Sometimes only a poem will do. Not a book to read cover to cover but to dip in and out of as need arises and to keep on hand for the ups and downs of life.

William Sieghart’s The Poetry Remedy is not a collection to be consumed in one sitting. It serves best as a poetic mental health reference guide. While perusing its pages, one can find the poetic “prescription” for ailments ranging from anxiety and compulsive behavior, to existential crises and old age. Sieghart’s poem choices are thoughtful and include an introduction or explanation as to why it is appropriate for the condition at hand. The poems he prescribes range from J.R.R. Tolkien to Izumi Shikibu and, for this reader, the choices hit all the right notes. The book is effective in a few ways: 1) it offers comfort and truth in the way that only poetry can, and 2) it settles the reader by requiring the quiet and focus necessary to read and absorb wonderful poetry. It’s hard to tell which is more effective; however, it only matters that it is.
This is a charming and helpful book that I will be sure to recommend to readers who seem a little lost or who simply wish to dip their toe into the world of poetry. It would be wonderful if this book came in a pocket-sized paperback as well as hardcover. I can see it being tucked into backpacks and pockets to be pulled out and referenced frequently.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

It seems like many people read poetry anymore, but I've always loved it. I recently rescued a Poem a Day anthology and have loved having something different to read every day. And despite the outraged reaction to the recently-publicized "poetry pharmacy" in the UK, there are actually many articles and studies on using poetry and literature in medical practice--both for the doctors and patients.

While this book--obviously--won't magically medically cure your ailments, it's certainly medicine for the mind and soul, for when you're going through something specific and want to know someone *understands*.

The Poetry Remedy
Prescriptions for the Heart, Mind, and Soul

by William Sieghart




PENGUIN GROUP Viking

Viking

Poetry

Pub Date 15 Oct 2019


I am reviewing a copy of The Poetry Remedy through Penguin Group/Viking and Netgalley:


The poetic prescriptions and words of advice in this book are made for those moments when we need them most. These poems are great for anything from general glumness to news overload, from infatuation to loosing the spark! These poems can help you through whatever it is you are facing!



This books gives us advice on how to read the poetry, and we are reminded too that often when wills have trouble coping with the issue we often turn to solutions that are more destructive than our feelings.


In A Poet’s Remedy everything from loss and heartbreak to how to grapple with those issues is tackled.



I give The Poetry Remedy five out of five stars, and would recommend it to anyone who finds poetry to speak to them in their time of distress.


Happy Reading!