Binita Kumari
Protector of pre-loved books, mom of three cats and a coffee enthusiast.
9 Must-Read Poetry Books Recommended by Poets
Fun fact: April is celebrated as National Poetry Month. So if you have been putting off reading poetry for some time now, this is your chance to pick a good poetry book and delve into the magical worlds weaved with words and rhythm. Now, you don’t need to be a master’s of literature to enjoy poetry. AND you don’t need to force yourself to finish a certain poetry book if you don’t like it. Poetry is an art form that’s meant to be enjoyed and that should be your main goal instead of finishing the book. I have a list of 9 trusted poetry books that will SURELY make you fall in love with them because they are recommended by poets themselves. Let’s get started!
Ariel by Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath is most known for her feminism and committing suicide at the age of 30. Ted Hughes, her husband, released her poetry book Ariel after she died. The book is called after a poem she wrote on a morning ride with her horse, Ariel, and the poems inside are dark, unexpected, and incredibly nuanced, which explains why they’ve been loved by centuries of teenage angst..
The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
Milk and Honey was an obvious success for Rupi Kaur, and this follow-up poetry book has had the same everlasting impact on readers all around the world. The Sun and Her Flowers is a homage to enjoying life to the fullest and will leave you with all the emotions. It’s a compilation about self-identity, culture, and discovering your own self-worth.
bone by Yrsa Daley-Ward
Yrsa Daley-Ward has a lot to say about growing up as a black British woman in this powerful poetry book. Bone provides readers a real peek into the life of an inspirational woman and her experiences in the world, from speaking about vulnerability to learning to cope with the abuse.
The Truth About Magic by Atticus
Finding yourself can be hard, but Atticus’ beautiful collection seems to bring magic to the gloom. His poetry includes a wide range of topics, including discovering our own purpose, searching within and out, and the simple pleasures of life. Even in the darkest of situations, Atticus reminds us that magic exists.
the princess saves herself in this one by Amanda Lovelace
A compilation of poems about overcoming adversity and creating your own happily ever after. From love to loss, strength, mental illness, and beyond, Lovelace’s poetry explores the nuances of life. It’s not only a compilation of experiences; it’s also a collection of healing and inspiration for everyone willing to go along for the ride.
Elegy on Toy Piano by Dean Young
Dean Young’s poetry is a delightful stream of consciousness that shifts between logic and absurdity, joy and grief. “Winged Purposes” and “Belief in Magic,” two of his most well-known poems, rely on the power of sounds to transport readers through his work and seamlessly jump from one thought to the next.
Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore
This book is a collection of 103 chosen Bengali poems by Rabindranath Tagore that are translated into English. The poems will give you a spiritual poetry experience. His poems highlight the importance of devotion to God.
Home Body by Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur’s third collection of poetry is her third New York Times bestseller book. This book is about personal development; it’s a thoughtful trip through her past, present, and future. Love, community, family, and embracing change are some of the themes explored.
I Am The Rage by Dr. Martina McGowan
This excellent collection of poems delves into what it means to be Black in America. Martina McGowan, a retired doctor, and grandmother uses free-verse poetry to express her emotions in the midst of the killings of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, and the ensuing Black Lives Matter protests. Diana Ejaita designed the bold and graphic illustrations to go with the poetry.
