The Greatest Russian, American "Poetry" Books Since 2010

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Poetry

Poetry is a genre of literature that uses language to evoke emotion, paint vivid imagery, and convey complex ideas through the use of rhythm, meter, and sound. It is characterized by its use of figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, and its ability to capture the essence of a moment or experience in a concise and powerful way. Poetry can take many forms, including sonnets, haikus, free verse, and spoken word, and can cover a wide range of topics, from love and nature to politics and social issues. As a category for books, poetry offers readers a unique and intimate glimpse into the human experience, inviting them to explore the beauty and complexity of language and the world around them.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Russian

American

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 1. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

    This is a poignant memoir written in verse, detailing the author's childhood as an African-American growing up in the 1960s and 1970s, split between South Carolina and New York. The narrative explores her experiences with segregation, her growing awareness of the civil rights movement, her deep love for storytelling and her gradual understanding of her own identity as a writer. The book provides a powerful portrayal of a girl finding her voice in a time of social and political unrest.

    The 2384th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine

    "Citizen: An American Lyric" is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of racial prejudice in contemporary America. The book, written in a blend of poetry, prose, and visual images, delves into the everyday experiences and microaggressions that people of color face. It also addresses larger events from the news that have impacted the Black community. The book is a powerful commentary on race, identity, and belonging, challenging readers to confront their own biases and perceptions.

    The 2639th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

    "The Crossover" is a heartfelt and poetic novel that follows the journey of a talented young basketball player named Josh Bell. Set in a world of sports and sibling rivalry, Josh faces challenges both on and off the court as he navigates the complexities of family, friendship, and first love. Through Alexander's lyrical writing style, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster that explores themes of identity, loss, and the power of perseverance.

    The 4849th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

    "The Poet X" is a coming-of-age novel that follows the journey of a young girl named Xiomara, who uses poetry as an outlet to navigate her complex life. Set in Harlem, Xiomara grapples with her strict Dominican parents, her evolving understanding of her own identity, and her burgeoning relationship with a boy named Aman. Through her powerful and honest poetry, Xiomara finds her voice, confronts societal expectations, and discovers the strength to define herself on her own terms.

    The 5677th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Collected Poems by Jack Gilbert

    "Collected Poems" is a compilation of works by a renowned poet, known for his minimalist style and profound themes. The book features a wide range of poems that explore human emotions, life experiences, love, loss, and the beauty of simplicity. The poet's unique perspective is evident in his vivid imagery and thought-provoking verses, offering readers a deep, introspective journey through his life and thoughts.

    The 5884th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

    In this gripping and thought-provoking novel, a young African American teenager named Will faces a life-altering decision after his older brother is shot and killed. Set in an elevator, the story unfolds over the course of sixty seconds as Will descends to the ground floor, contemplating whether to seek revenge on his brother's murderer. Along the way, he encounters a series of individuals who challenge his perspective on violence, justice, and the cycle of retribution. With powerful prose and a raw emotional intensity, the book explores themes of grief, systemic racism, and the complexities of personal choices.

    The 6946th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Russia Is Burning: Poems Of The Great Patriotic War by Maria Bloshteyn

    "Russia Is Burning: Poems Of The Great Patriotic War" is a poignant collection of poems that captures the raw emotions and experiences of the Russian people during World War II. Through powerful and vivid imagery, the author delves into the devastating impact of the war on both soldiers and civilians, painting a haunting portrait of loss, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of the Russian people in the face of unimaginable suffering.

    The 9185th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Devotions by Mary Oliver

    "Devotions" is a thoughtfully curated collection of poems that spans the career of a renowned poet celebrated for her keen observation of the natural world and her reflections on life and mortality. The anthology brings together a selection of works that capture the beauty of nature, the simplicity of life, and the profound search for meaning. Through her eloquent and accessible verse, the poet explores themes of wonder, gratitude, and the interconnectedness of all living things, inviting readers to pause and consider the world with a sense of awe and reverence. This compilation serves as a testament to the poet's enduring legacy as a voice of wisdom and an advocate for the natural environment.

    The 9192nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. F Letter: New Russian Feminist Poetry by Galina Rymbu, Eugene Ostashevsky, Ainsley Morse

    "F Letter: New Russian Feminist Poetry" is a captivating collection of contemporary Russian feminist poetry that challenges societal norms and explores themes of gender, identity, and power. Through the powerful and thought-provoking verses of Galina Rymbu, Eugene Ostashevsky, and Ainsley Morse, this anthology sheds light on the experiences and perspectives of women in Russia, offering a unique and refreshing voice in the world of literature.

