#5OnMyTBR is a bookish meme hosted by E. @ Local Bee Hunter’s Nook where you chose five books from your to-be-read pile that fit that week’s theme. If you’d like more info, head over to the announcement post!

Hello, readers!

It’s once again Monday, which means it’s time to pick #5OnMyTBR. I’ve been having a lot of fun doing this weekly bookish meme because it really makes me comb through the books I want to read. Usually I have quite a few to choose from that fit the week’s theme.

And then this week came up.

The theme for this week is poetry and… well… I don’t really care for poetry 😬 I suppose I should say that I don’t really care for the poetry I was forced to read in school. I know I’m not giving the genre a fair shake, but it’s just never really appealed to me. Perhaps one of you could suggest a collection of poetry that might change my mind?

In the meantime, though, seeming as I have exactly zero poetry books on my TBR, I decided to play with the theme a wee bit. And that’s why my list will consist of five books written in verse!

---

#1. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

I can’t have a list of books written in verse and not include this one. I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews for this book! This is a coming-of-age story of a young woman discovering her power and exploring her world through slam poetry. I’m thinking of actually getting the audiobook for this one because I’ve heard it’s incredible! I can’t wait to read it.

#2. Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

I haven’t heard as much about this book but what I have heard has been intriguing. Everyone I’ve seen talk about this book says they cried and we’ve established that I like when books try to wreck me. This is a story that follows a young man on a ride down an elevator as he is on his way to take revenge against the person he believes killed his brother. On the way down, he encounters different visions of people who are somehow connected to his story. It sounds like it’s going to be powerful.

#3. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

This book has been on my radar for quite some time. I think, when I originally heard of it, I was put off because, ya know… poetry. But the more I read about it, the more I wanted to read it! It’s a memoir told in verse and seems like it will be incredibly inspiring. I also think it’s such an interesting way to write a memoir. I’m excited to pick it up and give it a go!

#4. White Rose by Kip Wilson

I have literally only ever heard Sam @ Sassenach the Book Wizard talk about this book, but the way she described it made me want to read it so much! I do enjoy historical fiction and this sounds like it’s going to be incredible. It’s the tale of a young German college student living during WWII who does what she can to fight against the Nazi regime. I’m sure there will be tears, but I’m excited to read it!

#5. Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

In this book told through verse, we follow young Jude, who has just moved to the United States from Syria. She is learning to adjust to her new life and the new label (“Middle Eastern”) that has been placed on her. This sounds like it’s going to be a beautiful story. I’ve heard mostly good things and I can definitely admit that my interest has been piqued! I’m looking forward to diving in.

---

What are some books in verse you’d like to read? Did you write your own #5OnMyTBR post? Let me know in the comments!

And, as always, happy reading!