Well written and interesting at first, yet I feel like "Girl Oil" lacks any punch. Fong makes clear Chelle's turbulent emotions about her identity, appearance, and overall place in the world, but there is no "so what?" answered. The story ends and I found myself thinking, "...And??" But that's all there was, and it was pretty unsatisfying. ( )

Review of eBook

Slim, pale Wenqian is the exact opposite of her roommate, Chelle. And Chelle wants nothing more than to be like Wenqian, especially when her forever-friend, Preston, gives her his affection.

At an audition, Chelle receives a blunt appraisal from the head of the project. She’s not right for the part; she’s fat. The executive assistant, Zhang Xinyi, takes pity on her, gifting her a bottle of NuYou that she says is a new formula, not yet available for purchase. She cautions Chelle not to use too much.

But when the strangely-warm lotion seems to be working, Chelle forgets the warning and continues to use the NuYou lotion to change her body, to become an acceptable person.

What will happen as Chelle uses more and more of the lotion? And can she find a place for herself in the world that sees only her physical appearance?

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This short story speaks to the plight of every woman who believes she must change herself; body image continues to cause problems when appearance defines a person. Chelle wants what she sees coming so effortlessly to her friend; she wants to be the same as her. Heavier than her friend, she views herself as unacceptable.

Body shaming takes the hit here; as Chelle uses more and more of the lotion, the changes in her body don’t necessarily deliver the things she hopes to achieve. Readers, even those who are comfortable with their own bodies, are sure to see themselves in Chelle’s quest for acceptable perfection. Chelle is every reader, every woman; her story is heart-wrenchingly sad and, at the same time, so very familiar.

Highly recommended. ( )