Book cover of Three Simple Lines: A Writer's Pilgrimage into the Heart and Homeland of Haiku

Book description

One of the world’s foremost writing teachers invites readers on a joyful journey into the reading and origins of haiku

A haiku is three simple lines. But it is also, as Allen Ginsberg put it, three lines that “make the mind leap.” A good one, he said, lets the mind…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Three Simple Lines as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

As a writer of haiku/short-form poetry myself, this book was one that should have been on my radar long ago, but I only read it this year because of a recommendation by Kevin Rose on Tim Ferriss’s podcast. It’s a gem.  

Natalie transports you to Japan with her writing to be a travel partner to her making the journey of a lifetime to pay respect to her favorite Haiku poet, Buson.

The book is beautifully written and full of moments that will make you smile, laugh, sad, and nod with approval. It’s so much more than a book of poetry;…

If you love Three Simple Lines...

Book cover of Getting Dressed in the Dark

Getting Dressed in the Dark by Gabriella D'Italia,

How do you know the truth after the story you most trust disappears?

Self-betrayal, polyamory, adultery, and an unconventional life in a one-room, rural Maine schoolhouse ends in a crisis mirroring the larger, societal polarization and collapse of meaning. Compass shattered, an artist's wisdom guides a course home, revealing a…

Want books like Three Simple Lines?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Three Simple Lines.

Browse books like Three Simple Lines

Book cover of Narrow Road to the Interior
Book cover of Inaka: Portraits of Life in Rural Japan
Book cover of Narrow Road to the Interior: And Other Writings

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,343

readers submitted
so far, will you?