reading habit
Not-So-Bad Poetry Day
On the occasion of Bad Poetry Day, we wondered: what is good poetry? Is a good poem written in a particular rhyme scheme, in iambic pentameter, in clear verses, or one that throws these rules out the metaphorical window? Is a good poem easily understood by everyone, or one with layers hidden between the lines? Or perhaps, a good poem simply one that evokes an emotion.
As the meaning of poetry evolves (yes, we’re looking at the Insta-poetry club), here are some of our favourite poetry collections to remind you that good poetry still exists.
Beastly Tales From Here And There by Vikram Seth: While Vikram Seth’s novel-length poem, ‘The Golden Gate’, might be more famous, his quirky and fun collection of poetry, ‘Beastly Tales From Here And There’, is a must-read whether you love poetry or not. Inspired by animal fables from across the world, Seth gives his poetic take on popular stories such as ‘The Monkey’s Heart’ and ‘The Hare And The Tortoise’. Reading this collection not only made me laugh while marvelling at the author’s genius but also helped me rediscover my fondness for poetry.
—Nirbhay Kanoria, TCR Co-Founder
Howl And Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg: While this collection includes excellent examples of Allen Ginsberg’s work, I return to it for ‘Howl’. Considered to be one of the founding pillars of the Beat Generation, this three-part poem reads as an outpouring of emotion with long lines and vivid imagery that shocks you and takes you through the streets of a city filled with sex, drugs and turmoil. And yet, at the same time, the poem is inspiring in its ability to break cultural barriers, challenge existing norms and showcase the hope and sensitivity prevalent within a young, alternative America.
—Oishani Mitra, TCR Editor
The Last Night Of The Earth Poems by Charles Bukowski: This poetry collection is essential Bukowksi—it has the author’s signature dry wit and emotional confessions. Here, he offers a reflection on life and the awareness of death, and makes you feel alive while making you aware of your mortality at the same time.
—Prasanna Sawant, TCR Writer
Books Releasing This Week
- Mother Land: Rachel, who moved to Mumbai with her husband Dhruv, struggles to make an unknown city her home. With her mother-in-law coming to stay with them permanently, and Dhruv going out of the city, do these two women, who are so different from each other, manage to come closer? Read this heartfelt story by Leah Franqui to find out. (August 20, 2020)
- The Biggest Bluff: When author and psychiatrist Maria Konnikova approached poker champion Erik Seidel to learn about poker, little did she know that she would end up receiving lessons for a successful life. If you’re looking to learn about the best way to read your opponents and yourself and how to take good decisions (while learning a little poker along the way), then this book is perfect for you. (August 20, 2020).
- Shuggie Bain: Agnes Bain wants to live a life of luxury. Unfortunately, her economic condition and a philandering husband have left her and her children poor. To cope, she takes to drinking. Only her son Shuggie stays behind while her children leave. But Shuggie has problems of his own. Find out how Shuggie tries to balance life and responsibility in Douglas Stuart’s book that has been longlisted for the Booker Prize 2020. (August 21, 2020)
- Livewired: Do you want to know what drug withdrawal has in common with a broken heart, how deaf people can listen with their skin or how we could control robots with our thoughts one day? Then your search ends right here. David Eagleman’s study of brain chemistry is guaranteed to send your brain for a spin. (August 25, 2020)
- Superpower Showdown: In this hard-hitting book, Wall Street journalists Bob Davis and Lingling Wei compile information through interviews with officials from both the USA and China to understand how the trade relations between the two countries went downhill, and its consequences. (August 25, 2020)
We’re also looking forward to getting our hands on Those Delicious Letters, The Killings At Kingfisher Hall and Blood.
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