What is a poetry book? + 10 great poetry collection recommendations
Rina Fontes Malka
A writer with too many ideas and not enough time.
If you’re a newbie trying to make sense of what a poetry collection is, or you’re simply a poetry pro here for new recommendations, you’ve come to the right place! Stay tuned for a list of 10 must-read poetry collections.
What is a poetry collection?
A poetry collection is an assembly of poems that are generally (but not necessarily) under common themes.
There is no limit to how many poems can be in a collection, but $ Blurb$ says, "The average poetry collection is between 30 and 100 different poems." Poetry collections can also consist of works from the author (more often than not, deceased) that were compiled by editors. Take, for example, $ Shakespeare’s Sonnets and Poems$ .
Trying to write your own poetry collection? Check out this $ blog post$ for an in-depth guide for writing, editing, designing, publishing, and marketing your own poem book.
10 good poetry collections
A little list of poetry books to add to your TBR!
1. $ Mean Time$ by Carol Ann Duffy
Carol Ann Duffy was the previous British Poet Laureate before Simon Armitage received the honor in 2019. She was also the first woman, Scot, and openly LGBTQ+ writer to hold the position. Mean Time, is her fourth poetry collection that depicts themes of love, memory, and loss. Truly a wonderful read for anyone wanting to get into poetry, but also preforms a challenge for those familiar with it, as Duffy defines her approach to poetry: "I like to use simple words, but in a complicated way."
2. $ The Sun and Her Flowers$ by Rupi Kaur
Known for her self-published debut collection, Milk and Honey, Rupi Kaur published her next collection, The Sun and Her Flowers. It details poetry about growth and roots (ha! I see what she did there). Expressive and gritty pouring of emotions onto the page. The collection was also illustrated by Kaur herself! A very sad, but cathartic, poetry collection.
3. $ closer baby closer$ by Savannah Brown
From the creator of Escapril, closer baby closer is Savannah Brown’s third, and newest, poetry collection. A feminist perspective on contemporary passion and sensuality, with a dark twist. Brown is described to hold, "a magnifying glass to modern intimacy with a lens that burns as often as it illuminates."
4. $ Don’t Call Us Dead$ by Danez Smith
Danez Smith is the recipient of several literary prizes, Don’t Calls Us Dead, being the finalist for the National Book Award, amongst others. This collection highlights issues of racism, police brutality, homophobia, and the stigma around those affected by HIV. A poignant, outspoken work.
5. $ Lord of the Butterflies$ by Andrea Gibson
A candid, personal read about mental health, gender, grief, and relationships. It also addresses important social issues such as systematic racism, war, and the direction of America. Guaranteed to get an emotional response, Gibson’s unique writing voice will resonate with you.
6. $ Night Sky with Exit Wounds$ by Ocean Vuong
Vuong is more popularly known for his best-selling novel On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous. This collection intertwined themes of generational trauma, self-identity, and desire seamlessly. A very accessible work for those new to poetry.
7. $ Bright Dead Things$ by Ada Limón
Bright Dead Things is Ada Limón’s, the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States (and first Latin Poet Laureate of the United States), fourth poetry collection. It addresses loss, individuality, childhood, and romance. Harrowing and heartfelt, a collection to admire.
8. $ Ariel $ by Sylvia Plath
The mandatory traditional classic feature has arrived! Published posthumously by her husband (also prolific poet Ted Hughes), Sylvia Plath’s poetry collection details a haunting depiction of mental health, unhappy marriages, and family. Considered one of Plath’s most celebrated works, and not for the faint of heart.
9. $ Dearly$ by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood, of Handmaid’s Tale fame, published her first collection in over a decade, and her 18th poetry collection overall: Dearly. It discusses romance, nature, and how time passes. Atwood is considered one of the greatest contemporary poets, this collection would be perfect for a poetry connoisseur.
10. $ No Matter the Wreckage$ by Sarah Kay
Sarah Kay’s debut poetry collection produces a relatable, fresh, and evocative atmosphere with poems that outline themes of love, family, and self-discovery, and the occasional poem about inanimate objects falling in love. A good place to start for beginners.
Poetry vs Flash Fiction
Poetry is an art form that works primarily in verse, whereas flash fiction is a characteristically short piece of prose.
Poetry is more commonly associated with its conventions of rhyme and meter, but doesn’t necessarily have to adhere to them. Flash fiction is a form of writing that is noticeably short—shorter than a short story.
There is no real divide between a piece of flash fiction and what would constitute a short story, but $ Reedsy$ estimates that the general mark is flash fiction is under 1,500 words, give or take. For an example of flash fiction collections, check out these examples from one of our very own users, Hannah Lee Kidder: $ Little Birds$ and $ Starlight$ .
Happy reading!