10+ Best Poetry Books for 20-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you a 20-year-old looking to dive into the world of verse? Finding the right poetry books that resonate with your experiences and aspirations at this vibrant age can be a thrilling journey. In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of Poetry Books for 20-Year-Olds that are perfect for your personal library. Whether you're new to poetry or looking to deepen your appreciation, keep reading to discover our curated selections that speak directly to your unique life stage.

Fun Poetry Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Feminism, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: A collection of poetry and prose about survival, the experience of violence, abuse, love, loss, and femininity.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully candid book that tackles tough subjects with simplicity and grace, making it highly relatable to young adults navigating similar themes.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for emotional growth and a deeper understanding of self-care and healing.

• The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Feminism, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: A poetry collection divided into four parts: the princess, the damsel, the queen, & you. It tells the story of a princess turned damsel turned queen who ultimately saves herself.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its empowering messages and fairy tale-like storytelling make it an engaging read for young adults seeking inspiration and strength.
  • Perfect for: Young women who enjoy modern twists on fairy tales and personal empowerment.

• Pillow Thoughts by Courtney Peppernell
  • Genre(s): Poetry, LGBT, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: A collection of poetry and prose that explores heartbreak, love, and raw emotions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It is straightforward and touching, ideal for those experiencing love and loss, providing comfort through its relatable emotions.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who's in or has been in love, and enjoys exploring their feelings through poetry.

• The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Feminism, Self-help
  • Synopsis: A vibrant and transcendent journey about growth and healing. Ancestry and honoring one’s roots. Expatriation and rising up to find a home within yourself.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a continuous reflective journey on self-discovery, making it a great follow-up or standalone read that resonates with young adults.
  • Perfect for: Readers who loved Milk and Honey or those looking for poetry that explores empowerment and personal growth.

• Whiskey Words & a Shovel I by R.H. Sin
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Contemporary, Relationships
  • Synopsis: This is a volume of contemporary poetry focusing on themes of love and resilience.
  • Why we recommend this book: The straightforward, powerful language speaks directly to the feelings and experiences of young adults today.
  • Perfect for: Those who are dealing with heartbreak or seeking motivation and resilience in their personal lives.

Educational Poetry Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Don't Call Us Dead by Danez Smith
  • Genre(s): Poetry, LGBT, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: A groundbreaking poetry collection that imagines an afterlife for black men shot by police, exploring themes of race, gender, and sexuality.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Awareness of social justice issues, empathy, critical thinking on race and sexuality
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into societal challenges and personal identity, delivered with compelling lyrical prowess.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in powerful, socially conscious poetry and discussions of race and LGBTQ+ rights.

• Life on Mars by Tracy K. Smith
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Science Fiction, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: Poems that traverse the cosmos, pondering life on other planets and the universe as a reflection of our own world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Philosophical thinking, scientific curiosity, poetic techniques
  • Why we recommend this book: Smith blends science with poetry beautifully, making complex ideas accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Science enthusiasts who appreciate poetry and readers who enjoy exploring existential themes.

• Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Race, Social Commentary
  • Synopsis: A powerful work that recounts racial aggressions in ongoing encounters in twenty-first-century daily life and in the media.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of racial dynamics, critical thinking, social awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a compelling mix of poetry, prose, and visual art that challenges and enlightens readers about the reality of racism today.
  • Perfect for: Those looking to deepen their understanding of American race relations and enjoy a multi-disciplinary approach to poetry.

• Night Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong
  • Genre(s): Poetry, LGBT, Immigrant Experiences
  • Synopsis: A haunting debut that explores the personal experiences of a young Vietnamese immigrant, infused with themes of family, love, and loss.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding of immigrant experiences, poetic form and language
  • Why we recommend this book: Vuong's lyrical mastery and emotional depth offer a moving perspective on identity and belonging.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in immigrant narratives and those who appreciate evocative, lyrical poetry.

• Autopsy by Donte Collins
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Grief, Healing
  • Synopsis: This collection serves as an examination of the self, a "literary autopsy" where the author dissects himself to explore themes of grief and trauma.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, coping with grief, poetic expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a raw and powerful exploration of loss and recovery that resonates deeply on a personal level.
  • Perfect for: Anyone grappling with loss or seeking understanding and healing through powerful poetic expression.

