11 Best Poetry Books to Read in 2024

Discover the enchantment of poetry books with our selection. Each title offers unique insights and emotions to explore.
Milk and Honey coverThe Sun and Her Flowers coverThe Princess Saves Herself in This One cover

The world of poetry books offers a treasure trove of emotion, beauty, and insight. When choosing the 11 best poetry books, we focus on the magic that captivates the heart and stirs the soul. From modern musings to timeless classics, these selections ensure a journey through the poignant, the powerful, and the profound. We pay attention to those that provide both personal connections and universal truths, making them perfect for new and seasoned readers alike.

On this list:

11 Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

Milk and Honey cover

  • Genre: Modern Poetry
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 208

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This book made waves with its raw and emotional poems. It’s relatable and touches on themes like love, loss, and healing. We read it in one sitting because it was like eating a whole box of chocolates at once!

10 The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur

The Sun and Her Flowers cover

  • Genre: Poetry
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 256

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Another hit by Kaur. This one explores growth, healing, and ancestry. Heartfelt and beautifully illustrated, we found ourselves engrossed in its verses.

9 The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace

The Princess Saves Herself in This One cover

  • Genre: Poetry, Feminism
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 208

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Fairytale vibes with a twist. The book empowers readers with its feminist themes. We loved how it flipped traditional stories on their heads.

8 Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind cover

  • Genre: Non-Fiction
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 464

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Okay, not strictly poetry, but the prose is so beautiful it feels poetic. We often wonder, how can history be so poetic? Harari’s writing answers that.

7 Pillow Thoughts by Courtney Peppernell

Pillow Thoughts cover

  • Genre: Poetry
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 272

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This one feels like a cozy chat with a friend. With themes of heartbreak, love, and mental health, it’s a comforting read.

6 The Essential Rumi by Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks

The Essential Rumi cover

  • Genre: Poetry, Spiritual
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover
  • Year released: 1995
  • Pages: 416

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Rumi’s mystical poems are timeless. Reading them, we felt a connection to something bigger than ourselves. It’s like spiritual yoga for the soul.

5 The Dark Between Stars by Atticus Poetry

The Dark Between Stars cover

  • Genre: Poetry
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 240

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This book captures life’s highs and lows with simplicity. We adored its relatable, Instagram-worthy lines about love and loss.

4 Love Her Wild by Atticus Poetry

Love Her Wild cover

  • Genre: Poetry
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 240

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Full of short, impactful poems. We liked how it captures the essence of adventure and romance, perfect for quick reads.

3 Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

Where the Sidewalk Ends cover

  • Genre: Children’s Poetry
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover
  • Year released: 1974
  • Pages: 192

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Great for kids and adults alike, Shel’s humorous and whimsical poems make us smile. Perfect for reading aloud with kiddos or when you need a giggle.

2 Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver by Mary Oliver

Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver cover

  • Genre: Poetry, Nature
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover
  • Year released: 2017
  • Pages: 480

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Mary Oliver’s nature-themed poetry leaves us feeling refreshed. Her words connect us with the beauty of the natural world.

1 Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

Leaves of Grass cover

  • Genre: Poetry
  • Formats: Kindle, Paperback, Hardcover
  • Year released: 1855
  • Pages: 304

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Considered the best poetry book due to its influence on American literature. Whitman’s celebration of humanity is haunting and beautiful. It’s a timeless masterpiece offering a rich and expansive view of life. The diversity of subjects and the free verse style are groundbreaking. Reading it back in our college days was an eye-opener. It showed us the power of poetry to transcend time and speak to the human soul. Each page is a revelation that makes you think, ‘Wow, Whitman really knew people, didn’t he?’ If you haven’t yet, grab a copy, settle into your favorite chair, and prepare for literary magic.

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Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!