Tracy K. Smith

Tracy K. Smith is an acclaimed American poet and educator, known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning collection 'Life on Mars'. She served as the 22nd Poet Laureate of the United States from 2017 to 2019.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Wade In The Water

    The book is a poignant collection of poems that delves into themes of history, identity, and the human experience. Through a blend of personal reflection and historical exploration, the poems address the legacy of slavery, the complexities of race, and the enduring impact of America's past on its present. The author employs a rich tapestry of voices and perspectives, weaving together narratives that highlight both suffering and resilience. The collection invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths while also finding moments of grace and redemption in the shared human journey.

    The 11661st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  2. 2. Life On Mars

    Poems

    The book is a poignant collection of poetry that explores themes of identity, loss, and the human condition through the lens of both personal and cosmic perspectives. It delves into the complexities of existence, weaving together reflections on family, history, and the universe, often drawing inspiration from science fiction and the vastness of space. The poems are rich with emotion and introspection, inviting readers to contemplate the connections between the intimate and the infinite, and the ways in which we navigate the unknowns of life.

    The 17126th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  3. 3. To Free The Captives

    In this poignant exploration of identity and liberation, the narrative delves into the complexities of personal and collective freedom. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, the characters grapple with the constraints imposed by societal expectations, historical legacies, and their own internal struggles. As they navigate the intricate dance between captivity and emancipation, the narrative unfolds with a lyrical intensity, inviting readers to reflect on the universal quest for self-discovery and the courage required to break free from the chains that bind us.

    The 17126th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 4. Ordinary Light

    A Memoir

    A lyrical, intimate memoir that follows a poet’s coming-of-age in a close-knit Black family, tracing childhood memories, faith, and the wrenching loss of her father; the narrative explores how grief and the search for meaning led to the discovery of poetry as a way to reckon with history, identity, and ordinary moments made luminous by language.

    The 17126th Greatest Book of All Time