Looking for some new poetry to celebrate National Poetry Month? The booksellers of King’s Books in Tacoma, WA have some recommendations for you.
Taking the Arrow Out of the Heart – Alice Walker
OMG, Alice Walker is prophetic and historic, full of nostalgia, passion, and hope. I couldn’t put this collection down. You will easily find her words full of relatable emotion. Plus, each work is reflected in Spanish, as well as English. [Stacy]
Not Here– Hieu Minh Nguyen
When this book came out in April, I was immediately ready to call it my favorite poetry book of 2018. It was way too early to make such a declaration, but it felt right then and that feeling never left me. This book is all heart and fire. [Kenny]
New Poets of Native Nations – edited by Heid E Erdrich
The poetry in this collection is sobering, honest, and dazzling for its continued starkness. It includes work by 21 poets of Native nations who storytell using powerful imagery, history and voice. [Christina]
Lord of the Butterflies – Andrea Gibson
I could not put this down. These poems explore family, queer identity, politics, and self love. “Diagnosis” is my favorite poem of the year because it’s short but it cut me to the core. [Karen]
So Far So Good – Ursula K Le Guin
Le Guin’s final collection carries us further along with a sense of knowing, mystery, metaphor, and movement. It’s a marvelous poetic return home. [Raissa]
Monument – Natasha Trethewey
Natasha Trethewey should be the Poet Laureate of the United States every year forever (she actually was in 2012). Her poems are elegant and majestic and grounded and perceptive. [Kenny]
Breakbeat Poets, Vol. 2: Black Girl Magic
– edited by Browne, Simmonds & Woods
Love, passion, intellect, anger, grief, this book will have you feeling all the feels. It’s a beautiful collection of beautiful words written by beautiful people. [Stacy]