If you enjoy reading books by Frank O'Hara then you might also like the following authors:
John Ashbery captures life's fleeting moments through playful, surprising language and vivid imagery. His poetry shifts unexpectedly between the abstract and concrete, engaging readers with humor, wonder, and thoughtful introspection.
If you enjoy Frank O'Hara's creativity and casual tone, try Ashbery's Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror, an imaginative and thoughtful exploration of art, identity, and perception.
Kenneth Koch's lively, humorous poems share the everyday joy and spirited whimsy found in O'Hara. His poetry brims with wit, optimism, and a refreshing spontaneity.
Check out his book New Addresses, a playful collection of poems directly addressing ordinary objects and concepts, offering delightfully inventive perspectives on the familiar.
James Schuyler's poetry spotlights subtle details and personal experiences, much like Frank O'Hara's observational style and emotional intimacy. Schuyler creates gentle, vivid depictions of daily life's beauty and pain with remarkable clarity.
His book The Morning of the Poem is a memorable collection rich in observation, honesty, and feeling.
Allen Ginsberg wrote poetry bursting with emotional intensity, openness, and a candid exploration of personal and social issues. He connected deeply with readers through bold language and fearless self-expression.
If you appreciate O'Hara's uninhibited voice, consider Ginsberg's groundbreaking poem Howl, an energetic exploration of identity, rebellion, and spirituality.
Lawrence Ferlinghetti crafted poetry accessible and vibrant in spirit, balancing literary passion and social commentary through approachable language.
His conversational style and engaging observations make his poems similarly inviting to Frank O'Hara's casual, reflective writing. Give Ferlinghetti's A Coney Island of the Mind a try for its vivid imagery, thoughtful critiques, and approachable warmth.
Gregory Corso is a bold and playful poet who writes with humor and candid insight. If you enjoy Frank O'Hara's spontaneity and street-smart observations, you might find Corso exciting as well. He often explores themes of rebellion, youthful energy, and questions of identity.
A good place to start with Corso is his collection Gasoline, offering funny, provocative poems filled with energy and honesty.
Barbara Guest offers something a bit more thoughtful, soft-spoken, yet vivid in her poetry. If you appreciate O'Hara's personal style, Guest's impressionistic approach to everyday moments might appeal to you.
Her poems often touch on memory, beauty, and subtle emotional connections. Check out her collection Fair Realism, which shows her careful attention to language and lyrical treatment of ordinary experiences.
Ted Berrigan shares O'Hara's sense of immediacy and playful experimentation with form and structure. If you enjoy poems that feel casual but carry depth, Berrigan is worth reading.
His work often explores friendship, personal adventures, and the cultural atmosphere of New York City. Try The Sonnets, a lively and inventive set of poems that combines humor and tenderness.
Ron Padgett writes fun and surprisingly wise poems with a relaxed, conversational style, much like O'Hara's. If you appreciate poetry that feels approachable, Padgett is a great choice. He often examines everyday life, friendship, and creativity with humor and sincerity.
A terrific collection to experience his style is How Long, filled with accessible poems that gently reveal deeper insights.
Denise Levertov brings a thoughtful and reflective perspective to poetry. Fans of O'Hara's attention to immediate experience might enjoy Levertov's sensitive exploration of inner emotional landscapes and relationships.
She writes clearly and gracefully about personal growth, spirituality, and social issues. Her collection The Sorrow Dance offers expressive, careful poems that uncover layers within common experiences.
Gary Snyder's poetry often explores nature, ecology, and Zen Buddhism. Readers who appreciate Frank O'Hara's spontaneity and connection to everyday life may enjoy Snyder's clear imagery and thoughtful observations.
His collection Turtle Island, focused on ecological awareness and harmony with the environment, is a good place to start.
Philip Whalen shares Frank O'Hara's casual style, wit, and playful approach to poetry. He was part of the Beat Generation, known for poems that blend humor, personal musings, and Zen insights.
His work On Bear's Head provides readers with poems that feel conversational, honest, and warmly accessible.
Amiri Baraka's poetry is politically charged, vivid, and direct—not afraid to challenge readers and confront social issues clearly and forcefully.
Similar to Frank O'Hara, he writes poetry deeply tied to the urban experience, though Baraka’s work addresses themes of race, injustice, and activism. His groundbreaking collection Black Magic demonstrates his sharp insight and powerful voice.
Bill Berkson's poems fuse an everyday sensibility with intellectual clarity and warmth. Like Frank O'Hara, he often writes about city life, art, and interpersonal experiences, balancing lightness and depth skillfully.
His collection Portrait and Dream exemplifies his quiet yet engaging approach.
Joe Brainard's writing is personal, emotionally direct, and endearingly authentic. Fans of Frank O'Hara's blend of the ordinary and the intimate will find much to like in Brainard's work.
His memoir-like book I Remember offers inviting and accessible snapshots of memory, connecting vividly with readers through shared nostalgia.