Who would've thought that a book about the largest organ in the human body would prove itself to be so much more than "skin deep?" Who would've guessed it'd be so much more than some science-y regurgitation that puts readers to sleep with its unpronounceable physiology and dermatology?

Not me, that's who.

In fact, I found myself pleasantly surprised by how broadly Lyman contextualized skin and our understanding of it. The author accomplishes this by outlining the ways in which it functions - how sweat forms, why cellulite exists, that sort of thing. He also breaks down the physical, emotional, and erotic responses it can elicit, points out societal and historical stigmas it's left behind, and highlights how things like skin color or disease can help shape perceptions of ourselves as well as the world around us. There's even an argument made for skin being a large part of what makes us human even though discourse around consciousness/the brain is widely accepted, or much more <i>en vogue</i>, so to speak.

(Still don't buy it, huh? Read this first then get back to me.)

I personally thought the sections about microorganisms and touch were fascinating. I never would've known that vaginal vs. c-section births can contribute to our microbiome so minutely, for instance, that the former type can protect us against allergy development later in life. (Like, whaaat? Can I sue?) Just like I had no idea the mere expectation of a loving caress "temporarily changes the composition of the skin" to receive pleasure. I mean, we all know how lovely, how tantalizing, a caress can feel but who knew it changed the skin's physical makeup in anticipation of receiving it? (Again, not me.)

The case for skin's "remarkableness" is more than argued in these pages. It's made.

There's a lot to unpack here about this woefully overlooked, complex, versatile, outermost organ but it's worth it! Take the time to "scratch beneath the surface" a little and I promise you won't be sorry.

Many thanks to Grove Atlantic Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

This amazing book is so full of startling and useful information, my Kindle is packed full of highlights. I hardly know where to begin. The science is not too much even for most lay readers (that would be me). And the science is fascinating.

My favorite part is how the skin is itself an electronic gadget, the way touch-electronics rely on our fingertips, but you should read this in the author's own words. It's mind-blowing. I've seen news items on "smart" clothing that's wired for all kinds of electronic apps and communications, but the idea of tattoos, now, that contain... well, again, just read the book.

The chapter on psoriasis and eczema is a must for anyone ever to suffer the doctor visits, diagnoses, and prescriptions. Above all, anyone with a disfiguring skin condition will identify with the comment of a guy who'd rather not be able to see than be seen with a horrific affliction of the skin (and shunned by those who find his appearance repulsive).

Skin is the largest organ of the body and the most taken for granted.

Skin color... well, you know where this is heading.

I'm afraid I'll miss the archive date if I don't hurry up with a review. This is the kind of book that warrants a long, exhaustive review, but it seems most people don't read those anyway, these days, unless the review is in a magazine, and even then...

You can take my word for it: this book is exceptional and worthwhile.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

#TheRemarkableLifeOfTheSkin #NetGalley

The Remarkable Life of the Skin is a highly informative exploration into the largest organ of the human body. From describing the structures of the skin to the effects of psychological stress, Lyman provides the reader with a thought-provoking dive into the organ few of us every truly consider. Lyman delivers to us the science of our skin through language and concepts that are accessible to non-science/medical professionals.

The structure of the book flows easily from chapter to chapter, subject to subject; for the most part. Lyman serves as our river guide taking us on the journey as we learn about the building blocks of our skin; encounter the myriad problems that play out on its surface, whether it is intractable skin conditions, allergic reactions, or rare/uncommon (in developed countries) diseases affecting the skin; and continue to the bright future of treating skin issues.

The chapter on race and skin color is the weakest, lacking the insights present in other chapters. The very clear instance of institutionalized racism/racialized medical abuse is not addressed as such in this chapter.

Overall the book is well-organized and the writing is appealing, engaging and informative. Readers who enjoy learning new things and/or enjoy taking a deeper dive into medical/science topics will find The Remarkable Life of the Skin, on the whole, will leave you with new found wonder and appreciation of the unsung hero of the human body; our remarkable skin!

Exploring the abstract while also assessing the anatomy. What do we know about how our skin works? What’s still a mystery? Everyday functions lose their sense of wonder as we experience them often (e.g. a healing cut), but the author finds a way to make all of this as simple as possible, stopping just short of pulling up in a Magic School Bus.

Aging, sweating, body odor, tattoos, sexual function, pruny fingers, disease, scars, perception, conditions—a wide net is cast, giving sensible allotted time to each issue without belaboring a point or listing reference upon reference and tragically losing the message by inundating with data.

The only (small) complaint I have is that it kind of ends abruptly.

This work carries massive re-read potential, isn’t difficult at all to read through, and, yeah, there’s some diagrams for those who learn better with visual aids.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Grove Atlantic, and Atlantic Monthly Press for the advance read.

dermatology, anthropology, historical-research, science, sociology

Dermatology for anyone with skin. Discover the scientific bases, familiar and unfamiliar conditions, the physical and emotional responses, and even the historical aspects of the largest organ of the body. Even though I have a lot of skin, am a retired RN, have had the problems of the very light skinned, and even developed psoriasis after retirement, I learned a lot without having to work for it. I recommend it to anyone with skin whether in the paramedical field or just curious. Loved it! But I will need a print copy because hunting for the illustrations after the fact in an ebook is a big nuisance.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

I love books that make science accessible for everyone.

Skin. I have a love/hate relationship with mine. Fair, freckly, age spotty, wrinkly, dry...what's to love? Turns out, EVERYTHING! The senses at our fingertips, the ability to defend us from pathogens, thin as paper on our eyelids and thick as paperboard on our feet, a living breathing organ that makes quality life possible.

