Book description
In poems bursting with narrative power, Disease of Kings explores the tender yet volatile friendship between two young scammers living off the fat of society. Here are stories of an odd couple who scrounge, con, hustle, and steal, alternately proud of their ability to fabricate a life at the marginsā¦
Why read it?
1 author picked Disease of Kings as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I loved how the book transported me into a world of dumpsterādiving, and train-hopping, and I cared for the plight of this unusual protagonist. The poems have a narrative pull and take us into the uneasy relationship between two friends who live on the fringes of society and teach us that from little there can be plenty, from shame there can rise fulfillment, from silence there can arise poetry.
I learned more about who I am by reading about who I am not and found poetry in the most surprising of places.
From Julia's list on poetry books that get at the heart of our humanity.
If you love Disease of Kings...
These Blue Mountains
A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.
German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancĆ©, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Heddaā¦
Want books like Disease of Kings?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Disease of Kings.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,366
readers submitted
so far, will you?
š If you like Disease of Kings, you might also like...
Marriage and Fatherhood in the Nazi SS
When I was writing this book, several of my friends jokingly called it the Nazi baby book, with one insisting it would make a great title. Nazi Babies ā admittedly, that is a catchy title, but thatās not exactly what my book is about. SS babies would be slightly moreā¦
A Forgivable Indecision
In 1913, a 15-year-old pregnant girl was found dead of apparent suicide. Dr. James Wilson, a new graduate and the first doctor ever to start a practice in this rural town, feels guilty over her death because of his delayed intervention.
He knows Bessie was raped by one of herā¦
