To continue our monthly series of book lists and celebrate National Poetry Month, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library would like to recommend the following titles by people not primarily known as poets.
Always a Reckoning and Other Poems by Jimmy Carter. Forty-four humble poems by the 39th President of the United States, reflecting on his childhood, family, and political life. Cassette book RC 40426. Braille book BR 9887. Large print book LP 12088.
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Pearl, and Sir Orfeo translated by J.R.R. Tolkien. Three medieval poems from the age of Arthurian legend, translated into modern English by the master of epic fantasy. Cassette book RC 56740. Braille book BR 15685.
Jimmy's Blues: Selected Poems by James Baldwin. The novelist, essayist, and playwright wrote these 19 poems reminiscent of blues lyrics; raising his strong voice in opposition to racism and oppression. Cassette book RC 30144.
Of Snails and Skylarks by Christy Brown. In these poems the famous Irish autobiographer, writing entirely with his left foot due to his cerebral palsy, reflects on social conditions and personal struggles. Cassette book RC 14826. Braille book BR 4253.
April Twilights (1903): Poems by Willa Cather. Originally published in 1903, this volume of poetry is Willa Cather's first book and offers glimpses of her future as a renowned novelist of pioneer life. Cassette book RC 35294. Braille book BR 11388.
Smoke from this Altar by Louis L'Amour. Poems about the popular author's adventures and travels, many set on the western frontier. Cassette book RC 36645.
Her Blue Body Everything We Know: Earthling Poems, 1965-1990 by Alice Walker. Featuring twenty-five years of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist's poetry, this book follows her struggles for equality and justice and journey towards wisdom. Cassette book RC 37402.
Link to previous Recommended Reads.