6 Best Poetry Books to read in 2022

Hello, fellow readers and lovers of verse,

As we approach the end of another year, many of us begin to create our reading lists for the next. For some, this is a ritual. For others, it's an emotional reset.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re looking for poetry that speaks to your emotions — something that makes you pause, feel, and reflect. Poetry that evokes love, sorrow, hope, and thought in equal measure.

As Paul Engle once said:

With that spirit, here are six poetry books — a mix of Indian and global voices — that I believe will leave an imprint on your heart and your bookshelf.

📚 6 Must-Read Poetry Books (with Reflections)

1. Mood Swings (Paperback)

A modern, emotionally raw collection that reflects everyday life — its chaos, questions, heartbreaks, and recoveries. Ideal for readers who seek relatability and quiet resilience.

2. Best Love Poems

A timeless collection of romantic and philosophical poetry. While it leans toward classic expressions of love, many of the pieces explore heartbreak, longing, and growth. A comforting companion for both the romantic and the realist.

3. Rumi: A New Translation (by Farrukh Dhondy)

Though Rumi’s work is centuries old, his words feel timeless. This translation captures the spiritual and emotional layers of his poetry — on love, surrender, the self, and the divine. Beautifully reflective for readers of all ages.

4. Yesterday I Was the Moon (by Noor Unnahar)

Written by a young Pakistani poet, this collection resonates with South Asian readers. Its themes include cultural identity, girlhood, art, and emotional healing. A heartfelt pick for anyone navigating change or personal evolution.

5. The Greatest Poetry Ever Written

This global anthology features timeless poems across centuries — from Shakespeare to Tagore to Dickinson. While ambitious in title, the selection offers variety: nature, love, mortality, and philosophy.

6. 100 Selected Poems – Emily Dickinson

Minimalist and piercing, Dickinson’s poetry remains one of the most quoted in the world. This curated edition includes many of her best-known works — ideal for slow, meditative reading.

📝 How to Read Poetry More Meaningfully

If you're new to poetry or revisiting it after a while, here are a few tips that help:

1. Read slowly. Poetry isn’t meant to be rushed — it’s meant to be felt.

2. Reread without pressure. Meaning unfolds over time.

3. Speak it aloud. You’ll notice rhythm and emotion you might miss silently.

4. Mark the lines that stay with you. These are your personal truths.

5. Write your own response. One poem often leads to another — sometimes in your own words.

6. Pair it with silence. Let the feelings breathe before moving to the next page.

💭 Final Thoughts

These books aren’t just “things to read.” They’re emotional companions — mirrors for your thoughts, safe spaces for your feelings, and quiet mentors in seasons of change.

Some poems will soothe you. Others may challenge you. And a few might stay with you forever.

So as you turn the page into a new year, let these books turn something within you.

Have a favorite poetry book that changed you? Share it with me — I’m always looking to add to this list.