national poetry month

Poetry is a form of literature that uses aesthetic and sometimes rhythmic qualities of language. It is beautiful and can be a complicated form. Over the years, the popularity of certain forms of poetry has evolved—as have the forms themselves. From Robert Frost to Rupi Kaur, the boundaries of poetry are blurring to make masterpieces.

 

April is National Poetry Month, and we have some exciting books that everyone is bound to fall in love with. Check them out below:

1. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

This self-published New York Times bestseller made waves when it hit the shelves. It is popular due to the journey of self-discovery the author takes. With themes such as violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity, this poetry book is powerful and will get you thinking long past closing the book.

2. The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace

Written from the perspective of saving yourself, Lovelace paints a beautiful picture of the princess, the damsel, the queen, and you. This is the first book in a series, and a great read when in need of empowerment and inspiration.

3. A Collection of Poems by Robert Frost

Robert Frost is one of America’s most critically acclaimed poets. He was awarded four Pulitzer Prizes for poetry and served as the poet laureate of Vermont. This collection of poems includes all the poems from his four previously published anthologies. You may recognize some of his beautifully written and aesthetically vivid poems such as “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” and “Fire and Ice.”

4. The Essential Emily Dickinson by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson always had a way of describing suffering, loss, death, and madness. She is considered to be one of America’s greatest and most original poets of all time. This poetry book includes a selection of some of her most famous poems as well as a few lesser-known ones.

5. The Chaos of Longing by K.Y. Robinson

Robinson’s debut poetry book encompasses trauma, shame, injustice, and mental illness. It’s essentially a love letter written to everyone who can relate to the themes. This book is organized into four sections: inception, longing, chaos, and epiphany. The words written will no doubt echo in your head hours after you have finished.

6. Delicate Thoughts by M. Ballard and Tremanda Pewett

From women empowerment to heartbreak and depression, this diary-style poetry book will open your heart to the raw emotions of what it means to be human. It is perfect for those going through a breakup of any kind and will remind you that you are not alone in your feelings.

7. The Collected Poems by Sylvia Plath

Many people can relate to Sylvia Plath and resonate with the pain she wrote about. She was able to portray her emotions so accurately in words, which is one of the reasons why she’s so popular. She had fully mastered poetry and language and though some poems may be hard to decipher, you can’t help but relate to her words and feelings. This collection puts all her works in one place.

8. All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols

Popular Instagram poet Morgan Harper Nichols speaks to your mind, soul, heart, and body with this collection of illustrated poetry and prose. It offers light and joy in an already difficult world and teaches the reader that there is purpose in every season. With beautiful drawings and positive poems, you will feel uplifted and happy reading this book.

9. Dirty Pretty Things by Michael Faudet

Michael Faudet, a New Zealander, paints vivid pictures in his first poetry book. While it is filled with poetry, prose, short stories, and illustrations, they all convey the feelings and passion of love, loss, and relationships. It was selected by Sylvia Whitman, the owner of Shakespeare & Company bookstore in Paris, as one of her favorite books of 2016.

10. The Complete Poetry by Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou had a skill for inspiring the world with her words. Her legacy lives on in this book of some of her most-treasured poems. From reflections on African American life and hardship to a celebration of womanhood, these poems are filled with truth in a way that is pleasing to the ear.

National Poetry Month is a great way to celebrate all the iconic poets, both new and old. From Frost to Faudet, there is something for everyone.