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

by William Sieghart

The US edition of the bestselling The Poetry Pharmacy A beautiful collection of curated poems each individually selected to provide hope, comfort, and inspiration—for all of life's most difficult moments Sometimes only a poem will do. These poetic prescriptions and wise words of advice are tailored to those moments in life when we need them most, from general glumness to news overload, and from infatuation to losing the spark. Whatever you’re facing, there is a poem in these pages that will do the trick. This pocket-size companion presents the most essential fixes in William Sieghart’s poetic dispensary—those that, again and again, have shown themselves to hit the spot. Whether you are suffering from loneliness, lack of courage, heartbreak, hopelessness, or even an excess of ego—or whether you are seeking hope, comfort, inspiration, or excitement—The Poetry Remedy will provide just the poem you need in that moment.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Inspirational, Health, Anthologies, Audiobook

223 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2019

Reviews

[Isabelle reads a book a day because she has no friends · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collection I began reading via audiobook, but was so touched by the words I heard that I just needed to have a physical copy in my hands and see them with my eyes. It wasn’t long until pages upon pages were tagged with post-it notes for later reference. I will certainly be coming back to this one.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

They say words have the power to heal... well this wee gem of a book is one you may want to keep next to your medicine cabinet or on your bedside cabinet. Imagine, instead of going to a pharmacy to get pills for what ails you, you were prescribed a poem! William Sieghart started a Poetry Pharmacy back in 2014 and has prescribed thousands of poems in the UK. The book is well laid out with poems in sections such as Mental and Emotional Well-Being, Motivations, Self-Acceptance etc. Before each poem is an explanation of why the author chose the poem, how to interpret it, and the type of conditions he might prescribe it for. Reading that has been so enlightening in the way I read and process poetry, particularly the ones in this book. The poems are all relatively short, so would be easy to pick out and memorise a few favourites, even to use as a mantra or in mediation practice.

[Justin Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book of poetry compiled by William Seighart- poems of loss, depression, love, beauty, joy, spiritual experience, and the gift of being alive, by the likes of Maya Angelou, Seamus Heaney, Wendell Berry, John Keats, Marty Oliver, and many other incredible poets. My favorite poem from the book is The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry.

[Lorelei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely life changing. So much beauty and wisdom. I adore this book.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

The combination of using books and/or poetry as part of the healing process, regardless of what type of healing is necessary, isn't foreign. As an avid reader and a word enthusiast, it resonates pleasantly. As a result of those mindsets, this collection of poetry following gentle words for introspection on a variety of topics (ranging from hopelessness to infatuation) was comforting and enjoyable. The poets are as varied as the topics, here are a few of my favorites:
"A person is full of sorrow/the way a burlap sack is full of stones and sand." - Jane Hirshfield
"This being human is a guest house." - Rumi
"Although the wind/blows terribly here,/the moonlight also leaks/between the roof planks/of this ruined house." - Izumi Shikibu

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually enjoy reading poetry, mostly because I have no idea what they are talking about, so this was the perfect book of poetry for me with explanations before each poem. I also really liked the way the book was set up as poems "prescriptions" for different conditions of the heart.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely collection. Will keep this within arm's reach 😍

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Tobi Couture · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! I had randomly stumbled upon this collection in the library, and thought - Oh, good! I could use some new poetry readings in my yoga classes. I was familiar with some of the poets Sieghart includes, such as Hafiz, Mary Oliver, and Pablo Naruda, and already knew they were in my realm of thinking. To my great delight, just as I had hoped, there were other wonderful little gems in these pages. His little prefaces or explanations of the poems were useful as well, and although I disagree with some of Sieghart's categorization of some of the poems for certain states, I found so many appropriate and timely readings in this book. I really appreciated this find and see it as a great gift! I don't even think I got through the whole thing, though, before my book was due - (ok, overdue). I will definitely be ordering this for my own continued use.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Poetry Remedy by William Sieghart is a collection of poems that provide balm for the injured soul.
On each page is the description of a spiritual malady explained in language that is easy for the reader to assimilate. On the opposite page is a poem that speaks to the a possible resolution of the malady in a wholesome and yet somewhat ethereal manner. Savoring delight in the poems and the peace that comes from being truly understood is the reward the reader has in store as these poems are explored and digested. The topical headings under which the poems are presented are the following: Mental and Emotional Well-Being, Motivations, Self-Image and Self-Acceptance, The World and Other People, and Love and Loss cover the spectrum of human relationships. A warm and inviting collection that will soothe the heart and open the mind to new possibilities.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect book to ring in the new year. I was intrigued by the concept, a poem for any “condition” from emotional baggage to “news overload” and anxiety to “unkindness to oneself”, I found poems for now and poems for rainy days to come.

I really enjoyed editor’s notes with each of his prescribed poems, his takeaways from some of the poems added a lot to my reading of them. Many of the poems were by poets I was familiar with, but most of the poems were new to me. I loved the range of classics to contemporary works!

This is a great book to share with others and I hope it gets more love. I think I will share the concept with my creative writing class and see if my students want to try out their own version of the poetry pharmacy :)

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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*.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the concept and idea of this book. I actually bought it twice by a mistake because there is a North American version and a British version. However I have to say I’m slightly disappointed, because I personally didn’t find many of the poems kept my interest. Don’t get me wrong I wrote a little star next to the ones that spoke to me but I thought I would like more of the poems than I actually did. I think I would of enjoyed this poetry book more if I was listening to it at a poetry reading or on audio book. I did however Enjoy the author’s explanation of each poem. Over all good and I probably will read the second one or listen to it, but left me unsatisfied!

