gift guide

The Book Bag Christmas Gift Guide 2026

I ho-ho-hope this guide is useful and brings some festive cheer this season.

The Book Bag Christmas Gift Guide is the place to get some poetic recommendations ahead of the festivities in December. And what a range I have to share this year. You festive elves have been busy sharing recommendations and this year the range is wide. It’s also fantastic to see some returning poets from last years list featuring again this year! (If you missed last year’s list, read here).

Creating the The Book Bag Christmas Gift Guide brings me happiness for a couple of reasons. It boosts poets and presses and gives people ideas for gifts they’d like to receive so they can nudge their friends and family in the right direction. It’s also a way to say thank you for your support throughout the year.

And remember, the guide is not only recommendations, the Festive Playlist is back as well as a couple of festive games & challenges to get involved with over the holidays. There’s even some cosy prompts to keep you writing.

Just like last year I will start with you recommendations. Some of these I have read myself and completely agree in their inclusion. The books I haven’t read have been added to my TBR! Thank you for sharing images and links to buy.

The first book to be nominated this year comes from Peter and is for the excellent Carmella De Keyser and her children’s collection The Amygdala Safari (Parlyaree Press) which is fantastic. Peter says ‘This is a quality collection full of heart, soul and wonder. The poetry is assured, fun and inspirational — so perfect for Christmas. There is so much creativity and imagination, the perfect book for kids and adults to dip into over the holidays. It is full of spirit, humanity and humour. So many great poetic phrases that linger in the memory. A great book, so much skill and talent, highly recommended.’ I completely agree. Buy here.

Another recommendation for Carmella comes from Paul C, Merril and Evie for her book Chasms (Alien Buddha Press). You may remember me featuring this in The Book Bag earlier in the year and it was on my list of recommendations. Evie says ‘This powerfully evocative collection searches for beauty within and beyond the abyss, interrogating and integrating complicated personal and political histories along the way.’ Merril continues ‘This chapbook is so rich with joy and pain, war, ancestry, memories, and the body. The poems are works to be savoured. Each time I read them, I find more in them. A wonderful book for long winter days.’ Buy here.

Rachel recommends Antonia Wilde’s, The Lake Remains (Kelsay Books). Rachel says ‘For the dog lover: When I was growing up, Christmas was a special time to honour the members of the family, human and animal, who were no longer with us. In keeping with that tradition, I am recommending The Lake Remains to all of the pet lovers on your shopping list this holiday season. It’s a short book of poems that serve as an ode to grief, caretaking, and companionship.’ Purchase your copy here.

Rather than a single or couple of books, John recommends buying someone the Ethel 2026 full subscription. ‘Receive a copy of everything Ethel publishes in 2026. So far books scheduled or already released include works by Vaghawan Ojha, Léa Abi Zeid Daou, Chris L. Butler, Sasha Weiss, Dan Sicoli, Frances Cannon, Jon Cone, Eleanor Holmes, Tana Oshima, Tommy Sheffield, John Compton, Cryptid Parke, El Bentivegna with more TBD. Also will continue getting out copies of Ethel 11 and Ethel 12.’  You may recognise a Poetic Voice in this list… Ethel are a great press and Sara Lefsyk is a tremendous curator of poets. Get the subscription here.



Evie recommends A Long Way Down by Beth Brooke (Vole). Evie tells us  ‘Joint winner of the Brian Dempsey Memorial Prize 2025, this moving pamphlet explores the poet’s relationship with her father amidst the lasting effects of war, while raising funds for MAP.’ I’ve heard some of these poems read live and they linger. Get your copy here.

Evie also recommends Forest Girl by Julie Stevens (Flight of The Dragonfly), and says ‘Exploring inner and outer landscapes from forest to sea, this beautiful collection is deeply grounded and attentive to the natural world, with a commitment to raising funds for the MS Trust.’ It is an excellent book that you can buy here.

Carmella recommends The Boy Who Drew John Lennon by Peter Thabit Jones (Seventh Quarry). In Carmella’s words ‘it is a collection for people either with families or those celebrating alone, it speaks of love and respect beyond relationships by traversing over eclectic subject matter including references to poets, singers and historical themes. This is a book for everyone! Themes include childhood memories, tributes to artistic people and thoughts on collective experiences such as socio/economic/historic issues. The book is produced to a high standard with satisfying aesthetics, luxurious paper and a beautiful front cover.’ Available here.

