Kick off National Poetry Month with one of these poetry books

April 1, 6:59 AMSeattle Books ExaminerDanielle Dreger-Babbitt

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Since 1996, libraries, bookstores, publishers, schools, and poets have come together to celebrate National Poetry Month each April.  It is usually a month chock full of poetry readings, slams, and book displays.  Poetry isn't always everyone's favorite go-to genre.  I'll admit, it isn't my favorite; however, I do enjoy a good book of poetry.  If you're looking to kick off National Poetry Month in style, I've compiled a list of poetry books that you won't likely find on a high school reading list (sorry Emily, Sylvia, and Walt.  Maybe next year).

Seattle Books Examiner Best Poetry Picks

• Adult Head by Jeff Tweedy- You won't find this 2004 release by Wilco's frontman in most stores as it had a small printing.  You may even recognize some of the poems as they were inspiration for some of the songs on A Ghost is Born.
• Rose That Grew From Concrete by Tupac Shakur-  This collection of poetry was written by the rapper between 1989 and 1991, before he became famous. The poems are passionate, sometimes angry, and often compelling.
• 19 Varieties of Gazelle:  Poems of the Middle East by Naomi Shihab Nye- Nye has gathered over 60 of her own poems about the Middle East and about being an Arab American living in the United States and included it in this collection.  Amazon said it best when they called her poems "haunting and evocative."
• Pleasures of the Damned:  Poems, 1951-1993 by Charles Bukowski-  Who doesn't enjoy reading about Bukowski's disappointment, drunkenness, romantic failures, and poverty?  This book has been billed as the last book with new Bukowski poems in it.
• Infinity Blues by Ryan Adams- Adams has had more headlines about his marriage to Mandy Moore than his music (or even poetry) lately.  He is one of the most interesting (and annoying) singer/songwriters in music today and this release of his nonmusical writing is unveiled in book form for first time ever .
• The Door by Margaret Atwood- This is the first book of poems in 12 years from the now Atwood.  She combines an older writer's reflections on aging with the dire warnings-political, environmental and moral