Books Like...

Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur is a collection of poetry and prose that delves into themes of survival, violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity. Divided into four chapters, the book navigates through different pains and heartaches, offering a journey through life's bitter moments while finding sweetness within them. Kaur's writing style is described as raw, powerful, and emotional, providing readers with a glimpse into her personal experiences and struggles, particularly around issues of relationships, sexuality, and gender.

'Pillow Thoughts' by Courtney Peppernell is a collection of poetry and prose that delves into themes of love, heartache, loss, and self-worth. The author's writing style is described as simple yet heartfelt, capturing complex feelings and emotions in an easily relatable way. is organized into sections based on different topics such as love, heartbreak, loneliness, and self-esteem, making it a thoughtful and thought-provoking read for anyone going through emotional experiences like breakups or seeking encouragement.

'Space Struck' by Paige Lewis is a collection of poems that explore themes of queerness, surrealism, everyday life observations, and figurative language. The book is described as a journey into the pondering imagination of Paige Lewis, crafting images drawn from space into existence, creating a warm world filled with random, unnerving, and true things. The poems in the collection are noted for their playful, lyrical language, unique formatting, and the ability to make surrealism seem like an everyday occurrence.

'Night Sky with Exit Wounds' by Ocean Vuong is a collection of poetry that delves into the author's personal and family history, touching on themes of Vietnamese heritage, sexuality, love, grief, and loneliness. The poems are described as visceral, bloody, tender, and even playful, showcasing Vuong's command of tone and line. The book is praised for its emotional depth and the author's ability to capture complex feelings with precision.

The poems in this collection are said to oscillate between quiet contemplation and explosive imagery, underpinned by a gaze into cultural and personal history. Vuong's writing style is noted for its brutal imagery, evocative wordplay, and experimental formatting, with repeated symbolism throughout the book that ties the poems together. Readers find the beauty in the language amplifying the pain portrayed in the poems, creating a poignant and relatable reading experience.

Crush by Richard Siken is a collection of poetry that delves into themes of love, longing, self-discovery, and darkness. The poems are described as hauntingly beautiful, raw, and evocative, with a focus on homoerotic relationships and the complexities of human emotions. The writing style is noted for its vivid imagery, intense emotions, and a sense of urgency that captivates readers and leaves them feeling deeply moved.

The book is structured into three parts, each exploring different motifs and emotions that weave together to create a cohesive narrative. The poems are described as cinematic, immersive, and filled with both explicit and symbolic references to love, pain, and desire. Richard Siken's writing is praised for its honesty, immediacy, and ability to evoke a wide range of emotions in readers, making Crush a powerful and thought-provoking read.

'Salt' by Nayyirah Waheed is a poetry collection that delves into themes of self-love, vulnerability, race, womanhood, and healing. The book is described as a powerful exploration of raw emotions and experiences, touching on topics such as misogyny, racism, absent fathers, toxic masculinity, and the power of words. Nayyirah Waheed's writing style is praised for its succinctness, vulnerability, and ability to evoke strong emotions in readers, making them reflect on their own experiences and feelings.

Jericho Brown's 'The Tradition' is a powerful and unapologetic exploration of race, relationships, and tradition in modern American life. Through his vivacious style and lyrical way with words, Brown delves into the experiences of a Black man, touching on themes of hope, despair, and courage. The collection is a poignant reflection on humanity, addressing topics such as love, sexuality, gender, racism, and history with depth and sensitivity.

Brown's writing style, characterized by a mix of common vernacular and elevated language, creates a unique musicality that draws the reader in. Through his use of various poetic forms like the Duplex, Brown weaves together a narrative that is both accessible and profound, leaving readers moved and introspective. The poems in 'The Tradition' offer a blend of personal introspection, social commentary, and a celebration of resilience, inviting readers to explore the complexities of identity and tradition in a modern context.

The Dream of a Common Language by Adrienne Rich is a collection of modern poetry that delves into the exploration of a woman's heart and mind through language that is accessible to all. The poems are described as beautiful, raw, and emotionally moving, touching on themes of love, intimacy, tragedy, and the drive to connect. Rich's writing style is praised for its honesty, nobility, and ability to evoke powerful emotions in the readers.

'Helium' by Rudy Francisco is a collection of powerful and heartfelt poetry that delves into themes of love, loss, self-reflection, and human experiences. Francisco's writing style is described as raw, honest, and relatable, with metaphors that are expressed in a way that resonates deeply with readers. The poems in this collection are said to be both personal and global, touching on political and non-political topics, showcasing the beauty of imperfections and highlighting the essence of humanity.