Ten Poems to Change Your Life

This book is a jewel. The selection of poems is truly awe-inspiring, but what this author gives us in introspection is what makes this book priceless to me. He is a man of depth and soulfulness in his ability to delve to the heart of each poet's intent. Even if you hear something different in their words, open your mind to Roger Housden's take on these classics. I must read every collection he has to offer, as my life has been touched and titillated by Ten Poems to Change your Life.

I picked up this book at just the right time in my life. I am a songwriter but haven't been writing very much lately. (Enter all the usual excuses here.)This book blew away all the mists and cobwebs for me as to the driving desire of my life. The first poem by Mary Oliver, "The Journey," was enough to do that by itself but it is followed by 9 other poems that are equally galvanizing. Each poem is followed by an illuminating essay by the author that I found as helpful and moving as the poems themselves. If you are one of those people who question their lives mission or,perhaps, have been siting on the sidelines waiting for the "Right Time," this is a great book for you.The book would be worthwhile no matter how you approach it, but, it is a great weapon of motivation.

A time with a book group. Picket you will not be disappointed. Each person picks a particular poem and discusses why.

It changed my life because it introduced me to poets I probably wouldn't have discovered otherwise and made me reconsider my lifelong "I don't really like poetry" stance. I think I'd read too much bad poetry, and this book gave me a glimpse of how moving, meaningful, and thought-provoking good poetry can be. So I'm now reading more, and I find reading a poem a great way to start or end the day. I've also now read most of nearly four books in this series and notice that Housden basically says the same thing over and over: give yourself to life and love totally. Tra-la, tra-la. I don't really want to know about his personal life, and there was too much of how he reacted to the poems and what was going on in his life when he first read them, so that's why I rated it only 4 stars, not 5. This collection of poems merits 5 stars, though.

I have all books written by this author. Enjoyable interpretations of the poems I like.

This book is amazing and a must read I recommend anyone that is feeling like something is missing in their lives to read and feel the words in these amazing poems this book is a life changer and deserves 5 stars because of that I promise after reading there's no way you can look at life through the same eyes anymore

I REALLY enjoyed the selection of poems, BUT the drivel that passed for commentary was WORTHLESS. Housden does do research into the authors, but many times interprets a poem according to his own philosophies, which often flies in the face of the poets intent. One example is Saint John of the Cross. I just finished that book with his commentary, and his intent was 180 degrees different than Housden's. Also, I really wasn't interested in personal tidbits of how Housden's life fit with his own (weak) interpretation!

These are poems you can read over and over at different times of your life and grasp their wisdom, annotated with personal insights by the author.

Some wonderful life changing (or at least heart touching and illuminating) poetry and also information on the poet concerned. I great book especially for those who who like both poetry and self development.

I was never into poetry until someone recommended this book to me . It is amazing.

Great selection of poems and such wise words in analysing their meaning and mood. I am in the process of ordering more of Roger's books as this book has started me on a road of rediscovery.

Roger Housden did not disappoint. His insights into the various authors and their poems blew me away. Also, Housden's style of writing is in a class by itself. Reading his work is a worthwhile experience that can make you believe in a better world with more colors and nuances than you ever imagined.

Really like Last Gods, by Galway Kinnell, which is why I bought the book, enjoyed the added text. The other poems were not of the same type.