Books of Inspiring Poems and Quotes
Now more than ever, through tough times the world is facing, we need words of inspiration, wisdom, and hope to look forward to. Reading poetry and quotes is one outlet that offers comfort and guidance. The New York Public Library offers plenty of options in this vein through our e-book collection. Below are a few favorites:
The Complete Collected Poems of Maya Angelou by Maya Angelou
From her earliest collection of poetry (Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie, LJ 10/15/71) to her latest (On the Pulse of Morning, delivered at the inauguration of President Clinton on January 20, 1993), Angelou's work never fails to grip the imagination. In this anthology, she comments on love, traveling, and aging." —Library Journal
America I AM Legends: Rare Moments and Inspiring Words edited by the SmileyBooks
Through exceptional photographic images and penetrating words, America I AM Legends captures the dynamism of 78 legendary African Americans, highlighting the indelible imprint each has made on the United States and the world. A statement illuminating a unique aspect of each iconic figure— made by the legend or by someone carrying on their legacy today—portrays the vision and contribution of each subject.Whether black artistic genius, athletic excellence, political leadership, or the struggle to hold America true to its promise, each legend reminds us that America would be unrecognizable without its African American imprint. America I AM Legends takes us on an unforgettable journey to the heart of the American experience.
Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life by Cleo Wade
True to her hugely popular Instagram account, Cleo Wade brings her moving life lessons to Heart Talk, an inspiring, accessible, and spiritual book of wisdom for the new generation. Featuring over one hundred and twenty of Cleo&;s original poems, mantras, and affirmations, including fan favorites and never before seen ones, this book is a daily pep talk to keep you feeling empowered and motivated.
How Lovely the Ruins: Inspirational Poems and Words for Difficult Times edited by Annie Chagnot and Emi Ikkanda
This eclectic collection of inspirational poetry and prose aims to inspire readers, offering them perspective, courage and perseverance through difficult personal or political times and includes contributions from Maya Angelou, W.H. Auden, Naomi Shihab Nye, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes and Elizabeth Alexander.
Taking the Arrow Out of the Heart: Poemsby Alice Walker
Presented in both English and Spanish, Alice Walker shares a timely collection of nearly seventy works of passionate and powerful poetry that bears witness to our troubled times, while also chronicling a life well-lived. From poems of painful self-inquiry, to celebrating the simple beauty of baking frittatas, Walker offers us a window into her magical, at times difficult, and liberating world of activism, love, hope and, above all, gratitude.
Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.
Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!
Unless indicated, summaries are provided via NYPL’s catalog, which draws from multiple sources. Click through to each book’s title for more.