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Magic with Skin On
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Poetry (2017)In her much-anticipated debut poetry collection, Morgan Nikola-Wren has woven her signature romantic grit through a stunning, modern-day fairy tale. Chronicling the relationship between a lonely artist and her absent--albeit abusive--muse, Magic with Skin On will gently break you, then put you back together again.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2017
63 people are currently reading
3845 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Nikola-Wren
4 books109 followersMorgan Nikola-Wren began writing poetry for various literary periodicals in 2013. She is a winner of the Pangaea Worldwide Poetry Slam, 2016, and has published four books of poetry. Her debut book, Magic with Skin On, received a Goodreads Choice nomination for Best Poetry Book of 2017, and was featured in Barnes and Noble's "25 Must-Reads for National Poetry Month," alongside writers such as Maya Angelou and William Shakespeare. (Yeah. That's super weird for her, too.)
Morgan ran away to Germany with her husband's circus for a year, then worked as a school librarian in Pasadena. Now, she lives in Milwaukee, where she teaches aerial dance. She is perpetually searching for new favorite words, more black clothing, and the perfect design for her next tattoo.
Find her on Instagram @morgannikolawren.
Morgan ran away to Germany with her husband's circus for a year, then worked as a school librarian in Pasadena. Now, she lives in Milwaukee, where she teaches aerial dance. She is perpetually searching for new favorite words, more black clothing, and the perfect design for her next tattoo.
Find her on Instagram @morgannikolawren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 10, 2017
I liked it very much, so I wrote it down, and now, it's a book.
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June 4, 2022
do not excuse the smell of smoke,
saying to yourself that some loves
simply burn so bright,
that every word
cannot help but spit sparks darling,
recognize an inferno
when you see one
then run like hell
saying to yourself that some loves
simply burn so bright,
that every word
cannot help but spit sparks darling,
recognize an inferno
when you see one
then run like hell
April 23, 2019
Do not
call her fragile
simply because she
is in pieces
You'll never
know what it took
to break her
This collection of poetry is currently on Kindle unlimited, and it was a rather mixed bag, for me. The theme is mostly based on trying to find oneself, and this is done in a different way to most. There are seven acts, and in between, you'll find prose, which allows it to read like a story. It definitely worked, but while there were parts that I loved, there were other parts I really disliked. There were some in particular, nearing the end, that for me, sounded kind of hopeless, like the author had ran out of ideas. Despite this, I would read more from this author!
call her fragile
simply because she
is in pieces
You'll never
know what it took
to break her
This collection of poetry is currently on Kindle unlimited, and it was a rather mixed bag, for me. The theme is mostly based on trying to find oneself, and this is done in a different way to most. There are seven acts, and in between, you'll find prose, which allows it to read like a story. It definitely worked, but while there were parts that I loved, there were other parts I really disliked. There were some in particular, nearing the end, that for me, sounded kind of hopeless, like the author had ran out of ideas. Despite this, I would read more from this author!
June 4, 2022
Normally, I compile my thoughts on a book at the end and create a rating and or review. I’m 19 pages in and I can’t ignore this quotation.
“what I wouldn’t give
To strip all this silence from my tongue ‘til
There was nothing left but the naked truth” (page 19)
I think the beauty of poetry is that the author has meaning that they instill in their writing but every reader takes it differently. In honesty, the first two lines of this passage resonated with me. 2020, god, I feel cliched because everyone’s year sucked but I truly feel like I stagnated. I graduated from highschool then failed to enroll in the Fall for college because I didn’t have the will power. I want to strip that metaphorical silence from me. Move on, face a new semester. I’ll step off my soapbox now but if this collection doesn’t fall apart in the latter passages it’ll be a five star from me. From simple impactfulness.
Dang, I was hyped up. Yeah so, 3.5 stars. You ask what happened? There were parts I adored.. Obviously but other parts I was just not wooed. I read a fair bit of poetry at least one collection each month and though I do trend towards cynicism in my thoughts, I want a hopeful tone from the poetry I read. Also, it just felt like Ms. Nikola-Wren had run out of ideas by the end.