Carmella, Paul and Evie both recommended John Chmura’s 539: A Year In The Pine Barrens. Paul thought it had to be on the list. Carmella says ‘It would make a refreshing and alternative Christmas gift for people who long for a bit of escapism or travel. It is a raw, deeply felt and brilliantly unpredictable collection of poems that weaves across contrasting concepts, topics and seasons in a fascinating and impactful way!’ and Evie goes on to say ‘Vivid in its sense of place, this memorable collection brings to life the New Jersey Pine Barrens in all of its ecological and political complexity.’ I have to say I am a fan of John’s work and have discussed the Pine Barrens with him after I read a seminal book on the area late last year. Get your copy here.

Returning to the list is Merril Smith’s, Held Inside the Folds of Time (Jane’s Studio Press).  Evie says, ‘Through poetry and photography, this lyrical collection explores themes of loss, belonging, and resilience, weaving elegy and memory with hope.’  This book was on last year’s list and has featured on The Book Bag. Merril has real depth to her work. Buy here.

Leia recommends My Body is a Stranger by Nikki Dudley (V Press) commenting that this is ‘A fantastic book from a fantastic writer about navigating perimenopause.’ Buy from V Press here.

Leia also recommends Speculative Frequencies by Briony Hughes (Permeable Barrier) which she has described as ‘An amazing book of experimental poetry about the wonderful world of bats. Absolute magic.’ This is a book which I have nudged Mrs S in the direction of buying for me. Buy here.

Dorian recommends Rube Goldberg Machine by Victoria Spires (Shadow and Sax) which in his words and many others is ‘A beautifully written, thoughtfully produced, pocket poetry gem!’ Available to purchase here. I can’t wait to read this book.

Annest recommends Seasonal Adjustments by K.V. Skene (Hidden Book Press) as a great gift. The book contains original, concise and lyrical writing that is sometimes experimental. You can buy here. I will be getting a copy of this soon.

Talking of Annest, her book as been recommended by Paul C as one of his picks of excellent writing. Contemplation of Roses (Lapwing) featured in The Book Bag: Poetic Voices in October 2026 and is a remarkable book which I also recommend and would have been in my picks below. Grab your copy here.

For fans of visual poetry, Leia suggests Chronically Online by Rose Ramsden (fourteen poems), ‘it is such an exciting book of poetry told through memes and screenshots, such an original and innovative collection.’ Get your copy here.

Leia also recommends The Grimoire of Grimalkin (prototype publishing) by Sascha Aurora Akhtar. ‘The book is such an incredible exploration of language and the most interesting read’. Buy it here.

A few more recommendations from Paul C. All of which he says are magnificent (Paul C reads widely and his insights are excellent so I hold lots of value in his opinion). Tear and Share by Leia Butler (Broken Sleep) available here (and highly recommended by me as the concept and writing is tremendous and Leia is an incredibly talented poet), Martina Dalton’s collection Midnight in the Saltmarsh (The Gallery Press) available here, The Drift of Memory by Dermot Murphy available here, Sweet Hunter by Dana Delibovi (Monkfish) available here, MOUNTEBANK by Tom Snarsky (Broken Sleep) available here, Hotel Petroleum (Broken Sleep) by Mark Fiddes available here and Subverses by Mirko Boncaldo (Broken Sleep) available here.

Grief is the Thing in Pleather by Prudence Bussey-Chamberlain (Osmosis Press) has been suggested by Leia. The book is described as ‘A stunningly crafted collection, just an incredible read’. Get your copy here.

Barney is endorsing Rachel Long’s Sparrow on the Rooftop (Vintage). Rachel’s voice is singular – raw and unflinching, but also precise and carefully measured. There’s an almost dreamlike slipping between states in these poems that she uses to confront, rather than confound as she explores love and loss, shame and survival. Buy here.

Barney also recommends Rabbitbox by Wayne Holloway-Smith (Scribner Editions). He says ‘Although presented in parts, this is essentially a book-long narrative poem, and a book that you can live in, although at times it’s a punishingly brutal world. It’s also a book that truly reveals itself over multiple readings, so beautifully written and carefully constructed.’ Purchase here.

And finally something a little different to enjoy in the run up to Christmas…

Winter Fairytales — An Advent Calendar of Stories

Imagine opening your email each December morning to find a traditional fairytale waiting for you.

Winter Fairytales is a different kind of Advent calendar, created by storyteller Angela Halvorsen Bogo. From 1–25 December, subscribers receive a daily link to a filmed storytelling performance. Drawing on traditional tales and folktales from different cultures, these stories offer wonder, humour, mystery and a little darkness. They’re for adults and families with children aged around eight and upwards. There’s no need to listen at a particular time. All 25 stories remain available until 1 March 2027.

