Listening to Poetry

A sad thing happens to most people somewhere between preschool and college: we unlearn our natural love of poetry, a love rooted in sound and surprise, pattern and play, discovery and delight. That loss is a tragedy that this book aims to reverse. Based on fifteen years of teaching, and dedicated to the belief that rigor and accessibility are compatible, Listening to Poetry takes nothing for granted, and builds students’ confidence and skills from the ground up. It uses innovative, student-centered, and process-based approaches, including practical how-tos and skill-focused exercises for every subject covered. Poems don’t have to be approached like riddles to be solved, codes to be cracked, or prisoners to be interrogated. There is a better way, and it starts right here.

Don’t take our word for it, though. Listen to students who’ve read this book:
“I need to give full appreciation to this book for my new-found love of poetry... I have found myself a new hobby.”
“Before this book I was overwhelmed by poetry and felt I would never be artistic enough to create or analyze it. Now I feel very comfortable... and am excited to continue my appreciation for the art.”
“I have found my love for poetry from reading this book. I have learned how to read poetry and how to understand it.”

Available everywhere books are sold, with an updated edition forthcoming fall 2025.