I really liked the prose throughout for the different sections’ headers. I think it benefitted my understanding because I didn’t have to go slogging through trying to connect different parts to different themes. I took my literature class; I will never purposefully analyze deep poetry. That being said, this is a great poetry collection for a beginner to poetry and it is differently some of the best poetry I have read that is included with Kindle Unlimited. Worth a read just don’t rose tint your glasses before you finish and you’ll love (or strongly like) it.
Let’s leave you with a passage.
“ IX.
do not
call her fragile
simply because she
is in pieces
you’ll never
know what it took
to break her” (page 57)
“what I wouldn’t give
To strip all this silence from my tongue ‘til
There was nothing left but the naked truth” (page 19)
I think the beauty of poetry is that the author has meaning that they instill in their writing but every reader takes it differently. In honesty, the first two lines of this passage resonated with me. 2020, god, I feel cliched because everyone’s year sucked but I truly feel like I stagnated. I graduated from highschool then failed to enroll in the Fall for college because I didn’t have the will power. I want to strip that metaphorical silence from me. Move on, face a new semester. I’ll step off my soapbox now but if this collection doesn’t fall apart in the latter passages it’ll be a five star from me. From simple impactfulness.
Dang, I was hyped up. Yeah so, 3.5 stars. You ask what happened? There were parts I adored.. Obviously but other parts I was just not wooed. I read a fair bit of poetry at least one collection each month and though I do trend towards cynicism in my thoughts, I want a hopeful tone from the poetry I read. Also, it just felt like Ms. Nikola-Wren had run out of ideas by the end.
I really liked the prose throughout for the different sections’ headers. I think it benefitted my understanding because I didn’t have to go slogging through trying to connect different parts to different themes. I took my literature class; I will never purposefully analyze deep poetry. That being said, this is a great poetry collection for a beginner to poetry and it is differently some of the best poetry I have read that is included with Kindle Unlimited. Worth a read just don’t rose tint your glasses before you finish and you’ll love (or strongly like) it.
Let’s leave you with a passage.
“ IX.
do not
call her fragile
simply because she
is in pieces
you’ll never
know what it took
to break her” (page 57)
March 11, 2020
Found this on KU a while back, however only just sat down to read it today! Set across 7 acts, this collection of poetry and reflection tell the story of a toxic and emotional romance, really looking into what the darker side of being in love is really like. Good read, good writing style that I found myself easily immersed in.
August 1, 2017
This was the 10th poetry collection I've read this year and I can definitely say that this one is totally unique and brilliant. Huge thanks to Ms. Morgan for sending me a copy.
The book is divided into seven Acts which starts with short stories followed by poetry/prose. I really loved this concept and how the author uses metaphors effectively. The book tells us a heart-wrenching story of a woman and her unconditional love to a man. She starts writing her story and later on realizes her worth and finally set herself free. There was one scene that's quite graphic that it made me cringe.
This was an excellent work of art and I highly recommend it! Plus, look how stunning the cover is.
Here are some of my favorites:
“She is courting herself. Getting to know the twists and turns of her. Intimately. The way you can only do when you have been shattered. Running your hands up every small piece of you before you put it back into place—or even somewhere entirely different. Because it feels good to remind yourself that some changes are still within your control.” - p.87
perhaps you felt cheated
because i turned out
to be ten times the
woman you bargained for
i'm worth my salt
and it tastes like
stories you've never
dreamed of
- p.112
Actual Rating : 4.5/5 stars
The book is divided into seven Acts which starts with short stories followed by poetry/prose. I really loved this concept and how the author uses metaphors effectively. The book tells us a heart-wrenching story of a woman and her unconditional love to a man. She starts writing her story and later on realizes her worth and finally set herself free. There was one scene that's quite graphic that it made me cringe.
This was an excellent work of art and I highly recommend it! Plus, look how stunning the cover is.
Here are some of my favorites:
“She is courting herself. Getting to know the twists and turns of her. Intimately. The way you can only do when you have been shattered. Running your hands up every small piece of you before you put it back into place—or even somewhere entirely different. Because it feels good to remind yourself that some changes are still within your control.” - p.87
perhaps you felt cheated
because i turned out
to be ten times the
woman you bargained for
i'm worth my salt
and it tastes like
stories you've never
dreamed of
- p.112
Actual Rating : 4.5/5 stars
May 6, 2020
no pun intended but there was more magic this time. literary magic. i think i could relate to it more now that i'm a little bit older. the poems make more of an impact and it's honestly a very satisfying read with an equally aesthetically pleasing cover.