A sample can be viewed here.

Prices:
Early Bird until 22 November: €49 / $59
Regular price from 23 November: €79 / $95

Booking links:
To book in Euros, click here.
To book in US dollars, click here.

Now we move on to my recommendations for the festive period. Some have featured in The Book Bag, some have not.

First off Forest Management by S. Reeson (Flight of The Dragonfly). The narrative play like structure takes you on a journey. It is raw, powerful and emotive with a reckoning across the acts. I have all the time in the world for S. Buy their book here.

#Moth by Eleanor Holmes (Ethel) is a remarkable and stunning book of poetry with hand  stitched spine and cover. The craftmanship is superb as is the selection of pieces included by Eleanor. I had been a massive fan of Eleanor’s moth poems before the book came into being and even wrote an ‘after’ poem. Purchase here.

Cherry Blossom at Nightbreak by Rishi Dastidar (Nine Arches) is a blockbuster of a book full of clever poems that sweep a broad range of themes and issues. I read the collection under the Taihaku Cherry Orchard at The Alnwick Garden. It’s a fantastic book and I go back to read my favourites from the collection at least once a fortnight. Available here.

Joy is my Middle Name by Sasha Debevec-McKenney (Fitzcarraldo Editions)  won the Dylan Thomas Prize and is a book brimming with wit, resilience and candour. The mix of the everyday coupled with history, politics and lived experiences really engaged me. Tremendous. Buy here.

The Way The Water Held Me by Catherine Redford (The Emma Press) is a special book dealing with grief. I held that book close when I was reading because it made me feel so much. Highly recommended if you haven’t already read it for its poignancy. Available here.

After Party by Dean Browne (Picador) was a book I read earlier in the year that I found to be multilayered, ripe with humour and surrealism. One of my favourites I’ve read this year. Buy it here.

The Big Calls by Glyn Maxwell (Live Canon) is a book I was given by a friend. It is powerful and politically charged taking aim at the powers that be. I was angry reading it and almost dislocated a thumb clenching my fists. Available here.

Retired Wannabe Club Kid by Rachel Turney (Parlyaree) is a terrific, globe hopping collection of poems with a EDM pulse. The navigation from solo to duo is perfectly plotted and it’s a book that is close to my heart. Get your copy here.

Folkish by Kim Deyn (Nine Arches) is a natural choice to recommend. The book draws inspiration from Northern Folklore. My late Grandad told me tales of about different types of mythical beasts and pixies in Northumberland. He also took me to visit his brother who was a Canon on Lindisfarne regularly. You may have read my pieces on Lindisfarne, the North East Coast and a piece on the Barghest previously. Buy Folkish here.

Edges of our Days by Polly Oliver is a phenomenal debut collection that traverses deep time and connection. The pieces in this book are both moving and humorous and I’ve read it and dog-eared so many pages that I’m going to invest in some more post-it notes. Buy your copy here.

Mædwe by Corrina Board (Salò Press) was one of my favourite reads of the year and opened my eyes to playing with form in interesting ways. I felt at home in the book due to its depictions of the fields and meadows. Sink into this book here.

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Oblique House produced a double sided pamphlet by Roberto Salvador Cenciarelli and Nasim Luczaj was an incredible read full of rich language, imagery and emotion. You can buy it here.

Hatchery by Beth Osmond (V Press) was a book that had me laughing and sobbing. A few of the pieces made my heart ache. At times moving, at times hilarious this book gives a tremendous exploration on expectations and class and resilience. Buy here.

Songs From Last Imaginations by Dorian Nightingale (Flight of the Dragonfly) is a tour de force of lyrical poetry that incorporates exquisite language and superb sound patterning. This is an emotional book and should be on everybody’s radar. Grab your copy here.

The How in The World by Louise Longson (Hedgehog Press) is a brutal indictment on how appreciation of the natural world has been discarded in favour of commodification and corruption. I found this a phenomenal and thoughtful book. Buy here.

The Lives We Had Before by Vanessa Napolitano (Stanchion) is a collection with real heart. The poetry is relatable and has a cheekiness in places and danger in others. Buy here.

Coin Laundry at Midnight by Carson Wolfe (Button Poetry) features delightfully dark humorous pieces that had me laughing out loud. It’s also filled with unease and danger and has a real edge to it. I’ve re-read it a so many times. Get your copy here.

