Hello to all poetry fans and swifties that are awaiting Taylor’s new album drop, “The Tortured Poets Department” (April 19th). We just have one “question” for you… Are you “ready for it?”
We’ll be your “anti-hero” with some poetic “masterminds,’” from past and present, book recommendations to help the “treacherous” time pass more swiftly.
A sixth cousin, three times removed, of Taylor Swift and an exquisite poet of the 19th century. Here is a book of some of Emily Dickinson’s works, along with commentaries from Vendler. Dickinson writes about death, religion, love, the natural world, and the nature of thought. Vendler reveals Dickinson as a “mastermind” of revolutionary verse-language of immediacy and power.
“Deep blue, but you painted me golden.” This collection is about love, pain and life from the author’s perspective. It is full of emotions and raw feelings. This books’ theme focuses on the Japanese art and practice of repairing broken pottery, by mending the areas of breakage with gold, and understanding that the piece is even more beautiful for having been broken. There is no attempt to hide the damage, but instead, illuminate it. And like the broken pottery pieces, we are all more beautiful for being broken. Our cracks and scars on us are “liquid gold tattooed.”
A movie about a poet whose work was described as “hauntingly beautiful.” This movie gives a glimpse of Sylvia Plath’s life and the talent she had brewing in that mind of hers. Plath is played by Gwyneth Paltrow, and her husband Ted Hughes, is played by Daniel Craig. A poetic story that may leave you “haunted.”
A country singer and song writer, just like how Taylor Swift started, writes a book of poetry that explores the challenges and celebrates the experiences faced by Kelsea Ballerini. “I’ve realized that some feelings can’t be turned into a song… so I’ve started writing poems.” –Kelsea Ballerini. Through poetry, she addresses themes of family, relationships, body image, self-love, sexuality, and the lessons of youth.
Poetry that calls the reader to read aloud. Amanda Gorman artistically crafts, brings to life, and tells the stories of the past that tie into the present day; including, “The Hill We Climb,” the inspiring poem read at the inauguration of the 46th President Joe Biden.
A New York Times Bestseller and chosen as one of the books for Oprah’s Book Club.
“No matter where one starts reading, Devotions offers much to love, from Oliver’s exuberant dog poems to selections from the Pulitzer Prize-winning American Primitive, and Dream Work, one of her exceptional collections. Perhaps more important, the luminous writing provides respite from our crazy world and demonstrates how mindfulness can define and transform a life, moment by moment, poem by poem.” –The Washington Post
Black Girl You Are Atlas encourages young readers to embrace their future with a strong sense of sisterhood and celebration. Written by award-winning author and poet Renee Watson and full-color art by celebrated fine artist Ekua Holmes throughout. This collection offers guidance and is a gift for anyone who reads it. Giving off vibes of “Only the Young” by Taylor Swift.
While many are familiar with Margaret Atwood’s fiction–including her groundbreaking and bestselling novels The Handmaid’s Tale, from the beginning of her career, she is deemed one of the most significant contemporary poets. Atwood’s collection is an amazing achievement that will be appreciated by fans of her novels and poetry readers alike.
An Irish mythological/”folklore” poem that combines the death of Orpheus from Ovid’s “Metamorphosis” with Merriman’s “The ‘Midnight’ Court” to create a new piece that is different from the source material.
“Guess I’ll just stumble on home to my cats…” All Cats Are Introverts is a collection of self-reflective poetry from cats that clearly shows them to be the insightful, often alert, crowd-averse, personally engaging, probably napping-as-we-speak introverts of the animal kingdom. Enjoy this completely relatable and hilarious book, and perhaps you will soon see the cat—and even yourself—in a whole new light.