bones

a novel

By: Renée Watson

Narrated by: Zenzi Williams

From the acclaimed #1 New York Times bestselling author comes a soulful and lyrical novel exploring sisterhood, motherhood, faith, love, and ultimately what gets passed down from one generation to the next

At 40, Lena Baker is at a steady and stable moment in life—between wine nights with her two best friends and her wedding just weeks away, she’s happy in love and in friendship until a confession on her wedding day shifts her world.

Unmoored and grieving a major loss, Lena finds herself trying to teach her daughter self-love while struggling to do so herself. Lena questions everything she’s learned about dating, friendship, and motherhood, and through it all, she works tirelessly to bring the oft-forgotten Black history of Oregon to the masses, sidestepping her well-meaning co-workers that don’t understand that their good intentions are often offensive and hurtful.

Through Watson’s poetic voice, skin & bones is a stirring exploration of who society makes space for and is ultimately a story of heartbreak and healing.

Strong, accomplished women.

I absolutely LOVED everything about this book! I loved how the women grew up together, and became a sisterhood.

I loved the fact of them not just being comfortable their skin, but their bodies and attitudes towards life!

A Must-Read Masterpiece: "Skin and Books" by Renée Watson

Renée Watson’s Skin and Books is an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling. This novel is a poignant and beautifully written exploration of identity, family, and the profound connection between our personal narratives and the world around us.

Watson's talent for weaving complex emotions with raw honesty shines through every page. Her characters are relatable, dynamic, and richly layered, drawing readers into their struggles, triumphs, and evolving relationships. The themes of self-acceptance and the beauty of diversity resonate deeply, offering a powerful reminder that every voice and every story matters.

What makes Skin and Books truly remarkable is how it seamlessly integrates the love for literature with the complexities of real life. Watson invites readers to reflect on their own stories, encouraging them to embrace their unique journeys while finding solace in the shared experiences of others.

Whether you’re a fan of contemporary fiction, a lover of inspiring narratives, or simply looking for a book that will leave an indelible mark on your heart, Skin and Books is an absolute must-read. Renée Watson has crafted a timeless work that will continue to inspire readers for years to come. Highly recommended!

Love yourself at any size!

Phenomenal book and letting women know to love yourself regardless of your size. Don’t let the world put limitations on who you are and what you can do!!!

Stop and think

I found this story very contemplative. It made me think of my life and unconscious biases.

Reclaiming My Time

This is a great book about the challenges facing a highly educated Black fat woman with career success, a committed fiancé and a loving family. With a series of upsets in her life, she has to look deep within to see her own truth. What’s superficial? What’s real? What’s love? She says she’s fat-positive, but is she? She interacts with a lot of “woke” white folks at work, but micro-aggressions come with that territory. How should she handle them? She wants to model different successful types of family and friend relationships to her daughter. How, when the child’s birth father (who’s not the fiancé) suddenly wants more access to the child, but lacks boundaries? How does she meaningfully relate to her parents/family as an adult? So many questions. This book is really thoughtful. I enjoyed reading it.