Dwell by Simon Armitage (Faber & Faber) is a marvel of poetry which I read in the library at RHS Harlow Carr. It’s an exploration on habitat and fragility. The book is illustrated beautifully and includes one of my favourite poems of the year in ‘Insect Hotel’. Buy here.

Finally, a subscription to the Visual Poetry Times from Poetry Kiosk. Great value and wonderfully designed, it’s a perfect place to draw inspiration and delve into visual poetry. I was sent a copy earlier in the year by a friend and I have now signed up! You can sign up here.

This is a list of books that have just been released or are due for release over the next year or so that i am looking forward to reading…

A Enquiry of Ordinary Things by Roger Hare (Nine Pens)
Towards, Not Reaching by Paul Connolly (Broken Sleep)
Gilgamesh by Simon Armitage (Faber & Faber)
To The Ticket Officer by Chris Campbell (Atomic Bohemian)
Kiss Chase with Darwin by Nina Parmenter (Broken Sleep)
Mother, Maiden, Crone Anthology (Nine Pens
Pine / Needles by Stephen Paul Wren (Parlyaree)
Unfurling the Scroll of Seven Decades (Finishing Line) by Sandra Beth Levy
Scale by Lesley Curwen (Nine Pens)
Christmas Winter Anthology No. 7 (Black Bough)
Midolesence by Elizabeth Fevyer (Nine Pens)
A Book Is A Bird That Sings In The Night by Rebecca Rae (Black Cat Poetry)
The Universe is an Animal by Jessica Mookherjee (Nine Arches)
Wild Winter Anthology (Crumps Barn Studio)
Concealed Revelations (The Book Bag)

& a few more that haven’t been announced yet…

Festive songs always bring emotions to the surface, sometimes positive sometimes not. The playlist has a few additions here and there…


It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
Winter Wonderland – Frank Sinatra
Last Christmas – Wham
Step Into Christmas – Elton John
All I Want for Christmas – Mariah Carey
Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
Thank God It’s Christmas – Queen
Let It Snow – Dean Martin
Christmas Lights – Coldplay
Don’t Let the Bells End – The Darkness
Silent Night – Gregory Porter
Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano
You Can’t Always Get What You Want – Sam Fender
White Wine In The Sun – Tim Minchin
Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby & David Bowie
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town – Bruce Springsteen
Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Eva Cassidy
Fairytale of New York – The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl
Carol of the Bells – St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir & Andrew Carwood
Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea
What Christmas Means to Me – Stevie Wonder
Ave Maria – Beyoncé
White Christmas – Ella Fitzgerald
O Tannenbaum – Nat King Cole
Cold December Night – Michael Bublé
Christmas Tree Farm – Taylor Swift
I Wish It Could be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard
Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens
Merry Christmas Everybody – Slade
2000 Miles – The Pretenders
Somewhere Only We Know – Lily Allen
Mary’s Boy Child – Boney M
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Perry Como

The holidays hit and you want to write to keep up momentum. These prompts will help you keep up with your practise into the new year. I’ve also added some poetry challenges in the Festive Activities section that follows…

Prompt 1: A Thousand Lights – Explore the symbolism of lights during the darkest part of the year and how they are incorporated into traditions and gestures so the darkness feels less overwhelming.

Prompt 2: The Clockmaker – Visualise a clockmaker repairing timepieces throughout the dark winter nights. Create a poem on the idea that repairing an object could also restore something lost to time.

Prompt 3: Outside, Looking In – You are on a train, in a car or even walking and your attention is caught by a glowing window. Examine deeply; What is the scene, is there tension or levity? Are you jealous or relieved? Can you read the lips of those behind the glass? How do you react when they spot you?

Prompt 4: The Feast of 100 Things – Draw upon the folklore of winter creatures and spirits to present a feast in the middle of the forest for an ancient midwinter celebration, where the laws of hospitality must be obeyed. You decide the laws. Look at the boundaries between generosity and obligation and how being hospitable can be dangerous.

Prompt 5: The Cardigan – A cardigan hangs in your wardrobe. You wonder why it has 24 pockets but you are cold and curious so you decide to put it on. You search the pockets and discover each contains an item belong to somebody no longer present in your life for positive and negative reasons. Confront the items and your past. Will you try to reconnect?

I’d love to read what you create. Feel free to send them or tag me in social media if shared online.

It’s a Blackaddery Christmas. Take half an hour out of your day and create a ‘found’ poem using the below page from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Again i’d love to read what you come up with!

