Poetry Rx: How 50 Inspiring Poems Can Heal and Bring Joy To Your Life

In an interview I read about this book, Dr. Rosenthal said, “As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has closed down in many ways, depriving us of joy, companionship, love and adventure. Against this backdrop of loss and hardship, we are seeking novel remedies, and poetry is a surprisingly powerful remedy, not just for the moment but for our entire life. Poetry can serve both as a balm and a vaccine for the soul.”He speaks from personal experience, sharing how certain poems have helped him throughout his own life, and in the lives of his friends and patients. The book's Introduction opens with such a story of a friend, David, who recently experienced the loss of someone dear to him. He called Norman wondering how he could go on. In an attempt to help, Norman tells David "there is an art to losing, and like all art, it can be developed." After a moment of silence, David asks Norman if he knew the poem, 'One Art' by Elizabeth Bishop. He had not. (Neither did I. It is a powerful poem!) David reads it to Norman, which starts off, "The art of losing isn't hard to master." It's the first poem of Chapter One, 'Is There An Art To Losing?' on page 9.Norman writes, "As he read on, his voice gathered strength and energy with each stanza. Afterwards his mood was lighter—and strangely, so was mine." This led Norman to wonder, "Can a poem really help a grieving person? And if so, might other poems also have healing powers?" His friend had offered him a gift. He shared the poem with grieving friends and patients, many of who found comfort in its words. This took him on a path of discovery, learning of a colleague who did the same thing with a poem about aging by Wendell Berry. (It's in chapter 46.) He found more poems that could help. This led him to develop the idea and practice of prescribing poetry as a kind of medicine, which inspired this book, Poetry Rx.Some of the poems in this volume are ones that I've read before and benefited from in my own life. A favorite of mine that Dr. Rosenthal includes in this volume of 50 poems is 'Love After Love' by Derek Walcott. It's in Chapter Seven, the second poem with the theme of 'Getting Over A Breakup' and in this case, 'Reclaiming Yourself'. It's a simple, compassionate, yet powerful poem that anyone can relate to, learn from, and feel comforted by. It did all of that for me.Anyone can benefit from and enjoy reading this book. Dr. Rosenthal guides the reader, showing us how to get the most out of a poem. He explains each poem, points out takeaways, and gives us a backgrounder on the poem and the poet who wrote it. It's like having a friend of the family over for dinner that shares his enthusiasm for poetry, and in the process, entertains and enlightens us. I highly recommend this book.

“Poetry can not only inspire and delight, but can actually help you feel better, soothe your pain, and heal psychological wounds.”Poetry Rx: How 50 Inspiring Poems Can Heal and Bring Joy To Your Life is calling for change and transformation in the most graceful way.I love Norman’s work, intention, and creativity.This is a must-read for anyone ready to experience a gentle, yet profound and impactful approach to healing. Norman illuminates our minds with 50 timeless poems. They will change the way you feel, and ultimately, your way to being in the world.It was a wonderful experience to have had the conversation with Norman E. Rosenthal in a podcast interview! His wisdom, clarity, and loving presence reflected his commitment to changing lives!

Poetry Rx is the most unique and delightful marriage of art and practical therapy. I was drawn in by the introduction and delighted when I was reminded anew of the incredible power of these poems, some of which are classics to me, and many which are brand new. The book is structured in such a way which makes it ideal bedtime reading, or that “beach” book which will have you texting your friends to recommend it. I now have given it to three friends. It is empowering, soothing, comforting, and growth inspiring. I’m hopeful for subsequent volumes of this unique project, destined to be a favorite of many.

This book is yet another beautiful contribution to the healing journey of humanity from Dr. Rosenthal. His interpretations of the poets and these sure to be familiar poems offers insight into the human mind and the evolution of its conscious relationship to pain. This book is a wonderful companion on that journey of integration.

I bought this on a whim and I’m only about five days into it ... but, wow.I can already feel myself being lifted up a little bit. I really like how it’s not just a collection of poems, but a great source of context and insight on each poem. I’ve been trying to read one per day in the morning with my coffee, and allowing my mind to work around it as the day goes on.I really think I might buy a couple extra copies to hand out as gifts to friend/families/coworkers.

Just what the doctor ordered, PoetryRx, to help us heal and emerge from the pandemic in a new light. The book illustrates the healing power of poetry so beautifully by highlighting famous poems with personal and professional stories the renowned psychiatrist has woven throughout the book. Bravo, Dr. Rosenthal, for sharing poetry's therapeutic, inspiring and enlightening qualities with us at such a critical time in our lives.

The 50 poems selected were terrific as was the analysis and commentary in each chapter. The book really touched on so many of the most important aspects of this life we are all going through and made me think about what does and should matter to me. It is an easy read and I can't recommend this book enough.

I am a major fan of poetry so this book truly spoke to my soul. The topics of addictive or fulfilling love really resonated with my past, and gave me a lot of insight from the author. SERIOUS goosebumps while reading this! One of my favorite new additions to my home library. Check it out! You won't regret it!