The best poetry books for those wanting a whimsical read

This bestselling poetry collection is divided into four sections, each dealing with a different pain and healing process. Rupi Kaur’s raw and poignant poems explore themes of love, loss, femininity, and survival; it’s a wonderfully bittersweet read.

A follow-up to Milk and Honey, this book explores themes of growth, healing, and self-love. Through a journey of wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming, Rupi reflects on trauma, ancestry, and honouring one’s roots.

Maya Ward’s lyrical poetry recounts her 21-day pilgrimage along the Yarra River, drawing on her connection to the land and Indigenous culture. The poems reflect on spirituality, environmentalism, and the personal transformation she experiences along the way.

This collection is an empowering anthem for self-liberation, exploring themes of love, grief, and rebirth. Amanda Lovelace’s poems celebrate resilience and reclaiming one’s story in the face of trauma and hardship – making this book a must-read.

This powerful collection blends poetry, prose, and visual imagery to examine race and identity in contemporary America. Through personal vignettes, Claudia Rankine confronts microaggressions and systemic racism with a sense of urgency and poignancy.

Ada Limón’s poems explore the vulnerability of being human, grappling with themes of fertility, loss, and resilience. Her voice is intimate yet expansive, offering a meditation on physical and emotional survival.

This Pulitzer Prize-winning collection takes a reflective look at the beauty and complexity of everyday life. Ted Kooser’s keen observations bring depth to the mundane, using simple language to evoke profound emotions.