[Rachel Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful selection of poems for life's ailments, from anxiety to stress, to love that goes unfilled to divorce to death, to self empowerment, these poems really help focus the mind and give perspective to the listener.

Poetry, read by the author is beautiful, I never knew I would like poetry as an audiobook, but I think it is my favorite way of ingesting the media. William Seighart has a beautiful voice and it really provides such a calm state that allows one to listen deeply to these poems.

This will for sure be a reread!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

If 3.5 stars were available, that would be my true rating for this book. Maybe my expectations were too high, I wanted more! I liked the idea of being able to choose a poem related to how I was feeling at the time I picked up the book, but was disappointed to find out there was only one poem for each mood or condition. There are a vast variety of conditions, but I would have prefered sections, with several poems from which to choose in order to have a closer sense of identity. The editor did choose good poetry, but not many modern or innovative verse styles.

[Aubrey Renee Schoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful poetry selections informed by thoughtful forewords from the author allow this book to spur thought and/or provide entertainment. This book is for poetry beginner and experienced readers. The voice of the author, shown in many ways including the main theme of poetry providing "remedy" throughout the book and his description of the selections, enhances understanding of the poetry selections as a joy for experienced readers and as assistance for those who may not be as comfortable jumping into reading poetry.

[Carolyn Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully curated collection is like a literary medicine cabinet for the soul. William Sieghart masterfully pairs timeless poems with the emotional challenges of modern life—offering poetic “prescriptions” for everything from heartbreak and loneliness to self-doubt and anxiety. Each poem is accompanied by Sieghart’s thoughtful reflections. Whether you’re seeking comfort, clarity, or inspiration, “The Poetry Pharmacy” provides the perfect verse for every moment, reminding us of the profound capacity of words to heal and uplift.

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Poetry Remedy: Perscriptions for the Heart, Mind, and Soul by William Sieghart is an anthology of “perscriptions,” words of wisdom and inspiration for a wide variety of needs, along with carefully curated poems. Each poem deals with and/or addresses the specific need. Poets include Maya Angelou, Naomi Shihab Nye, Billie Collins, and many more. This anthology of advice and poetry address topics such as, talking to children, sadness, longing for beauty, and many more. It’s the perfect poetry anthology to read cover to cover or open to the particular prescription that you need.

[Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love poetry and I really love the idea of prescribing poems to help soothe the injury that dealing with the world can produce. That's the concept that William Sieghart has developed in The Poetry Remedy. In this collection, Sieghart lists a malady, Loss for example, and then prescribes a poem, "One Art" by Elizabeth Bishop, as the healing agent. I love this idea, this book and I really hope that William Sieghart compiles another volume because I need more of this.

[Laura Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It gives encouragement addressed to specific life "ailments" or circumstances, with a dose of poetry to "soothe" each life event listed. This was an impulse grab off the library shelf... I must say i had no expectations, other than the cover was my favorite color. But was surprised at how profoundly encouraging it was. If you have any interest at all in poetry I highly recommend. It's good for a searching soul and for one that needs refreshed.

[Ida]

Poetry is good medicine. I like both the idea and the execution here. Editor William Sieghart has gathered a storehouse of poems to address whatever might be ailing you in this moment - anxiety, loneliness, disillusionment. It was nice to revisit some of my old favorites -- "The Peace of Wild Things" by Wendell Berry, for instance -- and find some pieces new to me.

Note: I no longer put star ratings on my reviews.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author tells how he writes prescriptions for people based on what they are going through. Essentially, he is assigning them a poem for anxiety, depression, or whatever else they might be going through. I am not a huge poetry reader. I was even less a fan of what Sieghart had to say before each poem. It's not bad, just not for me. I may be one of those people the author describes as needing to revisit the poems to appreciate them.

[Gregg Hower · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a one page note from Sieghart placing each poem in the role of inspiration, or consolation, this is a solid book. A nice mixture of UK and US poets, with a few translations. I found 6 poets to explore further, and marked 10 of the poems so I could easily return to them. A decent if not spectacular anthology.

[Anne Kinsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treasure! Several poems apply to circumstances or feelings in my life right now. I look forward to being able to reference this to help others, too. This is one of those books that’s likely to be well loved with a barely functional binding by the time I’m elderly. The uses are endless— personal comfort, greeting cards, clients, social media, etc. Delightful.

[Anne Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my type of poetry book...not just a bunch of poems crammed together without any explanation of thoughts to help me understand and appreciate them. Sieghart uses poetry as prescriptions to help people with specific problems/issues (grief, loneliness, heartbroken, unmotivated, etc,). With each poem he explains how the specific poem can be read and helpful fo the issue at hand.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an interesting concept. Each poem is specially selected to address a different emotional/soul state. There is a reading before the poem expounding on its meaning. In some ways, I rather wished the poems had been left to speak for themselves, but the essays were quite interesting and enlightening, as well.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the idea and motive behind this literary apothecary, and I thought most of the poems chosen were poignant and exemplary to its method. I do wish there were some more variance in poets, but a solid 3.5 for me

[Anna Keating · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the concept of the poetry pharmacy but these poems were a bit plain and too often short excerpts. I would have loved a bit more in terms of range and length but still, much to take pleasure in.

[Anne, Unfinished Woman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the descriptions for the issues...so be overly long. Otherwise I liked most of the poetry. Interesting though that with all of the poets existing and the thousands and thousands of poems, The editor choose more than one by several poets.

[Jazz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I had the wrong idea of what this book was going to be but the editor's introductions before each poem became so aggravating to me. A lot of the poems are short, and quite a few are just fragments, so this became more the editor dispensing advice and talking about poetry than actual poetry.