Challenging Poetry Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
  • Genre(s): Poetry, American Literature
  • Synopsis: A landmark in American literature, this collection celebrates nature, humanity, and the individual's role in society.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its use of free verse and transcendental themes requires readers to explore complex ideas about democracy, love, and philosophy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound reflection on human connection and individuality, offering rich insights into American identity and personal freedom.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in American history, philosophy, and groundbreaking poetic forms.

• The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Modernism
  • Synopsis: This poem is an intricate and allusive work that explores themes of despair and disillusionment in the modern world.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its dense allusions and fragmented narrative structure make it a complex, multi-layered read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a cornerstone of modernist poetry, offering a challenging yet rewarding exploration of 20th-century disillusionment.
  • Perfect for: Literature students and those interested in the evolution of poetic form and modernist themes.

• Paradise Lost by John Milton
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Epic
  • Synopsis: An epic poem that tells the story of Satan's banishment from Heaven and his subsequent role in Adam and Eve's fall from grace.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its use of blank verse and classical allusions demands a high level of literary competence and understanding of biblical narratives.
  • Why we recommend this book: This epic offers profound insights into themes of free will, good vs. evil, and human nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate religious and philosophical literature and enjoy exploring complex narrative styles.

• Ariel by Sylvia Plath
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Confessional Poetry
  • Synopsis: A posthumously published collection of Plath’s intense and powerful poems, exploring themes of death, rebirth, and personal identity.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its raw emotional intensity and sophisticated use of form and language challenge the reader to confront complex and often disturbing themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep, visceral engagement with the struggles of the self, making it a profound experience for readers.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in deep psychological exploration and the human condition through poetry.

• The Cantos by Ezra Pound
  • Genre(s): Poetry, Epic
  • Synopsis: An ambitious and complex series of poems that blend historical events, cultural references, and intense personal narratives.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its encyclopedic range and esoteric references make it one of the more difficult texts to access without background knowledge in various cultures and histories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a monumental work in modernist literature, offering an unparalleled depth of cultural and linguistic scholarship.
  • Perfect for: Scholars and serious readers of literature who enjoy dense, allusive texts and are looking for a deep dive into poetic innovation.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of poetry books and you're around 20 years old, you might be looking for some ways to enhance your reading experience. Here are a few exercises that can help you develop good reading habits while enjoying your poetic journey. These exercises are designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of poetry.

• Create a Poetry Blog
  • What it is: Start a personal blog to share your interpretations and reviews of poems you read.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to think critically and articulate your thoughts.
  • Tips: Try to write regularly, even if it’s just a short post about a single poem.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read poems out loud, either alone or in a group.
  • How it helps: Enhances your ability to understand the rhythm and flow of poetry.
  • Tips: Pay attention to punctuation and line breaks to improve your delivery.

• Daily Poem
  • What it is: Commit to reading at least one poem each day.
  • How it helps: Builds a consistent reading habit and exposes you to various styles and themes.
  • Tips: Choose poems from different eras or cultures to diversify your reading.

• Poetry Discussion Group
  • What it is: Form or join a group to discuss poetry on a weekly or monthly basis.
  • How it helps: Provides different perspectives and can deepen your understanding of the texts.
  • Tips: Be open to others’ interpretations and share your insights freely.

• Memorize Poems
  • What it is: Memorize your favorite poems.
  • How it helps: Improves memory and gives you a deeper connection to the language of poetry.
  • Tips: Start with shorter poems and gradually work up to longer pieces.

• Analyze Poems
  • What it is: Take time to break down the poems you read, looking at things like themes, motifs, and literary devices.
  • How it helps: Helps you gain a richer understanding of poetic techniques and their effects.
  • Tips: Write down your analysis; this can be part of your reading journal or blog.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your enjoyment of poetry but also develop skills that can be beneficial in both academic and personal contexts. Enjoy your poetic adventures, and remember, the key to benefiting from these exercises is consistency and openness to new ideas!