This collection provides a great starting point for anyone looking to explore the diverse world of poetry without feeling overwhelmed. The books in this category offer a welcoming introduction to the genre, highlighting a range of voices and experiences.
If you are new to poetry or know someone who is, choose from any of the titles listed below – each one has been hand-picked by our staff as a great entry point to the genre.
We’ve also put together a curated bundle of three titles ideal for anyone getting started with poetry (and you get three books for the price of two).
The New to Poetry Bundle
An easy way to start exploring the genre AND you get three books for the price of two!
Explore New to Poetry Titles
Why I Was Late by Charlie Petch
“Why I Was Late” by Charlie Petch is an excellent choice for newcomers to poetry due to its engaging and approachable style.
Petch masterfully combines text with performance elements, infusing the poems with transmasculine insights, humor, and diverse life experiences. The book touches on universal themes such as grief, acceptance, and identity, making it accessible and relatable. This fusion of everyday narratives with a lively performance style makes it a standout introduction for those new to poetry, offering a fresh and inclusive perspective.
Get Your CopyI Am the Big Heart by Sarah Venart
If you’re seeking poetry that speaks to the profound experiences of family, love, and self-discovery, then this is for you. Venart’s work is grounded in the universal themes of parenthood, partnership, and the quest for personal identity, making it highly accessible and relatable.
The collection’s exploration of the challenges and joys in everyday life resonates deeply, making it an ideal starting point for anyone looking to explore the emotive power of poetry. Whether you’re a parent, partner, or simply someone navigating the complexities of life, “I Am the Big Heart” offers a poetic experience that is both enriching and approachable.
Get Your CopyIf You Discover a Fire by Shaun Robinson
The blend of familiar and unexpected elements in Robinson’s poetry provides a welcoming and stimulating entry point for those beginning their journey into poetic literature.
Robinson’s work is a tapestry woven from the fabric of everyday life, integrating elements like voicemails, everyday signs, and snippets of overheard conversations.
It’s perfect for those who enjoy finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, and who are keen on exploring how poetry can transform the mundane into something profound.
Get Your CopyModern and Normal by Karen Solie
For those interested in how poetry can bridge diverse realms and offer fresh perspectives on the world around us, Modern and Normal is an engaging and thought-provoking introduction.
This collection is particularly appealing to those newly venturing into poetry and who are fascinated by the intersection of the natural world and human experience. Solie’s skillful blend of scientific concepts with everyday observations creates a unique poetic landscape that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
Get Your CopyHard Light by Michael Crummey
This book is a great fit for those starting their journey into poetry and interested in narratives that are deeply rooted in a specific place and culture.
Crummey’s work, with its vivid storytelling and exploration of the interplay between human desires and the harsh realities of nature, provides an engaging and captivating read. The poems, rich in imagery and local lore, offer an immersive experience for readers looking to discover poetry through the lens of storytelling and regional heritage.
Get Your CopyShort Haul Engine by Karen Solie
Short Haul Engine by Karen Solie presents a dynamic and engaging experience, perfect for those venturing into poetry for the first time.
Solie’s clear, vivid writing and the blend of dark humor with emotional depth make this collection a compelling read.
It’s particularly appealing for readers who appreciate poetry that balances thought-provoking content with an element of surprise, offering a fresh perspective on the world through its unique linguistic twists and turns.
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