9 Books t0 Spark Poetry Appreciation

Today is the last day of National Poetry Month, and I am here to share one last post to keep the celebration going. This morning, I started to peruse my poetry books and naturally, I saw books I loved and some I didn’t. I pondered the favorite poets I have “discovered” (Victoria Chang, Joseph Massey) and how these have become part of my personal poetry story, or journey- choose your preferred word!

I quick-chose the books in thisPoetry Will Save Your Life pile from many, because I can recall their significance or enjoyment to me as I explored a genre I came to, as one accidentally falling into the deep end of a pool struggling to swim my way back to the low end and find my footing. Poetry is such a misunderstood literary form, which also often seems rather exclusive…and snooty (not sorry). I’ve been wading in over my head for awhile now so I encourage you to jump in. The water is deep, but there is a lot to be gained, and enjoyed, if you are willing to swim where your feet can’t quite touch bottom.

The reason I am choosing nine books instead of ten is so, after reading these choices, you can share the tenth in the comments with me! I know there are many more good books and deeper books on this subject. I have a few. But these I chose by the memory evoked when I looked at them. Maybe it was the timing I received, the person who gave, or what I gained from the book- but these books, upon sight, brought a smile or sense of pleasure as I remembered them. I’d love to know the poetry books, or writing books that have been a pleasant addition to your understanding of poetry, writing, or just a favorite poet. Let’s jump in!

The Poetry of Impermanence, Mindfulness and Joy edited by John Brehm- I recall picking this up one day at the bookstore- I read it in 2018. Its small paperback format drew me in as I was looking for a travel companion with appropriate proportions. This was a delight at the right time. I loved the biographical bits in this book, and found this to be a facet that fascinated me. The stories behind the lives of the poets is a recurring interest to which I am often drawn.
Poemcrazy by Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge- My bestie gifted me this book. She said it made her think of me. I read this in 2013, and it is a great inspiration written by a poetry teacher who leads writing workshops on the west coast. If you want to inspire your poetic life and expressive writing, read this book. Her teaching style comes through in out-of-the-box creative exercises shared with her groups, and with her readers. You will thank me for this one.
The Poetry Home Repair Manual by Ted Kooser- This book was suggested to me by a fellow poet, who was helping me with my poems. We worked together and she credited this book with her ability to critique and help me with my work. Well, it was a life-changing process she took me through, and it really helped my writing at the time. What I learned from her in our meetings, and Ted Kooser’s book have impacted my writing in significant ways. If you want to be a better at writing, and seeing your writing, or the writing of others from different angles I think this is a great resource!
Poetry 101: From Shakespeare and Rupi Kaur to Iambic Pentameter and Blank Verse, Everything You Need to Know about Poetry by Susan Dalzell- This was a fun read, as it suits my ADHD brain. This is a broad overview, and is very basic in introduction, but does cover in a general way a lot of poetic history. Not deeply. There is a lot I don’t love in this book (on the contemporary front) but I did enjoy it enough, and its presentation/format to consider it in my chosen nine (I am not a Rupi Kaur appreciator I confess but that said, I also have yet to acquire love for Shakespeare so there’s that- still learning).
The Poets’ Corner: The One-and-Only Poetry Book for the Whole Family by John Lithgow- If you want to find the joy and learn to appreciate and understand poetry MORE- this is the book! I adore this book, by actor John Lithgow. What a treasure he has written in sharing these 50 poems. He gives a bit of background to them as well as brief biographical information or sketches of the poets. He leads us through as a brilliant guide offering insights and input, as well as holding each work up into his eye view to broaden our appreciation then holds it out to us to see. It’s as if he is touring you through each work. I got a used copy, but have heard rave reviews about the audio as well- Mr. Lithgow is an amazing reader, and has a few of his actor friends reading some of the poems as well. I mean to check that out, post National Poetry Month!
A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver- Do I even need to say anything here? Mary Oliver should suffice. However, I will say, I was blessed to take a poetry class at the local library. The leader used this book for our time, and it was another one of those moments that I felt all of my writerly muscles being stretched, growing, being challenged. “For poems are not words, after all, but fires for the cold, ropes let down to the lost, something as necessary as bread in hot pockets of the hungry. Yes, indeed.” It’s a short read. But you could make a meal out of it. The woman was a mine of diamonds for those who want to dig and make the most of what’s found. Not overwhelming, or comprehensive. But she doesn’t have to be. Because. Mary Oliver.
Poetry Will Save Your Life: A Memoir by Jill Bialosky- OK, so I loved this book when I read it, but can’t even tell you why. But I will say, I love memoir, and I am learning to love poetry. I don’t love all poetry. But I really like people who can communicate the value of something I am trying to grow an appreciation for…Bialosky is a poet, and renowned writer, but this one is for the people. So if you are a non-academic, everyday real person (that’s who I am) then, you might like this read. If you are more of an academic-oh heck, who am I kidding- you are not reading my post if so! I read this in 2018. So, maybe a re-read is in order.
Poems for Life: A Special Collection of Poetry Selected by: E. L. Doctorow, Allen Ginsberg, David Mamet, Tom Wolfe, Joyce Carol Oates, Stephen Sondheim, … More: Celebrities on the Poems they Love by The Nightingale-Bamford School- This is a wonderful book. Two fifth grade classes sent letters asking various public figures and celebrities to share their favorite poem. This book is a compilation of their responses. It is a great diverse collection of poems, and a surprising litany of characters who responded. An introduction by Anna Quindlen opens the book. The children were also fundraising for a chosen group by the book profits.
Poem-a-Day: 365 Poems for Every Occasion-Academy Of American Poets- I got this book in my efforts to increase my appetite for poetry. I took it like a vitamin. One-a-day. It works. I read through this one in 2023. I’m still learning, and I do not appreciate all poetry, yet. But, maybe I am on my way. How about you?
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So here we are at the fastest list ever written by human type-writing fingers! Give me your favorite poetic writing inspiration, favorite poet or book by or about a poet, will you?

How can #nationalpoetrymonth be over? We are just getting started! There is always next year. In the meantime, a little poetry daily will do you.

Keep reading, writing, and living!

Enthusiastically, Dawn