I am indebted to this book for reminding me, reminding us, that there is so much to celebrate in the world. His liberated words open our minds and hearts to speak.' - Elizabeth Alexander, bestselling author of The Light of the World 'What I love most about this book, and what I love about so much of Ross Gay's work, is that it gently nudges us to take note of those small things that might otherwise elude our attention. These remarkable pieces serve as a powerful and necessary reminder that we can, and should, stake out a space in our lives for delight. The Book of Delights is about our shared bonds, and the rewards that come from a life closely observed.

More than anything else, though, Gay celebrates the beauty of the natural world-his garden, the flowers peeking out of the sidewalk, the hypnotic movements of a praying mantis. But Gay never dismisses the complexities, even the terrors, of living in America as a black man or the ecological and psychic violence of our consumer culture or the loss of those he loves. Among Gay's funny, poetic, philosophical delights: a friend's unabashed use of air quotes, cradling a tomato seedling aboard an airplane, the silent nod of acknowledgment between the only two black people in a room. The first nonfiction book from award-winning poet Ross Gay is a record of the small joys we often overlook in our busy lives. In The Book of Delights, one of today's most original literary voices offers up a genre-defying volume of lyric essays written over one tumultuous year. Poet Laureate The winner of the NBCC Award for Poetry offers up a spirited collection of short lyrical essays, written daily over a tumultuous year, reminding us of the purpose and pleasure of praising, extolling, and celebrating ordinary wonders.

As Heard on NPR's This American Life 'Ross Gay's eye lands upon wonder at every turn, bolstering my belief in the countless small miracles that surround us.' -Tracy K.

The New York Times bestselling book of essays celebrating ordinary delights in the world around us by one of America's most original and observant writers, award-winning poet Ross Gay.

The book of delights essays by ross gay