Must-Read Poems of 2024: A Selection of the Best

"Root Fractures"  by Diana Khoi Nguyen Nguyen's debut collection grapples with themes of family, heritage, and displacement. Her poems are described as "luminous and devastating," weaving together personal narratives with historical and cultural insights.

"Wrong Norma"  by Anne Carson  Carson is a renowned Canadian poet known for her innovative and playful use of language. "Wrong Norma" promises to be no different, blending elements of biography, fiction, and mythology to explore the life of Norma Jeane Baker (Marilyn Monroe).

"Modern Poetry"  by Diane Seuss  Seuss is a MacArthur "Genius" Grant recipient whose previous collection, "frank: sonnets," was a finalist for the National Book Award. "Modern Poetry" delves into themes of aging, illness, and loss with characteristic honesty and tenderness.

"Ward Toward by Cindy Juyoung Ok Ok's debut collection explores themes of migration, language, and the body. Her poems are praised for their lyricism and their ability to capture the complexities of the immigrant experience.

"The Moon That Turns You Back by Hala Alyan Alyan's second collection is a powerful and moving exploration of grief and loss. Her poems draw on her Palestinian heritage and personal experiences to create a universal meditation on mortality and resilience.