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Ten Poems to Change Your Life Again and Again
by
Roger Housden (Goodreads Author)
Every great poem invites us to step beyond what we know, what we think we can dream or dare. Great poetry is a catalyst for change: a change of mind, a change of heart, a change of life- and yes, over and over, again and again, with each new reading, and each new phase of our journey.
That’s why poetry is dangerous. It gives voice to our unspoken dreams; it is a mirror to o...more
That’s why poetry is dangerous. It gives voice to our unspoken dreams; it is a mirror to o...more
Hardcover, 160 pages
Published
November 27th 2007
by Harmony
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This is the first of the Housden "ten poems" books that I've read and I love his adaptation of the poems meanings to his own life, but also the possibilities of guidance and inspiration these poems and the art of poetry can bring to the reader. For example, the idea that without sorrow there cannot be joy, that we must risk delight gained from "A Brief for the Defense" and that those everyday inconveniences are a part of living and life itself should be cherished, that it's life's journey that c...more
Housden added this fifth book to his series after assuring the readers that the fourth was the last and that was all he had to say. Then his marriage to the love of his life broke up and, apparently, he needed to talk about it - at length. The original concept of taking powerful, mostly contemporary, yet simple poems and reflecting on them, adding in a bit of how they affected his life, or were illustrated by events in his own life, was a good one. However, in this book, it's both a stretch and...more
If I had to choose a series of books as my all time favorite, it would be Roger Housden's Ten Poems to....
I've discovered my all time favorite poet (Naomi Shihab Nye) because of these books! He chooses the most exquisite, sublime, challenging and inspiring poetry, and his commentaries are superb, analysis that truely gets into the marrow of a poem. This is the perfect series, the perfect gift - boxed set of Roger Housden's Ten Poems... will be life-changing (and I don't use that word lightly.)
LO...more
I've discovered my all time favorite poet (Naomi Shihab Nye) because of these books! He chooses the most exquisite, sublime, challenging and inspiring poetry, and his commentaries are superb, analysis that truely gets into the marrow of a poem. This is the perfect series, the perfect gift - boxed set of Roger Housden's Ten Poems... will be life-changing (and I don't use that word lightly.)
LO...more
Housden not only picks great poems, with varied styles, from varied cultures, he also writes great essays that explain, extend, and expose all there is to think about the poems. I always come away with a favorite poem from the collections, and wanting to read more poetry.
Feb 20, 2009
Roxanne
is currently reading it
Beautifully written. The author discusses poems which have meaning to him, includes his own experience, and insights. I'm learning how to explore poetry in a way that allows me an emotional experience more profound than before
The first selection is worth keeping the book, a little self absorbed in reflections, overall commentary is helpful. The poems selected are, ones I will treasure. The comments and critique of the author are, personal and unprofessional. I bought the book for the poems not to become involved in the authors history
Ten poems, ten reflections. Excellent--got me started reading and writing poetry regularly.
12/09 Birthday present from Mom
Another deep breath of fresh air for the soul from Roger Housden. I think I enjoy beautiful poetry even more when they are essayed afterward. The discussion after each poem makes you truly understand and come to appreciate each line and meaning that the poem is portraying. Sure, poetry is beautiful and we can agree that certain poems are better than others, which is why Roger has carefully selected ten poems, in each book of his series, ripe for reflecting upon. I appreciate these kinds of books...more
Feb 25, 2008
Audrey
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Aunt Ginny, my sister, my mom, anyone who wants to like poetry
I very much enjoyed the first book of poems to change your life, but I found the sequel spoke to me even more. I felt an obvious connection to several of the poems immediately upon reading, while with others, I needed the commentary by Roger Housden to bring out the passion and various interpretations of the poem. However, even for the poems I enjoyed, Housden's insight lends remarkable insight, brings incredible richness, to the point that I truly feel enlightened after reading it.
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Like all of Roger Housden's 10 Poems series, this book delights the mind and soul and if you let it...enlightens. This series included poems by classical poets Rumi and Hafiz as well as a gem by Leonard Cohen...lyricist extraordinaire. I love how Housden guides you through the sometimes murky waters of poetry to enable you to truly engage in this important art form. I would HIGHLY recommend any one or better yet, ALL, of the Ten Poems books.
Yes, there are only 10 poems in this book, but they're good ones, and I love the short essays the editor has included.
More life changes....I have lent it out now, but will finish reading later
Thank you Sharon for putting me on to this author!
I found my all-time favorite poem here; The Journey by Mary Oliver. I don't love all 10 of the poems, but I enjoyed that it went beyond sharing the poems to unveil some of the depth that one might miss.
I bought this book for my oldest sister's 59th birthday and bought a copy for myself. My favorite - "Each Moment a White Bull Steps Shining . . ." Highly recommend.
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Roger Housden is the author of some twenty books of non fiction, including the best selling Ten Poems series. His new book, SAVED BY BEAUTY: ADVENTURES OF AN AMERICAN ROMANTIC IN IRAN, comes out on May 17 2011 with Broadway Books.
More about Roger Housden...
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