Second skin

"Second Skin is a poignant and evocative tome that delves into the tumultuous childhood of a girl grappling with the torment of an abusive and alcoholic father. This succinct and unadorned poetry collection unveils a vast, vivid landscape of violence—the insidious domestic brutality that engenders the paralyzing fear, harrowing horror, and suffocating guilt of a child compelled to love her tormentor and coexist with him. This significant work exemplifies the profound capacity of literature to effect transformation and foster healing. Comprising 74 brief poems and narrative fragments, the collection is intricately woven together by the recurring inquiry, How are you feeling, Child? This refrain stitches the very fabric of the entire anthology. Memories and dreams emerge from the shadows, while a spectrum of emotions—fear of the father, despondency, sorrow, aggression—are embraced by the protagonist, allowing for their experience and eventual release, ultimately restoring the fractured human spirit to its inherent wholeness. This work readily extends a hand to every reader in search of solace. The book's reception in Bulgaria has surpassed all anticipations. Beyond the confines of bookstores and libraries, it has found its way into correctional institutions, support centers, social services, therapists, and beyond. "Second Skin" arrived at a propitious moment, beckoning us to unveil the gates of the sacred (or cursed) castle of our homes, reminding us that no individual, under any circumstances, possesses the right to terrorize others or compel them into silence." Katerina Stoykova (1971) is an acclaimed poet, translator, radio host, actress, and publisher. Born in Bulgaria, she relocated to the United States at the age of 24. Katerina thinks and writes fluently in both English and Bulgarian, adeptly translating between the two languages. As a bilingual author and seasoned translator, she holds an MFA in writing from Spalding University in the United States. Her poetry and prose have graced numerous literary publications across the United States and Europe. She has published five poetry collections, three originally crafted in English and subsequently translated by Katerina into Bulgarian, and two originally penned in Bulgarian and later translated by her into English, published by Broadstone Books. Katerina has earned nominations for the Pushcart Prize, Best of the Net Award, and AWP Intro Award, and is the recipient of the 2010 Pencho’s Oak Award, bestowed annually to honor literary contributions to contemporary Bulgarian culture, as well as the 2014 Ivan Nikolov National Poetry Prize. In 2018, she was nominated for the Peroto Annual Literary Award. Katerina is the founder of poetry and prose groups in Lexington, Kentucky, which have convened since early 2007. She has co-written two award-winning, full-length independent feature films produced in the United States.