10 Most Anticipated Poetry Collections in 2023
This upcoming year is going to be an exciting one for poetry. From lessons on self-love to deep-dives of history, there’s a new release coming up for every kind of poetry lover. To keep you on your toes, here are 10 exciting new poetry releases to look forward to in 2023.
Chrome Valley by Mahogany L. Browne
From Lincoln Center’s inaugural poet-in-residence, Mahogany L. Browne, comes Chrome Valley. This intricate and lyrical collection examines what it’s like to be a Black woman in America as it explores themes from girlhood to motherhood. Available Feb. 7.
From From by Monica Youn
Themes of authenticity and deracination are deconstructed in this equally comedic and tragic new collection from Monica Youn. From From uses the question “Where are you from from?” to interrogate stereotypes, methods of assimilation, guilt, and more. Available March 7.
God Themselves by Jae Nichelle
A celebration of queerness, Blackness, and love, God Themselves is a courageous and moving new collection. Drawing on her experiences growing up in the American South, poet Jae Nichelle explores the relationship between religion and the body and the concept of God. Available March 14.
Her III by Pierre Alex Jeanty
The stunning final piece in poet Pierre Alex Jeanty’s 3-book collection, Her, this installment has been highly anticipated. Her III is a love letter to female resilience, an intimate look at relationships, and an ode to the power within us. Available April 4.
A “Working Life” by Eileen Myles
Activist, poet, and writer Eileen Myles explores themes of permanence, mortality, danger, and wonder in this exciting new collection. A “Working Life” celebrates the contradictions of life in our strange and ever-evolving present. Available April 18.
West: A Translation by Paisley Rekdal
History buffs will love this upcoming collection by 2018 Utah Poet Laureate Paisley Rekdal. West: A Translation includes historical images, forms, and documents, as well as multiple voices and languages. This unflinching multimedia collection draws a powerful and important connection between the transcontinental railroad and the Chinese Exclusion Act. Available May 2.
Many Small Hungerings by William Bortz
In his newest collection, Des Moines-based poet William Bortz dives into the complexities of grief and loss. Many Small Hungerings allows nostalgia and memory to become a warm embrace in times of darkness. Available May 9.
Softening Time by Elena Brower
Yogi, teacher, and artist Elena Brower makes her poetry debut with Softening Time. This inspiring collection combines autobiography with self-help to take on themes of self-love, learning, and healing. Available May 16.
Self-Love for Small-Town Girls by Lang Leav
Bestselling author Lang Leav is making waves with her highly anticipated new collection Self-Love for Small-Town Girls. This stunning new collection uses poetry and prose to explore womanhood and promote self-love. Available June 13.
Negative Money by Lillian-Yvonne Bertram
From National Book Award-nominated Lillian-Yvonne Bertram comes Negative Money. This compelling new collection glides from acrostics to sonnets to maps to paint a picture of a life lived in the financial, emotional, and societal margins. Available June 27.
