Poetry books are amazing. They contain a wealth of literature, carefully selected and merged together for you to enjoy. In them you’ll find inspiring poems, thought provoking poems and at times poems that leave you confused or shocked.
Poetry books take you on a journey. They engage your heart and mind. They make you think deeper. They make you feel stronger. Simply put, a good poetry book will enrich your perspective.
The beauty of a poetry book is the freedom you have as a reader to explore it. Unlike traditional fiction such as novels, you don’t have to read poetry books chronologically. You can start with the last poem that catches your eye; you can delve into it in the middle. You’re free to wander between selected poems and pages. You can read a poetry book in one sitting or you can spread it out over a few weeks or months. Most poems are shorter than stories and so you can easily squeeze some poetry reading in your day to day.
What Poetry Book Should I Read?
If you’re feeling inspired and would like to start reading more poetry books but you’re not sure where to start, I’ve listed some poetry collections below for you to discover. I’ve included the Amazon description of the poetry book (and a link to buy it too), so you get more of a sense of what the collection is about before you begin reading. There’s no categorising to this list, just have a scroll and see what poetry books catch your eye!
A collection of poems exploring a young black British woman's experience with depression, race, culture, psychosis, love, identity, spirit and healing.
From acclaimed performance poet Sophia Thakur comes a powerful new collection of poems exploring issues of identity, difference, perseverance, relationships, fear, loss and joy. The collection is arranged as life is: from youth to school, to home life, falling in love and falling straight back out again. The poems draw on the author's experience as a young mixed-race young woman trying to make sense of a lonely and complicated world. With a strong narrative voice and emotional empathy, this is poetry that will resonate with all young people, whatever their background, and whatever their dreams. As she says, she hopes the poems will help readers "grow through what they go through".
'Temper' is the debut poetry collection by Sheffield-born poet Jessica Wood - drawing on themes that are wide-ranging and political, and yet intimate and personal at the same time. Wood's thoughtful delivery, and careful attention to her craft, make 'Temper' a deeply relatable, and powerfully immediate collection of poems.
Self-help meets artistry and imagination. Captivating, inspiring and above all, truthful. Words of Faith is your new companion. In her newest release, Faith takes readers on a profound poetic journey with the intent to challenge growth. Through simple yet skillful use of language and imagery, the reader is stimulated, intrigued and moved. "Don’t be afraid to grow." She says, "To take the risks in life that will propel you into your purpose. Be refined, be challenged and above all, seek to grow." Will you let these Words of Faith nurture your soul? Described as "a collection of devotional poems that readers can draw strength and encouragement from", Words of Faith is one not to dismiss. "They also have a kind of minimalist quality to them that makes each poem work well as a kind of mine for aphorisms... What makes them particularly effective is that they are obviously heartfelt and deeply personal, but at the same time universally accessible."
Casey Bailey is a writer, performer and educator born and raised in Nechells, Birmingham. Casey has performed nationally and internationally, spent some time on a residency with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and taught, facilitated and led up and down the country. His debut poetry pamphlet ‘Waiting at Bloomsbury Park’ was published by Big White Shed (2017). His first full collection of poetry ‘Adjusted’ (2018) was published by Verve Poetry Press.
Maya Angelou's poetry - lyrical and dramatic, exuberant and playful - speaks of love, longing, partings; of Saturday night partying, and the smells and sounds of Southern cities; of freedom and shattered dreams. 'The caged bird sings/ with a fearful trill/ of things unknown/ but longed for still/ and his tune is heard/ on the distant hill/ for the caged bird/ sings of freedom.' Of her poetry, Kirkus Reviews has written, ‘It is just as much a part of her biography as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Gather Together in My Name, Singin’ and Swingin’ and Getting Merry Like Christmas, and Heart of a Woman.’
#1 New York Times bestseller Milk and Honey is a collection of poetry and prose about survival. About the experience of violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity. The book is divided into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose. Deals with a different pain. Heals a different heartache. Milk and Honey takes readers through a journey of the most bitter moments in life and finds sweetness in them because there is sweetness everywhere if you are just willing to look.
From Rupi Kaur, the bestselling author of Milk and Honey, comes her long-awaited second collection of poetry. Illustrated by Kaur, The Sun and Her Flowers is a journey of wilting, falling, rooting, rising and blooming. It is a celebration of love in all its forms.
2Fish is a collection of intimate poems (and a few short stories) written by Chilombo from adolescence to adulthood, in no particular order. The book details Chilombo's thoughts in their most raw and honest form taken directly from a collection of notebooks she has kept since age 12.
“The Strength In Our Scars” is Bianca Sparacino’s reminder to you: No matter what you’re going through, no matter where you are on your healing journey—you are strong. Through poetry, prose, and compassionate encouragement you would expect from someone who knows exactly what you’re working through, Sparacino is here with the words you need. “The Strength In Our Scars” tackles the gut-wrenching but relatable experiences of moving on, self-love, and ultimately learning to heal. In this book you will find peace, you will find a rock, you will find understanding, and you will find hope. Remember: Whatever is dark within you has also carved light into your soul. Whatever is lost within you has also brought you back home to yourself. Whatever is hurt within you is also healing you in ways you may not understand at that moment in time. This book hopes to show you that.
Includes all poems from Sitting by My Laughing Fire (1977) and Clouds Are the Dust of My Feet (1992), plus previously unpublished poems.
Philip Larkin (1922-1985) remains England's best-loved poet - a writer matchlessly capable of evoking his native land and of touching all readers from the most sophisticated intellectual to the proverbial common reader. The late John Betjeman observed that 'this tenderly observant poet writes clearly, rhythmically, and thoughtfully about what all of us can understand'. Behind this modest description lies a poet who made greatness look, in Milton's prescription, 'simple, sensuous and passionate'. This collection, first published in 1967, contains many of his best-loved poems, including The Whitsun Weddings, An Arundel Tomb, Days, Mr Bleaney and MCMXIV.
The greatest sonnets and poems ever written, by the greatest poet and playwright in the English language.
Sometimes only a poem will do. These poetic prescriptions and wise words of advice offer comfort, delight and inspiration for all; a space for reflection, and that precious realization - I'm not the only one who feels like this. In the years since he first had the idea of prescribing short, powerful poems for all manner of spiritual ailments, William Sieghart has taken his Poetry Pharmacy around the length and breadth of Britain, into the pages of the Guardian, onto BBC Radio 4 and onto the television, honing his prescriptions all the time. This pocket-sized book presents the most essential poems in his dispensary: those which, again and again, have really shown themselves to work. Whether you are suffering from loneliness, lack of courage, heartbreak, hopelessness, or even from an excess of ego, there is something here to ease your pain.
Happy Poetry Reading!
And there you have it! Just a few suggestions of different poetry books that you can pick up to start reading! I hope you enjoy one or two on the list and if you’ve read any of these poetry books please feel free to leave your thoughts and encourage more readers. If you have more suggestions on poetry books to read, leave your recommendations below.
- Faithful xoxo
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