The Christmas Tree Poem Challenge – Create a thirteen line festive poem with each line  including a word that begins with a letter that spells out Christmas Tree. Like an acrostic but not. The poem should not be about a tree.

Here’s a little observational fun to enjoy over the holidays in the shape of Festive Bingo. Print it out if you’d like and give one to each friend or family member you think would enjoy it. Simply cross an entry off once you notice something…

And finally, Scattergories. We played this last year on Boxing Day after somebody gave us some printables. I’ve created a list here in drawing inspiration from different places. Holidays is used to incorporate the full series of festivals and holidays. . Pick a random letter which everyone uses, set the timer to 2 minutes, and go. All answers must start with the letter chosen and be festive. Only unique answers win so be as random as possible. Most points wins!

And finally, from me…

The Book Bag Poetry Christmas Gift Guide 2026 – Callout

It’s back for 2026. The Book Bag Poetry Christmas Gift Guide.

Let’s boost some poets and presses, give fellow poetics some gift ideas and maybe find some hidden gems.

This year, I’ve made it even easier to share your recommendations. All you need to do is complete the form below and I’ll compile the list which will be shared in late November. (NB: A google account is required to use the form.)

Submit Your Christmas Gift Recommendations Here

If you aren’t able to use google, please send an email with the following to: thebookbag25@gmail.com with Christmas Gift Guide 2026 as the subject.

  • The title of the Book, Gift or Subscription
  • The Poet’s Name
  • Name of the Press
  • Your First Name
  • Why this would make a great Christmas Gift?
  • A link to where it can be purchased (if available)
  • A photo of the book cover.

This is a great opportunity to help others in the poetry community to maybe get some ideas of what poetic gifts they’d like. A book of poems is always more welcome than a generic pair of socks.

Can we make this years list longer and quirkier than last years?

Don’t take too long to think about it, the form will close on October 18th

To quote Emily Dickinson, “If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can ever warm me, I know that is poetry.”

I look forward to seeing your recommendations. I ho-ho-hope there’s plenty!

Paul

The Book Bag Christmas Gift List 2025

Welcome one and all to The Book Bag Christmas Gift List 2025.

How has your week been? Are you feeling festive yet?

I’ve compiled this list based on reader suggestions and some personal favourites of mine to give some gift inspiration for the festive season. Another reason was to share and support your favourite poets and presses by buying books.

So, to tenuously misquote one of my favourite Christmas songs, let’s step into this extensive Christmas Gift list. I’ll also drop in a festive playlist and some more festive goodies. I ho ho hope you enjoy…

From M: The Poet Spells Her Name by Sarah Connor (also The Crow Gods and Always Fire both by Sidhe Press). Sarah died last year, but she left this legacy of her beautiful, courageous words.

From BH: Midden Witch by Fiona Benson published by Cape.

Is Midden Witch particularly Christmassy? No. Not really. But it is the finest collection of poetry I’ve read all year. 

Criminal that it wasn’t – at least to my knowledge – on the big shortlists this year. Fiona is a poet whose word choice is so perfect can make me wonder why I bother to say anything ever. Just sublime. 

From A: Here’s a couple of books I’ve enjoyed! Exact Colour of Snow by Bridget Kursheed, published by Shearsman Books and I Am Not Light published by Louise Machen, published by Black Bough Poetry.

From R: There are so many, but I’d go for At the Altar of Touch by Gavin Yuan Gao published by University of Queensland Press. Stunning imagery competes with bold inventiveness.  Poignancy at the loss of their mother at a very young age is balanced by relationships they have had. It won The Premier’s Award and The Thomas Shapcott Poetry Prize.

Daughter of Fire by Lucy Heuschen published by Yaffle Press has been nominated for The Forward Prize. This is a marvellously diverse book of poems on Margaret d’Anjou reflecting on her life from a myriad of angles and styles.

The Empire of Forgetting by John Burnside, published by Cape. This is an immeasurably poignant collection, full of the beauty of letting go. 

From P: Here’s a retro nomination. It’s the reissue of The Mersey Sound from Penguin with the work of Adrian Henri, Roger McGough and Brian Patten. First issued in 1967 at the height of the boom of the Mersey beat groups, it really has got something for everyone – funny, surreal, poignant – and ideal for anyone wondering about the roots of contemporary poetry.

