Most people never started reading books of poetry, so most people don’t know where to start if they want to try some out. Here are a few of my favorites.

The Book of Joshua and frankly, anything else from Zachary Schomburg’s repertoire comes highly recommended to those who enjoy avant garde narrative in the form of poignantly beautiful free-verse.

Incarnadine is a favorite of mine that I often talk about. I love it for its thematic organization and quiet experimental beauty.

Helium is published by Button Poetry and would probably be best enjoyed by those with a strong appreciation for spoken-word poetry (which make up this book) and personal narrative.

Tracy K. Smith’s work is powerful and beautiful with high critical acclaim. She is currently serving as United States Poet Laureate and won the Pulitzer Prize for her book Life on Mars.

Milk and Honey gained popularity recently as a feminist chronicle. Its illustrated format took off quickly and has inspired droves of other poets to release similarly styled collections. I enjoyed its truthful nature and the beauty in the progression of short pieces.