Poetry has held a unique claim to fame throughout the years, bestowing some remarkable bestselling poetry books on the seasoned readers and literary newbies alike. From works that close the gap of appropriateness between how we interact in social settings and our innermost desires to masterpieces that take us on a journey through the most meaningful memories of our lives, these bestselling collections are not like any other kind of literature. Whether we explore the hardships of unrequited love, or the joy of finding ourselves amidst a crisis, these books can heal and inspire any modern reader whose heart of open to the poetic magic — much like they did our ancestors centuries ago.
Bestselling Poetry Books
When it comes to bestselling poetry books, the modern reader tends to think of “Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur. This collection definitely produced quite some buzz over the years, posting sales numbers that were formerly unimaginable for a poetry book. You can preview and buy this book on Amazon; however, since most people know about this bestseller, we focused on other noteworthy collections. For your convenience, our list allows to preview any of these books and form your own opinion regardless of what everyone else says.
Love Is Poetry: Rhyming Poems About Love Life (2020) by D. Rudoy
A rare exception in today’s world where any piece of prose can be sold as poetry, D. Rudoy’s “Love Is Poetry: Rhyming Poems About Love Life” is a curious mix of the classic poetic form, contemporary characters, and the eternal subjects. Unsurprisingly, love poetry is at the crux of this collection whose range spans from heartbreaking elegies lamenting one’s unrequited love (“My Muse“) to jocular madrigals celebrating passionate sexual experiences in a happy marriage. The poet’s approach to modern poetry is so different from everyone’s that no comparison would do justice: with D. Rudoy, it’s hit-or-miss, and the answer is often clear after the very first stanza.
Time Is A Mother (2022) by Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong’s debut poetry collection, “Time Is A Mother,” is one of the recent bestselling poetry books. Its powerful and passionate words are a tribute to human experience in all its forms, providing a nuanced and memorable look at what it truly means to exist.
Through his powerful prose, Vuong captures the pain caused by trauma and poverty while still conveying the hope that often flows through those experiences. He encourages readers to express feelings that have been hidden away for so long, and he does it with an amazing level of honesty and depth.
Call Us What We Carry (2021) by Amanda Gorman
This remarkable young poet captures readers’ attention and hearts with her spirited words and powerful messages about identity, resilience, and hope – all told through a stunning poetic lens. Gorman artfully weaves together personal experiences, history, and modern events to create a compelling narrative that speaks both deeply to our current social climate as well as globally to people from all walks of life.
Published by Penguin Random House, “Call Us What We Carry” has already won many awards, including the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Poetry.
The Hill We Climb (2021) by Amanda Gorman
This book is one of the most noteworthy bestselling poetry books in recent years. It’s a powerful collection of verses that was performed on President Joe Biden’s Inauguration Day in early 2021 and has since sold over a million copies.
This impressive debut poetry book touches on the country’s history with messages of hope, empathy, and unity for the future. Gorman, who was just 22 at the time of her recitation, has quickly become an important figure in American culture today, demonstrating that it doesn’t matter how young you are to impact change and make your voice heard worldwide.
Devotions (2017) by Mary Oliver
Devotions by Mary Oliver is undoubtedly one of the poetry bestsellers books. Acclaimed by critics and readers alike, the selected poems cover a journey from life’s pain to ultimate joy in love and human connections as she reflects on nature, grief, sorrow, and hope.
Mary Oliver’s heartfelt words take us inside her inner world with rich imagery and honest, heartfelt emotion that is incredibly inspiring for any reader. Her love for nature seeps into each word she writes and speaks to the reader directly with thoughtful questions to draw them outside of themselves.
Love Poems for Married People (2018) by John Kenney
This is the perfect love poetry book for any couple looking for a little inspiration in their marriage. Newlyweds and long-married pairs alike appreciate the straightforward yet funny way Kenney talks about marriage, from recognizing its challenges to celebrating its joys.
Each love poem is short and relatable, meaning even the busiest of couples can enjoy some of these witty limericks throughout their day. As one of the bestsellers in poetry books, Kenney encapsulates what it means to be in an everlasting relationship with all its rough patches and moments of triumph.
Dog Songs (2015) by Mary Oliver
Award-winning poet Mary Oliver uses her collection of poetry to celebrate our canine companions, exploring their unique perspectives and perspectives on life. Inside these pages, Oliver offers beautiful reflections about the nature of being a devoted dog owner, bringing in her own experiences with her beloved canines along with celebrating other dog owners as well.
Each poem dives deep into the wonderful canine experience – from puppyhood to old age – drawing out an obvious admiration and love for these four-legged friends that we can all relate to.
Aimless Love (2013) by Billy Collins
This beautiful collection of over one hundred fifty poems offers readers the opportunity to gain insight into the world of the poet. In simple and poetic language, Collins lifts the veil on his life experiences, allowing readers to delve into his thoughts and feelings.
“Aimless Love” captivates readers with its candidness, sadness, and humor, all woven together in a way only Billy Collins can do. His poetry perfectly captures small moments that often go unnoticed in everyday life, from memories of childhood to observations about aging, Collins evokes various emotions such as nostalgia, joy, and sorrow.
Williams Shakespeare’s The Jedi Doth Return (2014) by Ian Doescher
“The Jedi Doth Return” by Ian Doescher is a bestselling poetry book written in 2013, taking characters from the famous Star Wars franchise and putting them in the style of William Shakespeare. Doescher’s book has been praised as an ingenious mix of classic literature and science fiction, with everyone from hardcore Shakespeare fans to beginner readers finding something to enjoy in the novel.
The lightheartedness of the book brings a unique experience to the reader, with its seamless transition between the two styles providing an enjoyable read even for those unfamiliar with both William Shakespeare and “Star Wars” alike.
Chasers of the Light (2014) by Tyler Knott Gregson
This has become one of the world’s bestselling poetry books. It was released to critical acclaim and has reached an international audience since its inception in 2014. With a unique mix of passionate reflections and intimate stories, the book inspires and motivates its readers.
Through Tyler’s creative use of words, each piece paints an image in the reader’s mind that both evokes emotion through imagery and resonate with their own lived experiences.
The Complete Poems (1976) by Emily Dickinson
Last but not least, “The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson” is a must-read for poetry lovers of all kinds. This classic collection contains the complete works of one of America’s most celebrated poets, featuring over 1800 poems spanning her fruitful lifetime career. From love and loss to hope and joy, Dickinson’s words capture the full range of human emotion honestly and poetically.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned poetry fan or just looking for something engaging to read, these bestselling poetry books are meant to captivate and inspire. With their unique themes, styles, and perspectives on life, each one of these collections offers something special that will appeal to a wide range of readers. So pick up one of these bestsellers today and start exploring the wonderful world of verse and make sure to check more articles on contemporary poetry.