Four from BK including one I have on my wishlist…

It’s Like This by Charlie Parker published by Written Off Publishing.  A must-read collection for the dad, uncle or brother who likes to chug a beer, wear a flat cap and talk politics down the boozer. Exploring social class, humanity and the specifically humdrum experience of growing up working class and Northern, Charlie Parker’s debut collection packs a punch and a laugh at the same time.

Disaffected by Korrin Smith-Whitehouse published by Written Off Publishing. Korrin Smith-Whitehouse’s collection of education-adjacent poetry will resonate with anybody in your life who has dedicated themselves to the system. Poignant, yet wry, it is a stark and honest look at how the current education system is limiting the potential of a generation, along with the adults who lead them.

Circulaire  by Bex Hainsworth published by Written Off Publishing. Bringing together nature, witchcraft, femininity and a strong will to exist, Circulaire is a feast of a poetry book that will delight any witchy woman in your life. Focusing on the human form, love and connection, it will hold your hand and take you on a powerful journey.

Car Office by Emma Conally-Barklem published by Written Off Publishing. A collection of vignettes and small, detailed observations from the front seat of a Nissan Micra, Car Office is a unique collection of poetry. Written during the COVID pandemic, it explores human nature in an intricate manner, peeling away the layers of society and casting an eye over the idiosyncrasies of a British neighbourhood under lockdown.

Another from M: For anyone looking for a Christmas/Winter/Winter Holiday poetry book, any of the Black Bough Christmas/Winter Anthologies are perfect! There will be a new one coming out soon. Each of the anthologies includes a wide range of wintry feelings — cozy, haunting, nostalgic, joyful, from poets from all over the world.

From BT: Visiting Hours by Saif Sidari, published by Broken Sleep Books. This debut pamphlet is a profound exploration of identity that is at times heartbreaking and at other humorous, and is fully immersive. Saif’s voice as a queer, Palestinian in diaspora feels particularly poignant and essential at this juncture in our collective history. 

From D: Jen Hadfield’s The Stone Age published by Picador is my suggestion. It’s not festive in any way, but it encourages us to look at the world differently, which is a great gift at any time of year.

From S: I’d love to recommend SHINE Quarterly, an international anthology of poetry. SHINE showcases poets at all stages of their careers, ‘shining a spotlight’ on thought-provoking work by writers from all over the world. Importantly, SHINE strives to highlight messages of equity and unity in the midst of these divisive times. 

From K: Becoming Altar, New and Selected Poems by Kyla Houbolt, published by Subpress Collective is described as a collection offering both hope and resistance in what appears to be a dark night of the world soul. Each poem travels to its reader on a wave of love.

A few from E: ‘I’m nominating these books in a batch based on the creative risk-taking and strength of writing shared by these exceptional poets in the ‘Write Here, Right Now’ writing group.’

Held Inside The Folds of Time by Merril D. Smith published by Jane’s Studio Press
The Keeper of Aeons by Matthew MC Smith published by The Broken Spine
Smatterings of Cerulean by Susan Richardson published by Dark Winter Press
A Gracious Month by G. P. Hyde published by Yarborough Studios
Thoughts I Lost in the Laundry by Leia Butler published by Stanchion
Through Salt-Heavy Seas by Andy Williamson published via Lulu

From J: Moon Base One by Jemma L. King published by Parthian is a book about hope and rebirth and was described by a reader as ‘a masterclass in metaphor. From foetal spacemen to the ever-shifting landscape of the maternal body, here is poetry microcosmic and macrocosmic, intimate and vast, gorgeous and visceral. It moved me; it made me want to write; it was brimful of loss and hope and complexity. I loved it.’

From L: MOTHERBUNNET by Laura Cooney, currently author published runs. This would make a good Christmas present, not for new parents, but for anyone who has had children for more than 6 months. It is a book of honest poetry which is raw and heartwarming in turn. It will make you cry, it will make you think, it will make you feel. It will make you give your babies a hug and appreciate the life you have been given. Perfect for Christmas. It is a Wonderful Life. 

Another from E: Down River with Li Po by Karen Pierce Gonzalez published by Black Cat Press. Karen blends writing for political change with close observations of nature inspired in this beautiful collection inspired by an 8th Century poet.

From a different M: Lines of Communication from Wee Sparrow Poetry Press.  This anthology looks at the beauty of the natural world but with a focus on the overlooked and forgotten. It looks at the unconventional, the fringes. Featuring over 90 international voices, all proceeds are divided between three charities.

A Big Thank You to everybody who submitted their picks. So much variety on offer and good to see previous Book Bag entries make your recommendations.

