Skin Deep: Tattoos, the Disappearing West, Very Bad Men, and My Deep Love for Them All

by Karol Griffin | Biographies & Memoirs |
ISBN: 015603011x Global Overview for this book
Registered by JennyC1230 of Woodstock, Georgia USA on 1/5/2009
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15 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by JennyC1230 from Woodstock, Georgia USA on Monday, January 5, 2009
Book Description:

This is one of those books that almost defies categorization. It's a memoir of an intelligent, creative woman who dropped out of college to become a photographer and who wound up being a tattoo artist, too. (She also, for a short time, shelved books in a library and worked as a phone-sex operator.) It's a memoir, but it's also an education in the history of tattooing, from the "discovery" of the practice by white people two millennia ago to the modern day (the practice was called "ta-tu" in Tahiti, along about the mid-1700s). But Griffin is interested in more than just history: she also explores the subculture of tattooing as it exists today. A surprising chunk of that subculture is located in Wyoming, and that leads the author into some provocative commentary on her home state of Wyoming, with special attention paid to the relatively recent popularity of body art. And the book is a personal story, too, as Griffin examines the bond we sometimes have with people who will destroy us (when the tale opens, the author is pregnant; the father, an ex-lover, is in trouble with the police and has a history of beating the mother of his child). The book does so many things that it's impossible to say which thing it does best. A remarkable performance, and one of the most unusual reads of the season.

This is an Advance Reading Copy, according to Amazon it hasn't been released yet.

I am reading this now and it will be a Bookray when I am finished.

Journal Entry 2 by JennyC1230 from Woodstock, Georgia USA on Thursday, January 8, 2009
This was a really interesting book. She talks about her life. There is history of tattooing and Wyoming, where she was born and raised. All in all it was a fascinating book, the segues from her life to the history parts were seamless. The history entertaining, not at all dull. This is a first book from this author, maybe she will write another one, so we can see what happens in her life next!

Journal Entry 3 by JennyC1230 from Woodstock, Georgia USA on Thursday, January 8, 2009
This is a Bookray for Skin Deep: Tattoos, the Disappearing West, Very Bad Men, and My Deep Love for Them All by: Karol Griffin. If you would like to join send me a PM.

1. When you receive book, please make a journal entry.
2. PM the next person on the list for their address. (Always check to make sure the list hasn’t changed.) Make sure the person is able to take the book.
3. After you read the book, tell us what you thought of the book.
4. When you mail the book, make another journal entry to let us know.
5. Try to keep the book for only a month. If you are having trouble please PM me or e-mail me.: j(dot)Chaban(at)Comcast(dot)net
6. If you see anyone on this list who is a known staller of bookrings please let me know that too!
7. At the end the book will be a Ray it Forward, so if you are the last on the list, read it and then pass on to a member of Bookcrossing!
8. Most importantly have fun and enjoy the book!! Thank you!

JennyC1230

List of participants for the Bookray:

1. Lumbermoose (GA)
2. Tempestsans (GA)
3. Flossie771 (GA)
4. jenptcfan (AR)
5. Trekwoman (IL)
6. RCLoriH (SD)
7. LadyKnightNiko (OH)
8. BethanieKay (TX)
9. Firegirl (AZ)
10. NMReader (NM)
11. princess-peapod (CA)


End of Bookray!

Journal Entry 4 by Lumbermoose from Woodstock, Georgia USA on Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Thanks, Jenny!

I really enjoyed this book. It was very well written especially considering that this was her first book. If you're a fan of the show Miami Ink, I'm sure you'll enjoy her perspective of the history and life of a tattoo artist.

Journal Entry 5 by JennyC1230 from Woodstock, Georgia USA on Sunday, February 8, 2009
Met tempestsans at Soho Bagel yesterday and gave this book to her.