October 29, 2017
This is still showing as a kindle freebie. I suggest you pick it up. The poems are dark, but dark in terms of trying to find onesself. The brillance isn't so much the fairy tale themes, but the comments on relationships -to others and to self.
November 7, 2017
i needed this poetry book
December 14, 2018
"we're all just
porcelain bones dipped
in a prayer and
there's no telling
what's going to break us"
porcelain bones dipped
in a prayer and
there's no telling
what's going to break us"
January 9, 2022
Do you ever have have these feelings that are so hard to put into words? Feelings that manifest themselves that you want to put a name to, want to describe, but don't know how? Morgan Nikola-Wren has mastered this nearly impossible task. Following the 7 acts of her story, we see the journey one takes from heartbreak to healing and all of the steps in between. Bringing together poetry and prose, Morgan Nikola-Wren expertly weaves the story of what it's likes to be broken, and how we stitch ourselves back together into something stronger, fiercer, and resilient. Even if you have never experienced heartache and heartbreak before, you will find a piece of yourself hidden within the book. Be it in an act, a poem, or a single line. This story and it's style was so reminiscent of an epic- with its tale of pain and redemption. I love how the poems tie together each act, and how they can all stand alone as their own story. But bringing them together creates something so much more. I really enjoyed reading Magic With Skin On. If you want to see some other work by Morgan Nikola-Wren, check out her Instagram where she posts beautiful lines of her poetry ❤️
August 7, 2018
Favorite quotes:
someone
planted centuries
in my soul.
do not
call her fragile
simply because she
is in pieces
you'll never
know what it took
to break her
the terrible truth
is anything
can look like love if
you've got enough lonely
in your eyes
i'm an entire
bestiary trapped in
a body
July 1, 2017
This was my first ever time to read poetry like this, and it was incredible. It was such a whirlwind quick read, but it was magical. I feel empowered, independent, and strong in who I am. I feel like I can conquer any pain the world throws at me. I loved this, and I'm so thankful Morgan Nikola-Wren sent this to me.
November 7, 2017
Every act starts with a short prose text which helps to understand the theme as well creates atmosphere for the poems which follows. Some poems I didn‘t get but there were a few which I really liked. I don‘t have much experience with poetry but I think Magic with Skin On is a good way to start.
August 8, 2017
The cover drew me in first. How could it not? Once I opened the book I was quickly drawn in to the words Morgan Nikola-Wren created. Not just the words, but the world. As a reader, I loved it. As a writer (and poet) I was humbled. The word choices throughout are strong, beautiful, gut-punching. There’s strong imagery and metaphors in some, but it’s really the way the words are put together that create such beauty.
The poems are told in in Acts (7, to be exact), and there’s prose in between, so that it reads like a story, which I loved. The poems center around a relationship (somewhat toxic or damaging) and move forward through heartbreak, pain, and then healing. Themes of love—passionate and unrequited—are strung throughout, and there are several poems that touch on words/voice/power. I related to so much to it, I had to take a step back and breathe.
Sadly—or shamefully—I do not use bookmarks, and so I have a habit of dog-earring (?) pages that speak to me. I have over 20 pages of this book bent at the corners, I loved the poems on them so much. In fact, I plan to get a tattoo of one of them. Which one remains to be seen. But still, wow. Two of my favorites:
IX.
it’s nights like this, when
your grief goes smashing
into the walls that i think of
those moments that curled your hand
so sea-shell perfectly into mine
my memory skips
at the velvet shock of your skin
and i wonder
how i ever managed to fit
so much rage into my fists
and
XIII.
the next time you come at me,
with charm in your eyes
and a throat full of
“would never hurt you,”
i’ll remember that i’m just
a mistake your memory
couldn’t carry, and you’re
just an apology i’ll never
hear the air explode into,
a double-joined voice
and a snake oil smile—
so, scrub your shadow
from my front door
don’t sell me
a knock-off
love i don’t need
My only wish is that the poems had named titles instead of Roman numerals. I don’t even KNOW what those numbers are, ha, and it would be nice to put a title to each poem so I could say my favorites instead of “on page whatever”.