Now it’s time to share my list, this time with a 1 line summary from me. I was thinking the other day how much poetry I’ve actually read over the last year. Alot but it never feels like it.

Sculling by Sophie Dumont (Corsair) – A profound collection of poetry set against the current of the River Avon that deals with so much.

Latch by Rebecca Goss (Carcanet) – An outstanding collection on place and how intrinsic it is to our nature.

A Hobby of Mine by Rishi Dastidar (Broken Sleep Books) – Fun, smart, smile-inducing list poetry.

Beast by Pascale Petite (Bloodaxe) – Powerful, animalistic, surreal poetry that gets under your skin.


This Wilderness & Other Concerns by Martin Kennedy Yates (Broken Spine) – A 21st Century Wasteland filled with wonderful language and metaphor, and the glorious Scousenlish.

Why I Wear My Past to Work by Chris Campbell (Parlyaree) – Heartfelt and healing words with an authentic feeling of family.

Consolamentum by James McConachie (Black Bough Poetry) – A strong, masculine collection filled with brooding Spanish vistas and culture.

Drench Me in Silver by Saraswati Nagpal (Black Bough Poetry) – Mystical, mythical elegance underpinned by gorgeous language.

Elemental by Helen Laycock (Independently Published) – A tremendous book of poems that includes one of my all-time favourites.

With Love, Grief & Fury by Salena Godden (Canongate) – A collection that teems with emotional connection, real issues and defiance.

A Wide River Divides Us by Gill Barr (Cinnamon Press) – A captivating important, personal testimony of living through a pivotal time in UK/Irish history.

Black Skies Die Starless by Jamie Woods (Punk Dust Poetry) – A sharply observed collection that examines the 90’s through a realist’s gaze.

Street Sailing by Matt Gilbert (Black Bough Poetry) – Incisive commentary of humans and animals converging with imagery metaphor and a dash of humour at times.

Make Up My Mind by Leia Butler (Steel Incisors) – Distinctive, brightly vivid and visual poetry that leaves an exacting impression.

Rescue Lines by Lesley Curwen (Hedgehog Poetry Press) – Poignant, heartbreaking, important poetry beautifully written.

New Famous Phrases by Daniel Hinds (Broken Sleep Books) – A terrific inventive debut which challenges, responds and respects the masters.

Welcome To A Museum of A Life by Sue Finch (Black Eyes Publishing UK) – A curated exhibition taking us from childhood to the end with wonderful surrealism and dreamscapes.

Mountains That See in the Dark by Regine Ebner (Black Bough Poetry) – An excellent collection full of immaculate imagery that brings the Arizona Desert to life.

Soi-même by Victoria Spires (Salo Press)– An elegant and delicate pamphlet filled with intimate poetry.

Headlands by Alice Stainer (Live Canon) – The first book in The Book Bag in 2025, this stunning pamphlet takes you on a captivating emotional journey across vivid landscapes.

Husband Material Volume II: 27 Addresses (Hidden Hand Press) – Raw, gritty rhymes tackling real social issues, with humour, resilience and defiance.  

Somewhere A Tree Waits for An Angel or a Butterfly by Eileen Carney Hulme (Hedgehog Poetry Press) – A stunning pamphlet of love.

The Liminal Light of The Night (Hedgehog Poetry Press) – A gem of a book filled with evocative poetry complemented by stunning artwork.

A Dress With Deep Pockets by Jen Feroze (Smith|Doorstop) – A marvel of pamphlet celebrating friendship, maturing and looking back.

Beautiful Little Fools Anthology from Broken Spine –  A superb re-examining of the roaring 20s a century after Gatsby came out.

The Storms Journal Issue 5 is jam-packed with incredible poetry. It gets a special mention here because it’s been so well curated.

Out Yesterday: The How In The World by Louise Longson (Hedgehog Poetry Press) – It’s on my Christmas Wishlist and should be on yours too. Also on my wishlist is Permanence by Stephen Paul Wren & Lesley Curwen (Atomic Bohemian), State Of The Nations by Katrina Moinet (Atomic Bohemian), Coin Laundry at Midnight by Carson Wolfe (Button Poetry), Eurydice in the Ruined House by Anna Saunders (Indigo Dreams Publishing), The Lives We Had Before by Vanessa Napolitano (Stanchion), Quietly Wild by Alix Klingenberg (Mandala Publishing), In The Blueprint of Her Iris by Vikki C & Robert Frede Kenter and so many more.