Journal Entry 6 by tempestsans from Canton, Georgia USA on Sunday, February 15, 2009
sorry, a bit slow getting the items out of my backpack from last week's meetup. this one is on the top of TBR as the two i have already started (recently) are such a drag and this on looks to be much, much more entertaining.

to whomever ends up last in the ray...this is a book that i know both my BC buddies, hotflash and Firegirl, in AZ would enjoy. both would also see that it continues to travel so maybe consider an offer to them when you're done!

will journal more when i've finished this interesting read!

Journal Entry 7 by tempestsans at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Monday, February 16, 2009

Released 15 yrs ago (2/16/2009 UTC) at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

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have already PM (yesterday when i started reading this one) Flossie331 for her address and will put this in the mail the moment i have it. the book and an additional little RABCK is packaged and ready to go.

this was a very enjoyable and quick read. i'll be looking forward to more from Karol Griffin in the future. she has had quite a life already and i've no doubt she'll continue to have adventures and grow every day.

there's a lot i'd like to say about the book, but then i'd potentially spoil it for those who come after me. suffice it to say it's well worth the read for the history info surrounding the west, wyoming, tattoo and for the story of this young woman's life.

Journal Entry 8 by Flossie771 from Villa Rica, Georgia USA on Sunday, March 1, 2009
Arrived safely this weekend. I have one ahead of it, but I will read it soon. thanks!

Journal Entry 9 by Flossie771 at Villa Rica, Georgia USA on Thursday, March 5, 2009

Released 15 yrs ago (3/5/2009 UTC) at Villa Rica, Georgia USA

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Going to the post office today.
mailed dc# 0308 3390 0001 1559 2087

Journal Entry 10 by Flossie771 from Villa Rica, Georgia USA on Thursday, March 5, 2009
I finished this book today and I already have the addy for the next in line, so it will be going out soon.
This book is not one I would have normally picked up to read or purchased, but it was really interesting. A little out of my comfort zone, but like I said...interesting. That is one good think about bc, you get introduced to new books and new authors...thanks JennyC1230 for offering up this book.

Journal Entry 11 by wingSBrewingOBCZwing from Conway, Arkansas USA on Saturday, March 7, 2009
Received today! I will read it as soon as I finish my current read. Thanks!

Journal Entry 12 by jenptcfan from Mechanicsville, Virginia USA on Thursday, March 12, 2009
Oops! Looks like I was logged in as my OBCZ in my last journal entry.

Finished this up today. I enjoyed it even more than I thought I would. I especially liked the parts where she talked about how she learned how to tattoo and the story of the three "nonconformist" tattoos.

I already have Trekwoman's address and should get this in the mail to her in the next few days.

Thanks for sharing this!

Journal Entry 13 by trekwoman from -- Somewhere In The State --, California USA on Saturday, March 21, 2009
Came today, and just in time, too, as I'm getting ready to do my weekend reading. :)

Journal Entry 14 by trekwoman from -- Somewhere In The State --, California USA on Sunday, March 22, 2009
MMkay, I know the problem lies with me because I had to force myself through the Foreward. After that, I put it down to take a break and I didn't want to pick it back up again. There's just something about Karol Griffin's take on things that doesn't appeal to me. I had to wonder how stupid the cops were who believed her slimebag ex-boyfriend, and it went downhill from there.

That being said, I still believe tattoos and their culture are wildly interesting. I know and am related to plenty of people who have them, all with varying reasons as to why they've been "inked". Got to say, they're far braver than I. I wouldn't be able to withstand the needles (ack) going into my skin (shudders).

Journal Entry 15 by trekwoman at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Released 15 yrs ago (3/25/2009 UTC) at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases

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Out in today's post to RCLoriH.

Journal Entry 16 by RCLoriH from Rapid City, South Dakota USA on Friday, March 27, 2009
Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to reading.

Journal Entry 17 by RCLoriH from Rapid City, South Dakota USA on Saturday, May 23, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. It was like a mini history of parts of Wyoming, tattooing and the author all wound into one. I thought the end was a little abrupt, but on the whole liked it.

Just waiting for the address of the next person in line and will get it on its way.

