Shirts and Skin

by Tim Miller

Performance artist Tim Miller unleashes his childhood demons and adult trials-by-fire in this bizarre, fascinating account of his life. Miller explores every moment of being; for him, life is a sexy, energetic adventure that grows fuller each day. Through humor, memory, fantasy, gratuitous sex, and unabashed honesty, Shirts et) Skin charts one gay man's take on the challenges of the last two decades of the millennium.

Genres: LGBT, Biography, Queer, Gay

312 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1997

About the author

Tim Miller is an internationally acclaimed performance artist. He is author of three books.

Reviews

[Derek Driggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the incredible Giovanni’s Room bookshop in Philadelphia, I was lucky to find all sorts of semi-obscure gay novels and memoirs—this one happened to have the author’s own little note to his grandma or aunt tucked inside (either he is very brave or his family is very progressive!). I enjoyed it and thought he was a fun person and writer. And felt yet again the universality of experience for those of us who grew up in the closet. At the end of the day it’s not one I would recommend as a piece of literature but I did enjoy it.

[Soph Nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Miller remains one of my favorite artists to read in print. His voice is so clear, so sexy... I am right there in his world.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's better to see Tim perform this live and in the buff, but the book is fantastic.

[Stacy Helton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tim Miller's book "Shirts and Skins" offers a candid exploration of complex relationships, identity, and personal growth, delving into the lives of its characters with a raw and unfiltered narrative. The author's writing style is engaging, capturing the nuances of human emotions with authenticity. The storyline unfolds with unpredictable twists, keeping the reader in the characters' journeys. However, the pacing sometimes feels uneven, and certain plot developments may leave readers wanting more depth. While the book is a worthwhile read, its occasional lack of narrative depth prevents it from reaching the full potential of its compelling premise, resulting in a 3.5/5 rating.

[Clint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoir of gay performance artist who moves from LA to New York City and back to LA in the 1980s and 1990s trying to figure his life and relationships. Seven weeks younger than me, I could relate to obscure childhood references he made to characters like Goofus and Gallant but not to his lifestyle. Poignant ending compares his life to the clothes he has worn, and how it’s impossible to launder out the memories those clothes have seen.

[Dave End · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel SO lucky to have found and read this book. It makes me feel historical, supported, inspired and proud. LOVE IT!!!!