Gorgeous book of poetry, and a talented poetess. 5 stars. I hope to be this good someday.
If you love poetry that is rich, sensual, and powerful, get yourself this book. I’m already gleefully awaiting her next.
The poems are told in in Acts (7, to be exact), and there’s prose in between, so that it reads like a story, which I loved. The poems center around a relationship (somewhat toxic or damaging) and move forward through heartbreak, pain, and then healing. Themes of love—passionate and unrequited—are strung throughout, and there are several poems that touch on words/voice/power. I related to so much to it, I had to take a step back and breathe.
Sadly—or shamefully—I do not use bookmarks, and so I have a habit of dog-earring (?) pages that speak to me. I have over 20 pages of this book bent at the corners, I loved the poems on them so much. In fact, I plan to get a tattoo of one of them. Which one remains to be seen. But still, wow. Two of my favorites:
IX.
it’s nights like this, when
your grief goes smashing
into the walls that i think of
those moments that curled your hand
so sea-shell perfectly into mine
my memory skips
at the velvet shock of your skin
and i wonder
how i ever managed to fit
so much rage into my fists
and
XIII.
the next time you come at me,
with charm in your eyes
and a throat full of
“would never hurt you,”
i’ll remember that i’m just
a mistake your memory
couldn’t carry, and you’re
just an apology i’ll never
hear the air explode into,
a double-joined voice
and a snake oil smile—
so, scrub your shadow
from my front door
don’t sell me
a knock-off
love i don’t need
My only wish is that the poems had named titles instead of Roman numerals. I don’t even KNOW what those numbers are, ha, and it would be nice to put a title to each poem so I could say my favorites instead of “on page whatever”.
Gorgeous book of poetry, and a talented poetess. 5 stars. I hope to be this good someday.
If you love poetry that is rich, sensual, and powerful, get yourself this book. I’m already gleefully awaiting her next.
February 24, 2018
5/5 stars
My good friend Jen insisted that I read this, and since I trust her recommendations, I decided to give it a go, ESPECIALLY since it was featured on Kindle Unlimited. (I will never not regret buying it every month, what a great program!)
So, this book is an absolute work of art. It goes through (I’m assuming) the author’s experience with love and loss, and it genuinely reads like a story, which I find is hard to accomplish with poetry, since it’s such a different format.
Full review on my blog: https://vellich0rs.wordpress.com/2018...
"She writes as though every thousand poems can join hands in a collective chain, reach their way back into her should have dones, and pass one of them back to her."
My good friend Jen insisted that I read this, and since I trust her recommendations, I decided to give it a go, ESPECIALLY since it was featured on Kindle Unlimited. (I will never not regret buying it every month, what a great program!)
So, this book is an absolute work of art. It goes through (I’m assuming) the author’s experience with love and loss, and it genuinely reads like a story, which I find is hard to accomplish with poetry, since it’s such a different format.
Full review on my blog: https://vellich0rs.wordpress.com/2018...
August 12, 2017
unraveling and piecing together.
this book. THIS BOOK. i can't begin to tell you how many times it hit my heart. with a bat. ow. but, i needed it. it was that extra push to letting go. and i can't tell you how many times it held me together. i had to stop reading for a bit, because i realized how out of tune i was with my heart. i am so used to leaving my heart as the last priority on my list. this book held me and watched me fall apart and said: it's okay. love is not the only magic. magic is you. with your bones and skin. thank you to the lovely and exciting author, morgan, for piecing this together. it is perfection. much adored and needed!
this book. THIS BOOK. i can't begin to tell you how many times it hit my heart. with a bat. ow. but, i needed it. it was that extra push to letting go. and i can't tell you how many times it held me together. i had to stop reading for a bit, because i realized how out of tune i was with my heart. i am so used to leaving my heart as the last priority on my list. this book held me and watched me fall apart and said: it's okay. love is not the only magic. magic is you. with your bones and skin. thank you to the lovely and exciting author, morgan, for piecing this together. it is perfection. much adored and needed!