Journal Entry 18 by RCLoriH at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, June 1, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (6/2/2009 UTC) at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases

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Sending to LadyKnightNiko - hope you enjoy & sorry for the long delay!

Journal Entry 19 by LadyKnightNiko from Liberty Township, Ohio USA on Monday, June 8, 2009
This arrived today. I have one book ahead of it, and then I'll get to it. Thanks!

Journal Entry 20 by BethanieKay from Melbourne, Florida USA on Saturday, June 20, 2009
Received in the mail yesterday! I have a few chapters left of my current read, then will start this one. Thanks for including me!

Journal Entry 21 by BethanieKay from Melbourne, Florida USA on Wednesday, June 24, 2009
This was a quick and enjoyable read. I thought the author mixed her memoirs in very well with the snippets of Wyoming history and background on tattooing. I really thought it was interesting to learn how the tattoo apprenticeship works (I've always wondered, just how *do* they 'practice'?? now I know :), and enjoyed her lamentations about why people get the tattoos they do, and her point-blank comments to some of her less-than-intelligent customers about their choices of tattoo designs/locations.

I did think her personal story was a bit sad - meaning, pathetic - because she seems like a strong, independent woman. It always upsets me to see women who make such bad choices in their personal lives. Once or twice is okay, but repeatedly? I hope that she has turned a new leaf and will stay away from those "OUTLAWS".

Oh, and incidentally - I laughed out loud at the "nonconformist" tattoos. ;)

I've got Firegirl's addy and will be dropping this in the mail to her after work today.

Thanks for letting me join, Jenny!

Journal Entry 22 by BethanieKay at on Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (6/24/2009 UTC) at

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Book is now on its way via media mail to Firegirl in firey Arizona ... Happy Travels, little book!

Journal Entry 23 by Firegirl from Tucson, Arizona USA on Monday, June 29, 2009
Arrived safely today. I've got one book to finish and then I'll dive in. Thanks for adding me to the ray!

Journal Entry 24 by Firegirl from Tucson, Arizona USA on Monday, July 6, 2009
Finished this up yesterday. I enjoyed it as a whole, especially the way the author worked in the history of tattooing and the West. I liked hearing about the author (and Slade's) opinions of tattoos and why people get them, what they mean at the time and what they come to mean later. While I agree with Karol's comments to some people prior to getting their ink (ex. "don't get a cartoon character, you'll regret it later") I had a bit of a problem with the amused tone she used when telling of some of the off-hand, occasionally insulting comments other artists made while actively doing tattoo work. Sure, try and talk someone out of a bad idea, I'm all for that, but don't be disparaging when it's too late for them to change their mind. IMO, that's just being mean.

I found I could relate to Karol a bit, though she has taken things much more to the extreme than I. I have five tattoos (with plans to get more) and got my first one about 15 years ago. It wasn't as mainstream then so I admit, I too, have a bit of the same underlying resentment at how popular tattoos have become as Karol seems to have. I also have dated my share of "socially unacceptable" men, though never as extreme (or, thankfully, as dangerous) as the ones she has kept company with. I think the moral that her ex-boyfriend tells is very true ("you knew I was a snake when you picked me up") and is something more women should remember. "Bad boys" can certainly be a lot of fun and get your adrenaline pumping, but the truly bad ones are just that -- bad. I certainly hope that she has stayed away from that type of guy since writing this book, especially since she has a child to be concerned about now.

Arizona isn't quite as much "the West" as Wyoming, but it is definitely different from living back East or out in California. The desert is its own world and I liked reading about Karol's love for her own little world.

All in all, a decent read. Enough history to be interesting but not a dry history lesson, enough personal experience to be unique but not something others cannot relate to on some level or another. (And I, too, laughed at the "nonconformist" tattoo story.) Thanks for including me in this!

