4 Comments
User's avatar
Emily Johnson's avatar

Adding these to my list as well, thanks!

Expand full comment
SarahT's avatar

I am slowly dipping in and out of Normal Distance by Elisa Gabbert. She’s funny and thoughtful and oddly compelling. Having read very little poetry over the years I recently absolutely loved How to Read a Poem by poet Molly Peacock. Each chapter focuses on one poem. All wonderful and I loved spending time with each poem. It was delightful, not boring or prescriptive.

Having dipped a toe in, I’ll be adding your recommendations to the library list!

Expand full comment
Angie's avatar

Maya Angelou. Mary Oliver. Langston Hughes. James Schuyler. I try every year to like Emily Dickinson a little bit more. Every single one of these poets was introduced to me by someone who loved them first, and that made a huge difference.

Also, if you haven't read A Book of Luminous Things, you absolutely should.

Expand full comment
Emily Johnson's avatar

Ooh, A Book of Luminous Things looks great, thanks for the recommendation!

And excellent list; I completely agree that an introduction from someone so you can hear why a piece or poet moved them goes a long way.

Expand full comment