Also, not poetry but short stories, Soots & Boots from The Broken Spine looks certain to be an intriguing collection of festive stories with that trademark Broken Spine grit you expect. The writers involved in this are excellent. I’ve ordered my copy.

If you’re looking for something cosy and poetic to do but don’t want to write or draft, why not give this downloadable poetic wordsearch a go over the festivities.

WordsearchDownload

If you’re looking to write some wintry pieces, here’s three prompts that will help you on your way. If you do use them, I’d love to read the finished pieces.

Midwinter Magic – On Midwinter’s Day, the snow falls upwards carrying whispered wishes, secrets, spells and memories. Hone in one person. Are they participating or simply observing? Give this person depth.

A Festival For The Ages – A sudden burst of colour from the Northern Lights signals a convergence of time where past, present and future collide. Start the zoomed in then widen the lens. Keep it light and fresh.

Winter As…– Create a poem with winter as something distinctive such as an animal or object. Make it surprising and use minimal punctuation. Limit the words to 50 if you can.

It wouldn’t be a book bag without a playlist would it so here’s a little festive edition to get you in the mood…

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year – Andy Williams
Winter Wonderland – Frank Sinatra
Last Christmas – Wham
Step Into Christmas – Elton John
All I Want for Christmas – Mariah Carey
Wonderful Christmastime – Paul McCartney
Thank God It’s Christmas – Queen
Let It Snow – Dean Martin
Christmas Lights – Coldplay
Don’t Let the Bells End – The Darkness
Silent Night – Gregory Porter
Jingle Bell Rock – Bobby Helms
Feliz Navidad – José Feliciano
Little Drummer Boy – Bing Crosby & David Bowie
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town – Bruce Springsteen
Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Eva Cassidy
Fairytale of New York – The Pogues & Kirsty MacColl
Carol of the Bells – St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir & Andrew Carwood
Driving Home for Christmas – Chris Rea
What Christmas Means to Me – Stevie Wonder
White Christmas – Ella Fitzgerald
O Tannenbaum – Nat King Cole
Cold December Night – Michael Bublé
I Wish It Could be Christmas Everyday – Wizzard
Merry Christmas Everyone – Shakin’ Stevens
Merry Christmas Everybody – Slade
2000 Miles – The Pretenders
Somewhere Only We Know – Lily Allen
Mary’s Boy Child – Boney M
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Perry Como

Before I Go…
One recommendation was for the Christmas Winter Anthologies from Black Bough Poetry. Well good news, I have two pieces in this inventive, quirky anthology and it’s available imminently. Follow their socials to grab a copy.

One More Thing…
Another anthology I have a piece in which was just released, is Rites & Trials, poetry based on coming-of-age. This is a captivating array of poems and voices.  Buy it here.

And Another…
Atomic Bohemian are holding a free online event to launch two of their new releases. Permanence by Stephen Paul Wren & Lesley Curwen and The State of The Nations by Katrina Moinet on December 4th. Tickets and details here. I heard some of the pieces from Permanence on Saturday evening and they were incredibly powerful and important.

And Another…
Tickets are available for The Book Bag Open Mic Sessions, Session 2 taking place in January. Reader slots are limited, grab your spot here.

And Finally…
Make sure you submit to the Unwhispered Legacy Anthology. Submissions opened at midnight. All the details are here.

Next Week’s Read

  • Title: Make Up My Mind
  • Poet: Leia Butler

Take it easy and stay poetic, I’ll catch you next week.

Paul

The Book Bag: Concealed Pockets – The Christmas List Call Out

With the festive season fast approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to compile a list of poetry collections, pamphlets and anthologies that would make excellent Christmas gifts.

To do that, I’m calling on the book bag readers to offer some advice to each other.

 What I would like from you is the title, author or editor and press with a couple of lines as to why you think a particular book will make an excellent Christmas gift as well as a photograph of the cover.

I will then select and compile these into a list and share at the end of November. This is a great way to boost poets and presses alike as well as giving gift ideas to your fellow poetics.

To quote Shelley ‘Poetry lifts the veil from the hidden beauty of the world, and makes familiar objects be as if they were not familiar.’ Why would you not want to share that?

How to send the information: Send an email with the subject ‘The Christmas List’ to thebookbag25@gmail.com before 23:59 on 21st November 2025.

Please attach the image of the cover as png or jpg file formats.

I Ho Ho Hope to read your recommendations soon!

Stay Poetic,

Paul

Featured Image: Photo by freestocks on Unsplash