5 Poetry Books that May As Well Be Self Help Books

You know that feeling you get when you're listening to a song or reading a quote, or in this case, reading a poem, and it's so good you feel like you've been punched in the gut, but like in the best possible way?

Well I had this thought that sometimes creative writing is so underrated when it comes to teaching us about life.

I mean, I know we take literature classes and study novels in English class and debate over the meaning behind songs on reddit. But I feel like we often talk about these things from an outsider's point of view, analyzing what the words meant to the author or what symbolism they held.

But recently I've been thinking about how poetry and other forms of creative writing are constantly teaching us about ourselves. I was reading one and I had this thought like "this poetry book is basically a self help book."

So if you think you've already read every self help book out there and don't know where to turn next, I highly recommend incorporating some poetry into your life.

Poetry books that may as well be self help books:

Bloom For Yourself by April Greene

I first discovered April Greene on Instagram, read maybe 3 of her posts, then immediately went on Amazon and ordered her book. I didn't allow myself to completely binge her Instagram feed because I really wanted to be able to sit with the book and focus wholeheartedly.

The poetry is heavily focused on personal growth, self love and acceptance, and healing. I feel like her words are and personal, yet so universal especially to woman and especially especially to young women like myself traversing their twenties. Going through times of such intense growth can be so confusing and overwhelming, and Bloom for Yourself sheds so much optimism and hope while still being completely vulnerable and authentic.

Salt. by Nayyirah Waheed

A close friend of mine posted a poem from this book to her Instagram story, and I was immediately entranced. I raided Waheed's Instagram account and was hell bent on buying the book when my friend told me she had an extra copy and graciously gifted to me.

What an angel she is.

This book is loaded with raw emotion, pain, anger, and ultimately healing. It's the journey of experiencing this world through the lense of woman, and even deeper as a woman of color.

the sun and her flowers by rupi kaur

I know the audience is pretty divided when it comes to Kaur and her books. Some people love them, some people hate them, and some people are just really pretentious about them.

Personally, I feel like she opened up a whole new world of poetry up to the mainstream. Not single-handedly, of course; there were many other poets using this style of poetry. But her books really blew up in popularity and pulled more people into the acceptance of this style.

But regardless of the division, no one can deny her vulnerability which cuts to the bone. Her books are truly a journey through pain and healing and pain and healing, which ultimately is what we're all going through.

For me, when I first read her books, I felt a new sense of connection to poetry. I realized that all my little ponderings scribbled away in journals and on wrinkled napkins could actually be considered poetry.

Every Word You Cannot Say by Iain S. Thomas

This is a book that makes you feel seen. A lot of poetry books I find are written from very personal stories that become universal. And I think that's great! But while reading some of Thomas' poetry, it was refreshing to read so much that was spoken directly to the reader, for the reader.

As you read, it feels as if you have been given permission to feel the things that you do. Someone is telling you it's okay, and that others are experiencing these things all over the world, and you are not alone. I think it's important to be consistently reminded of this throughout life.

You can also read "I Wrote This For You" by Iain S. Thomas.

The Evolution of a Girl by L.E. Bowman

The idea of this book is to take you through the transformation from girlhood into womanhood. For so many of us, this can be such a scary and beautiful time, and honestly it never really ends. We are continuously learning and relearning and unlearning and coming to terms with ourselves as we change over time.

It can feel so powerful when someone can put into words the things that you've grappled with over the years as you grow, and Bowman can do this so eloquently without coming off as pretentious. I love the honesty in her writing, and how it forces you to be honest with yourself as well.

What are your favorite poetry books, Instagram accounts, or creative writers?

Let me know in the comments down below, or DM me on IG @brittney_kiera_. I'd love to hear from you!