March 16, 2018
II .
perhaps you felt cheated
because i turned out
to be ten times the
woman you bargained for
i'm worth my salt
and it tastes like
stories you've never
dreamed of
If I had to pick this would be the creme de la creme of all poetry books I have stumbled upon thus far in 2018. Nikola-Wren is a brilliant and illuminating poet who performs magic with words (skin on). My only criticism is that there wasn't enough magical poems to satiate me. Also I wish that there was more development articulated in the opening acts, which guide the reader into the poems.
perhaps you felt cheated
because i turned out
to be ten times the
woman you bargained for
i'm worth my salt
and it tastes like
stories you've never
dreamed of
If I had to pick this would be the creme de la creme of all poetry books I have stumbled upon thus far in 2018. Nikola-Wren is a brilliant and illuminating poet who performs magic with words (skin on). My only criticism is that there wasn't enough magical poems to satiate me. Also I wish that there was more development articulated in the opening acts, which guide the reader into the poems.
November 17, 2017
5/5 Stars!!!! I don't even know where to begin with this one. I absolutely LOVE this creative book of poetry. I love the way it's divided up into chap-book-like sections. Most of all, I love the poetry within it. I'm just. Wow. This touched me.
I'm pretty speechless.
xo,
Rach
I'm pretty speechless.
xo,
Rach
August 18, 2020
This collection is absolutely gorgeous. It was everything I hoped it would be! The magic in the poems is absolutely tangible, present in each page and each word. The poems are captivating and wonderful, and the narrative flow of the acts creates almost a slice of life sort of read. The poems have emotion and grit and teeth to them, and I absolutely recommend reading this collection if you’re looking for something heartbreaking, emotional, and encouraging all at once!
August 17, 2017
I keep coming back to this collection. What I love about it is how unique the sequencing is with short stories playing out in continuity between chapters of powerful poetry. It's a wonderful collection from a new contemporary poetess and well worth the read. Nikola-Wren's poems solicit strong emotional reactions with even the simplest of words. Her ability to speak to the soul of a person with honesty and integrity is remarkable and inspiring; causing repressed feelings come to light and giving voice to difficult sentiments. Truthful and empowering, this collection is a welcome addition to my shelves.
October 9, 2017
Loved every act
Every act in this book I enjoyed. I couldn't put it down. As I was reading some of these poems I felt as though she had crawled in my mind and was speaking for me.
Every act in this book I enjoyed. I couldn't put it down. As I was reading some of these poems I felt as though she had crawled in my mind and was speaking for me.
March 25, 2018
Delightful
I love how these poems were built into a thematic story. It feels like it could be any and every woman’s story. And every artist’s story. Beautifully done!
I love how these poems were built into a thematic story. It feels like it could be any and every woman’s story. And every artist’s story. Beautifully done!
December 31, 2023
My final read of 2023!
The prose or ‘acts’ were excellent, but unfortunately the poems (or quotes?) were a bit Rupi Kaur-ish and didn’t feel original. If it was a book purely contained the fascinating prose, this book would easily be a 4-5* read. The language in those is sophisticated and descriptive, and I wanted more of it. Acts 1-7 were brilliant.
The quotes let it down. It almost feels like two people have written the book. I’d honestly say that this writer is more of a fiction writer because those sections feel more natural.
The prose or ‘acts’ were excellent, but unfortunately the poems (or quotes?) were a bit Rupi Kaur-ish and didn’t feel original. If it was a book purely contained the fascinating prose, this book would easily be a 4-5* read. The language in those is sophisticated and descriptive, and I wanted more of it. Acts 1-7 were brilliant.
The quotes let it down. It almost feels like two people have written the book. I’d honestly say that this writer is more of a fiction writer because those sections feel more natural.
December 19, 2021
How words make this ugly world look beautiful
January 12, 2022
I LOVED this.
September 30, 2018
Very beautiful and raw! And the cover... gorgeous.
July 22, 2018
I LOVED this. I have so many favorite poems from this collection <3 Will definitely be rereading this again in the future ^^ thank you to the author for sending me a free copy of her book!!
One of my faves:
X.
there's a sea of unsaid
roaring through me;
shy as white lace waves on a shore,
but strong and stubborn enough
to carry ships on my back
One of my faves:
X.
there's a sea of unsaid
roaring through me;
shy as white lace waves on a shore,
but strong and stubborn enough
to carry ships on my back
July 7, 2017
Review to follow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews