Skin Tests (Paperback)

The Montreal born writer Ken Rivard, the author of four other books, including a children's book, is a prolific writer of what he calls "post card fiction," or short prose pieces. Skin Tests takes the reader on a five-part journey from: growing to moments of not believing the incredible irritation found in one's own skin, to a reporter looking into skins, to skin trades and finally to the skin of night, ending with a sonata of hope. The book is about the testing of skins at different levels. The tone of Skin Tests demonstrates different forms of "metaphorical allergies to life's irritants." The book can be intentionally irritating to the skin one moment and refreshingly soothing to the skin at other times. A skin rash. A massage. Itchy. Hot. Cold. Prickly. Stabbing. Stark. Spreading. Even contagious at times. Some stories get under your skin. Some will cause sores. Some will tickle. Some will simply roll off. Some can be swatted like a mosquito. Some will even open your pores widely in joy and cause celebration. There is even wonder, relief when the reader discovers what a particular character is "allergic to" during a specific moment.