by John Lithgow
First published 2007
John Lithgow draws from childhood memories of his grandmother reciting epic verses and his father sharing humorous poems at bedtime. The actor turned poetry enthusiast has spent years seeking out poetic experiences through reading, recitation, and listening. This collection reflects his belief that certain poems shine brightest when spoken aloud rather than silently read. Lithgow assembles works from poetry masters including William Blake, Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allan Poe, and Dylan Thomas. He selects each piece based on how well it translates to vocal performance. The anthology serves newcomers to poetry while offering familiar works in a new light for seasoned readers. Lithgow designs the book for family sharing, where each poem reveals its full power through the human voice.
Genres: anthologies, 20th-century, poetry, 21st-century
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, lyrical
Tropes: found-family
Kindle Edition · Grand Central Publishing