If you are a fan of Mary Roach and Bill Bryson, you are in for a treat. Mr. Lyman takes the reader on a fascinating guided exploration of our biggest organ. I found it fascinating. Highly recommend.

Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

I recieved an advance copy of this book through Netgalley.com.

This book was fascinating. It is a great example of science writing-- informative and based on research and medicine, but accessible for a lay reader. I have found myself sharing tidbits and anecdotes from the book in conversation, and look forward to including some of the knowledge I've gleaned from the book in my Health Psychology class (and encouraging students to read it). At times, some of the details were redundant, but overall, a compelling read about our often overlooked largest organ.

This is a very enjoyable unique book about our bodies largest organ, the skin. I found this fascinating and truly epic in scope. The author has a pleasing conversational style of writing . I was truly enthralled by the subject of this book and the remarkable information here for the reader. I highly recommend this book for your education . This is a must read for all who are interested in the health of their skin.
After a remarkably incompetent dermatologist who even refused to remove a suspicious mole (Kaiser has the worse doctors) and failed to cure my skin infection of 6 months, I felt it prudent to read this book and I am so glad I did . The author has given the reader a gift of understanding what is alarming and needs attention as well as how to better care for our skin. This book will help you know how to speak to your doctor and make them pay attention to your concerns. Very well done to the author !

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own. This review is cross posted.

This Remarkable Life of the Skin is a treasure trove. As a very general rule, popular science books are either popular - engagingly written, typically by a journalist - or science - written by a practitioner but potentially rather dry. The Remarkable Life of the Skin is that rarest and most remarkable of finds - a book that conveys all the love and passion of the practitioner for his subject, contains all the science that even the most curious reader could desire, while being immensely engaging and readable.

As someone who typically leans towards physics, cosmology and astronomy, I honestly wasn't sure how I would take to this book. However, as my family and colleagues will attest, I have found it utterly compelling. Dr Lyman has given us this passionate paean to an organ that surgeons dismiss ("the wrapping paper that covers the presents") and that users take for granted. However, once you follow Monty Lyman down the microscope, the complexity and wonder of the skin is dizzying.

This was much more entertaining and interesting than I ever thought a book about skin could be! I thought it was told in a completely appealing way and held my attention right from the start. I will now forever have much more respect for skin and all it does.

This is great science writing

I loved this book. Dr. Lyman tells a great story about the body's largest organ, the skin. The science is clearly explained in a conversational tone and with humor appropriate to the subject matter. He also incorporates his own experiences as a dermatologist into the story, which to me, creates a closer bond between author and reader. Lyman pays a lot of attention to writing style and the writing seems almost poetic in places. I recommend this book for anyone interested in science or medicine.

The Remarkable Life of the Skin: an Intimate Journey Across Our Largest Organ

What a grand adventure this book is! I expected something more along the line of a scientific textbook, and instead find an accessible, relevant to me – as an ordinary layperson – wisdom and knowledge about skin. My skin. Your skin. It is fascinating. Covering the basics about size and shape and purpose, with all those fancy scientific terms is found colloquial language and stories. Stories of his experience with skin-related lessons, bugs, plants, healings, tragedies, magic, mysteries and animals. There is even a “Skin Safari” chapter! Monty Lyman is the James Herriot of skin (that dates me, doesn’t it?). He covers how the skin relates to all the various body parts, guts, eyes, brain and nerves. Then he shows all the parts nature plays in how we live in our skins.

There is fun in this book, where I never expected to find “fun.” From determining what kind of fingerprint you have, to why you go pruney when bathing (it is only your glabrous areas, mind you), that women really do have a better sense of touch than men (size matters, after all!), and the real reason why Scottish people really don’t feel pain (the redheads, anyway. . .). This book features the most British conversation ever, discusses blushing and sweating, talks about our social skins (all those tattoos, folks), sexual skin and then the things religion has done to our skins.

A great time, a great read. I’d recommend it to every human who is still in their skin!

A sincere thanks to Monty Lyman, Grove Atlantic / Atlantic Monthly Press and NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

Our skin is our largest organ – a fact that is often overlooked. Author Monty Lyman strives to put our skin front and center in this book. Each chapter covers a different aspect of what a marvelous organ our external covering is, from scientific to religious. The author discusses tattoos, skin conditions such as psoriasis, and discrimination based on skin color.

I found the medical portions to be the most interesting; I learned more about lice than I ever planned to. Despite the jargon, this section of the book is easily comprehended, aided by drawings that illustrate the author’s point.

We also learn about how sunburn affects us, why itches are so maddening, and exactly how many microscopic parasites live on us, no matter how clean we are. Each chapter builds upon the previous ones, creating a thorough picture of our skin and why it is so amazingly unique.

Lyman uses anecdotes and history to supplement his writing. He also is unafraid to discuss uncomfortable topics such as racism and lepers, which I found refreshing. I learned a lot about the misinformation surrounding lepers, plus I enjoyed the philosophical leaning during the chapter on racism based on skin color. He even takes a detour into religion, noting that some beliefs require covering most of the skin, while others worship “skyclad” (naked). Despite our differences, our outer covering makes us the same, and you will understand that better once you finish THE REMARKABLE LIFE OF THE SKIN.

I have a new respect for my skin now that I have finished this book – I bet you will too!

This is a book of densely packed info that is interesting and not overwhelming. The author is a good communicator and includes interesting cases and examples along with excellent info. There are some cringe-worthy or shiver-inducing sections depending on how squeamish you are (e.g. lice) but you can skip those. You are guaranteed to learn a lot. Recommended.

I really appreciate the NetGalley advanced copy for review!!