    The 9306th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. I Hope This Reaches Her In Time by r.h. Sin

    The book is a heartfelt compilation of prose and poetry that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and healing. It serves as a poignant reflection on the struggles of modern relationships, the journey of self-discovery, and the importance of self-love. Through its pages, the author reaches out to readers with messages of hope, empowerment, and the reassurance that it's never too late to find oneself and move forward, even after experiencing heartache. The work resonates with those who have loved deeply, faced emotional hardships, and are seeking solace and strength in words that echo their own experiences.

    The 9345th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Black and Blur by Fred Moten

    "Black and Blur" is an exploration of black studies, performance, aesthetics, and politics. It delves into the intersections of critical theory, social science, and philosophy, challenging traditional definitions and understandings of blackness. The book uses an array of topics such as contemporary art, music, and literature to deconstruct and critique the conventional frameworks of authority, identity, and culture. It presents a new perspective on the complexities of blackness and the potential for social and political change.

    The 9384th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. She Felt Like Feeling Nothing by r.h. Sin

    The book is a poignant collection of poetry that delves into the complexities of womanhood, love, loss, and self-discovery. Through a series of raw and emotional verses, the poet explores the depths of feeling and the pain of numbness when overwhelmed by heartache and disillusionment. The poems serve as a journey through the stages of healing, offering solace to readers who have experienced similar struggles, and providing a voice to the often unspoken intricacies of the female experience. With its honest and relatable narrative, the book resonates with anyone who has ever felt the need to find strength in vulnerability and beauty in the midst of chaos.

    The 9475th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Empty Bottles Full Of Stories by Robert M. Drake, r.h. Sin

    "Empty Bottles Full of Stories" is a poignant collection of poetry and prose that delves into the depths of human emotion, exploring themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. The book captures the complexities of relationships and the journey of self-discovery, offering readers a reflective and often raw glimpse into personal struggles and the search for healing. Through its evocative verses, the collection resonates with anyone who has experienced heartache and yearns for connection, ultimately providing a sense of solace and understanding in the shared experiences of life's ups and downs.

    The 9589th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. I Would Leave Me If I Could by Halsey

    This book is a deeply personal collection of poetry that delves into the author's experiences with love, heartbreak, family dynamics, mental health, and self-identity. The poems are raw and evocative, offering readers a glimpse into the author's innermost thoughts and struggles. Through vivid imagery and emotional honesty, the author navigates the complexities of life and the journey towards self-discovery, showcasing both vulnerability and resilience. The work serves as a testament to the power of words in expressing the human condition and the healing that can come from sharing one's truth.

    The 9668th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Violet Bent Backwards Over The Grass by Lana Del Rey

    This book is a collection of deeply personal poetry and prose, reflecting on the complexities of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. The author weaves a tapestry of emotional landscapes, exploring themes of fame, relationships, and the Californian backdrop that colors much of her work. The intimate reflections are accompanied by original photography, offering a visual journey that complements the evocative language. The work serves as a window into the author's soul, revealing vulnerability and a quest for artistic truth.

    The 9669th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Magical Negro by Morgan Parker

    This book is a provocative and incisive collection of poetry that explores black American womanhood, identity, and the pervasive impact of systemic racism. The poems weave a narrative that confronts the objectification of black bodies, the commodification of black pain, and the struggle to assert individuality in the face of historical stereotypes. The author employs the concept of the "magical negro," a trope in which black characters exist primarily to aid white narratives, as a lens to critique cultural appropriation and the burden of representation. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, the collection challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about race and society.

    The 9693rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. She Fits Inside These Words by Robert M. Drake, r.h. Sin, Samantha King Holmes

    This book is a collaborative collection of poetry and prose that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery. Through a tapestry of emotive language and raw expression, the authors explore the depths of human emotion, from the heights of passionate love to the pain of heartbreak. The work serves as a reflection on the experiences that shape us, the relationships that define us, and the words that can capture the essence of our innermost feelings. It is a poignant reminder of the power of language to encapsulate the human experience and the shared vulnerability that connects us all.

    The 9786th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Dear Medusa : (A Novel In Verse) by Olivia A. Cole

    The book is a poignant exploration of a young girl's journey through the complexities of adolescence, identity, and the power of self-expression. Told in a series of evocative poems, the narrative weaves together themes of growth, resilience, and the transformative nature of art. As the protagonist grapples with her emotions and the world around her, she finds solace and strength in her writing, which becomes a cathartic outlet for her experiences. Through her poetic letters to Medusa, the girl confronts her fears, embraces her voice, and ultimately reclaims her sense of self, illustrating the healing potential of creativity and the written word.

    The 10061st Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download