Recommended Reads for National Poetry Month

I have a problem. I do not have poetry friends. Even when I love and recommend poetry to those in my circles, it's not something I have in common with my nearest and dearest. Heck, they barely even read what I write (though I somewhat consider that a blessing, since we all know it's more tolerable to bare your soul to strangers on the internet, right?). All the same, I do actually have suggestions for poetry and novel-in-verse reads, seeing as it's National Poetry Month.

Now, I thought about being chill and recommending only a couple, but, since poetry can be quick to read, I figure it might be a good idea to give several options, just in case there are any ambitious (obsessive) readers here. That being said, let's get to the goods!

Firstly, I will never not recommend anything by Rumi. The brain and soul of that human . . . If I were to have a poet crush (Sorry, to my husband!), it would be him. In particular, I was introduced to Rumi's work when I picked up "Rumi: A New Translation" by Farrukh Dhondy. It's a great, not-overly-long book that's rather perfect for someone who might be giving poetry a try for the first time. The poems are full of emotion and imagery and offer lovely little insights about life in a grounding sort of way. Get Rumi: A New Translation here!

Next is one that I can acknowledge might not be for everyone, but it was my first novel-in-verse and holds a special place in my heart. "5 to 1" by Holly Bodger is a book that is so beautifully written. There is tension and heart conveyed in such an impactful way that I would defy any reader to come away without some appreciation for the genre. Get 5 to 1 here!

If you're looking for something that might be more in the individual poem vein, I would like to suggest a couple of works that I've actually recommended before. Two modern works by two poets I've "met" online and who both wrote debut poetry collections with depth and honesty that's so refreshing. The first is "A Kudzu Vine of Blood and Bone" by Tristan Tuttle and the second is "Some Days Are Sandstone" by Abby Harding. Both are worthwhile reads, and both authors have released new books since those debuts. While I have yet to read their latest works, both are on my TBR. Tristan Tuttle's new work, in particular, is an intriguing mix of blackout poetry/storytelling/collage that I'm eager to check out. Get A Kudzu Vine of Blood and Bone here!

Get Some Days Are Sandstone here!

Speaking of reads more in the way of novels-in-verse, my next recommendation is for "Clap When You Land" by Elizabeth Acevedo. My goodness, I loved this book. I cried. (Though, I'll admit that's not something particularly unique to me with any poetry readings.) The feelings and emotions that were portrayed and evoked by the writing was unlike that I'd experienced in quite a while at the point in which I'd first read the book, and they really stayed with me. The writing is full and modern in a very readable way, even if you're not a particular poetry fan. Get Clap When You Land here!

If, however, you are a poetry fan already, I would recommend "Yesterday I Was the Moon" by Noor Unnahar. It's a beautiful book of modern poetry that manages to capture things that feel unspoken in a very visceral way. It's been several years since I've read the book, but I remember it very fondly as being written by a true artist. Get Yesterday I Was the Moon here!

And art is the subject of the last recommendation for a novel-in-verse. "Blood Water Paint" by Joy McCullough is not something I would say is for every ready, especially since it might be triggering for audiences. It is, however, a gritty story told in exquisite verse. I read it while one a trip, and was fully on sobbing in front of my friends. I highly suggest look it up yourself and seeing if it's for you. Get Blood Water Paint here!

So, there you have it: A list of some of my favorite poetry books and novels-in-verse for you to try out this April in celebration of the wonderful gift that is poetry! I hope you find something that resonates with you on this list, but, even if you only give one of these reads a begrudging try, I think you might be pleasantly surprised. Happy reading!