One Hundred Percent Humidity by Michelle Lyn King

Unmasking the social pressures of teenage sex.

Discovering the sheer number of free literary works online, particularly short stories, continues to be truly astonishing. In an attempt to explore more 'contemporary fiction', these various online publications have been crucial in expanding my reading horizons. Not to mention, they have introduced me to a plethora of new writers and literary works that otherwise would not be on my radar. Michelle Lyn King's "One Hundred Percent Humidity" falls into this category and I can safely say, without a shadow of a doubt, that it takes the prize for the most disturbing and uncomfortable reading experiences in recent memory. 

As a coming of age story, the author is going for pure shock-value here. It utilizes a narrative framework of psychological realism in depicting the trauma of a fourteen year girl navigating the complexities of peer pressure associated with losing her virginity. This is not necessarily a negative criticism of the work itself. By focusing on the protagonist's inner world, the narrative aspires to eschew with the mere scrutiny of reckless teenage behavior. Instead of inviting searing condemnation, this framework encourages readers to empathize with the young girl, particularly during moments of heightened vulnerability. Trigger warning: this story contains several graphic scenes of teenagers engaged in sexual activities. Please stay far away if you find this subject matter offensive.

Go ahead, feel free to label me as old fashioned or a prude; maybe I'm simply accustomed to a more subtle, poetic approach in the depiction of sexuality in literature. Yet, it seems a multitude of Gen Z writers, such as Michelle Lyn King, boldly embrace an unapologetic stance against such censorship, while pushing the boundaries of certain literary expectations. I can respect this radical approach but it's just not my cup of earl grey. 

I find myself conflicted about the overall merits of this story. On the one hand, the author successfully crafts a provocative and shocking depiction of teenage sexuality. At the same time, it is difficult for me to overlook the blatant sensationalism employed for dramatic effect, revealing a narrative that, despite its surface intrigue, seems to lack a more profound underlying significance. I'm left with two nagging questions: who is the target audience for this story and what deeper meaning does it strive to communicate about teenage sexuality that isn't already apparent?