Books Like...

'Leaves of Grass' by Walt Whitman is a collection of poems that explores themes of individualism, freewill, nature, spirituality, and the beauty of life. Whitman's writing style is described as free verse, with a focus on celebrating the common man and embracing all aspects of life. The book is praised for its optimistic tone, even when contemplating topics like death and grief. Whitman's work is seen as a diary of inner freedoms, filled with rich and sexually explicit desires, portraying him as a radical figure who was ahead of his time.

'A Season in Hell' by Arthur Rimbaud is a bilingual text that presents the original French alongside a beautiful English translation. is described as a fine little read that is thought-provoking, emotional, and applicable to the modern world. It delves into the themes of real suffering, human emotions, and the farce of life that we all must endure. The writing style is noted to be non-linear, moving, and filled with amazing emotions that readers can experience.

'The Essential Rumi' is a collection of poetry by the 13th-century Sufi poet, Jelaluddin Rumi. The book features translations by Coleman Barks that capture the passionate and ecstatic nature of Rumi's work. The poems touch on themes of spirituality, love, contemplation, and seeking God within oneself, providing readers with a map of one man's spiritual journey into the Heart of God and back into society.

The organization of the book is thematic rather than chronological, allowing the writings to flow seamlessly within each section. The lyrical translations by Coleman Barks have been instrumental in bringing Rumi's mystical poetry to a wide range of readers, making it more popular than ever. The book includes never-before-published poems and serves as a comprehensive selection of Rumi's beautiful and mystical poetry, showcasing the depth and richness of his work.

'The Road Not Taken and Other Poems' by Robert Frost is a collection that includes three of Frost's earliest collections: A Boy's Will, North of Boston, and Mountain Interval. Frost's poetry is described as simple yet powerful, creating beautiful images that stir the emotions and touch all the senses. The collection starts with poems celebrating life and relationships, but transitions towards a more challenging acceptance of life's difficulties, acknowledging the presence of violence and fear.

'Lady Lazarus' by Sylvia Plath, as decoded by Julia Gordon Bramer, delves into the hidden meanings and connections within Plath's work. Gordon Bramer unravels the layers of symbolism and depth in Plath's poetry, exploring themes of tarot, Qabalah, alchemy, mythology, and world history. Through her analysis, she sheds light on the intricate details and underlying messages that were previously unseen, providing a fresh perspective on Plath's writing style and the themes she explores.

Gordon Bramer's decoding series not only deciphers the complexity of Plath's work but also highlights the contemporary relevance of her poems. By drawing parallels between Plath's words and current societal issues, the book emphasizes the timeless and universal nature of Plath's poetry, making a case for its continued significance and impact on modern readers.

'Four Quartets' by T.S. Eliot is a collection of four interconnected poems that delve into themes such as the passage of time, the nature of faith, and the complexities of the modern world. The writing style is described as dense and rich with imagery, exploring mystical and philosophical concepts while also reflecting on personal experiences and historical references. The poems are said to be challenging yet rewarding upon multiple readings, inviting readers to contemplate the deeper meanings behind the verses.

'100 Love Sonnets' by Pablo Neruda is a collection of poems that beautifully captures the essence of love in various shades and colors. The book is described as a compilation of some of the most well-written love poetry ever penned, with the ability to evoke feelings of passion, heartbreak, and deep emotion. Through the bilingual presentation in Spanish and English, the book offers a blend of meanings and words that are described as passionate, tender, and timeless.

The opinions on "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot paint a picture of a complex and enigmatic work of poetry. It is described as a heavyweight piece of literature, portraying a pictorial desert of grief with beautiful intensity. The writing style is praised for being rhythmic, smooth, and fun, with impressive descriptions that immerse the reader into the storyline. Despite its baffling symbolism and strange prose, the book is recognized as one of the Western world's most important poems from the 20th century.