Journal Entry 25 by Firegirl at Mesa, Arizona USA on Monday, July 6, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (7/6/2009 UTC) at Mesa, Arizona USA

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CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES: Posted this off to NMReader today. She said to only pass it on "if it's good". Eep! Well, my New Mexican friend, *I* thought it was pretty good... Too much pressure on me to make the decision not to send it! Hope you think it worthy! (Also counts as part of the "Keep Them Moving" release challenge.)

Journal Entry 26 by NMReader from Herndon, Virginia USA on Sunday, July 12, 2009
It has arrived and I am looking forward to reading

Journal Entry 27 by NMReader from Herndon, Virginia USA on Sunday, August 23, 2009
I wrote this review once but it disappeared into cyberspace.

I enjoyed listening to the author's description of Laramie. I wwent to university in Laramie in the '80s. I could relate to some of the descriptions. The town she describes seems more "eastern" then the Laramie I knew.

I learned a lot about tattooing. I found the history interesting. I also had to laugh about the nonconformist tattoos.

I think Karol next book could be great if she can continue to write at this level.

Firegirl - I enjoyed the book - you did the right thing passing it on to me. I will admit I think it made my sister's eyebrows jump off her head but that was probably good for her.

Thanks for including me

Journal Entry 28 by NMReader at Albuquerque, New Mexico USA on Sunday, August 23, 2009

Released 14 yrs ago (8/24/2009 UTC) at Albuquerque, New Mexico USA

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I'll drop at the PO either over lunch or on the way home from work

Thanks for including me

Delivery Confirmation Number: 0308 2690 0001 9863 9815

Journal Entry 29 by princess-peapod from San Luis Obispo, California USA on Wednesday, August 26, 2009
woohoo, this arrived today!

"Read in order to live."
Gustave Flaubert

Journal Entry 30 by princess-peapod from San Luis Obispo, California USA on Saturday, April 24, 2010
I'll admit that due to knowing I was at the end of the ray I did not put this as high on my TBR as I normally would with a bookray : )
I just found out though that I am moving next month & trying hard to get books from other bookcrossers moving before they get packed up! I enjoyed this book for the history of both Wyoming (though I have never been there & have no plans too anytime soon) and of tattooing. I found Karol's story to be interesting, yet her choices were so unlike what I would do that it made it hard for me to relate to or like her as much as I would have liked. I am glad for the chance to read this, which is one of those books I might not have read if it were not for BookCrossing...thanks JennyC1230
now to see where this one will be headed next...

Journal Entry 31 by princess-peapod at Avila Beach, California USA on Saturday, May 1, 2010

Released 13 yrs ago (5/1/2010 UTC) at Avila Beach, California USA

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If you found this book while in the area of San Luis Obispo, CA. feel free to come by and check out Joe Mommas which houses our bookshelf! We also hold our local meetups on the first Tuesday of each month at 5pm there, please come join the fun! The books on the shelf are free to for you to read, enjoy and pass along to another!

this was taken from my shelves by a fellow bookcrosser to read and enjoy : )
happy travels...

"A book is a mysterious object, I said, and once it floats out into the world, anything can happen. All kinds of mischief can be caused, and there's not a damned thing you can do about it. For better or worse, it's completely out of your control."
Paul Auster


Journal Entry 32 by jlautner from Henderson, Nevada USA on Saturday, May 1, 2010
Taken from the princess's shelves.

Journal Entry 33 by jlautner at Henderson, Nevada USA on Thursday, March 15, 2018
I started this and did not enjoy it. Rather than keep it around in hopes that I will make my way through it I need to let it go. Hope it finds yet more readers who will love it!

Journal Entry 34 by jlautner at Starbucks @ W. Warm Springs & Julia St. in Henderson, Nevada USA on Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Released 6 yrs ago (3/20/2018 UTC) at Starbucks @ W. Warm Springs & Julia St. in Henderson, Nevada USA

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In the book box inside.

Journal Entry 35 by rem_UBU-149945 at Henderson, Nevada USA on Wednesday, March 21, 2018
I found this at Warm Springs and Julia @Starbucks, less than 24 hours after it was released! So excited!

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