Five Poetry Books to Look Out For In 2020
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Reading poetry can be a much-needed tool for writers; it can help with form, regimen, and is also a good way for a quick wind down if you don’t have time for a traditional book. Here are a few poetry books you should keep on your radar in 2020 that may help you with your writing.
The BreakBeat Poets Vol. 4: LatiNEXT
Release Date: April 7
The BreakBeats Poet Series is published by Haymarket Books, with the goal of publishing books that are inspired by the hip-hop tradition. This is the fourth in their anthology series in the collection and is edited by poets Felicia Chavez, José Olivarez, and Willie Perdomo. This volume focuses on work from poets who hail from Latin America and is perfect for someone looking for inspiration in a new poet.
Release Date: January 21
This is the newest poetry collection from the National Book Award finalist. The collection is inspired by the loss of one of Smith’s close friends and is made up of reflections on friendship. Poetry books are too often prematurely judged as being focused on romantic love, but Smith’s way with words and form is sure to usher in a new wave of poetry about how friendship can impact us.
break your glass slippers (you are your own fairytale) by Amanda Lovelace
Release Date: March 17
Lovelace has quickly become one of the most celebrated poets of this generation. Her series Women Are Some Kind of Magic, which includes the bestseller The Princess Saves Herself In This One, is wildly revered and has given Lovelace, also known as Ladybookmad, a large social media following. This collection is the first in a companion series to her first.
I Hope You Stay by Courtney Peppernell
Release Date: March 3
The author of the Pillow Thoughts series is releasing a new collection soon, and it looks to be as breathtaking as the others. This is a collection of poetry and prose about love, loss, and self in Pepperell’s familiar form. Any fan of her previous collections should pick this one up for more of her subtle yet profound wisdom.
Release Date: August 18
From the description given on Tin House’s website, Queen’s collection will be a complex, riveting body of work that will have readers grappling with themselves and how they see themselves in the world. With words that bring out every emotion, Queen not only invites readers into her own mind and way of thinking but forces us to come to terms with how we do the same.
About Sydney Logan
Sydney is a student, writer, and poet who calls Maryland and Boston home. When she isn’t tweeting or writing, you can find her snuggling her cat and figuring out how to make the world a more peaceful and equitable place. You can find her on Instagram at @syd.kristen