erinvcgonzalez's review
5.0
So lovely. My favorite part is from Dog Songs ofc haha. Such a wonderful collection from Mary Oliver!
nicki_j's review
4.0
I knew I loved Mary Oliver because of this line from one of her poems that I discovered a while ago:
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
Even though I am not the biggest poetry fan, I really enjoyed Oliver's work, which mostly centers around nature and the profound truths it offers, in contrast to the day-to-day modern life. This book is LONG though. After a while, some of the poems ran together. But I was often struck by Oliver's ability to cut to the core with few words:
To live in this world, you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.
Oliver has earned her spot as my favorite modern poet and I know I will revisit her work again and again.
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
Even though I am not the biggest poetry fan, I really enjoyed Oliver's work, which mostly centers around nature and the profound truths it offers, in contrast to the day-to-day modern life. This book is LONG though. After a while, some of the poems ran together. But I was often struck by Oliver's ability to cut to the core with few words:
To live in this world, you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.
Oliver has earned her spot as my favorite modern poet and I know I will revisit her work again and again.
1000journals's review
3.0
I wanted so badly to like this more. I feel like 30% of her poems are so strong and make me want to know her and the rest is just her being distracted by things she sees outside but I, too, have adhd and spend time outside so I don’t need to read the ramblings when I can just do that myself. If there is a greater point to that 70% of poems then I couldn’t stay focused enough to find it. Mary Oliver is still a legend though and I much prefer her essays. RIP.
treadingloudly's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
4.5
clairesomebody's review
3.0
Some of these poems really spoke to me. Overall, I appreciated the theme of nature, but at times it got a bit too specific (I don’t know which exact rivers she’s talking about, do I?).
As far as the collection goes, I didn’t really like how the book was divided into selections from each of her works, nor how those sections were arranged in reverse chronological order. I would’ve preferred for the poems to be arranged in some other way, like through theme or something. The arrangement kind of spoiled the immersiveness of the work.
As far as the collection goes, I didn’t really like how the book was divided into selections from each of her works, nor how those sections were arranged in reverse chronological order. I would’ve preferred for the poems to be arranged in some other way, like through theme or something. The arrangement kind of spoiled the immersiveness of the work.
aprilbethp's review against another edition
5.0
Absolutely Beautiful
As always, Mary Oliver’s work is moving and speaks for itself. I enjoyed this collection as it pulled from so many of her previous works. I used it perhaps a bit too literally as a part of my daily devotions every morning and I highly recommend everyone start their day with the beauty of poetry ringing in their souls.
As always, Mary Oliver’s work is moving and speaks for itself. I enjoyed this collection as it pulled from so many of her previous works. I used it perhaps a bit too literally as a part of my daily devotions every morning and I highly recommend everyone start their day with the beauty of poetry ringing in their souls.
flaffa's review
5.0
As usual Mary Oliver's poetry is absolutely phenomenal.
I always say that writing is painting with words and I feel like Mary Oliver really does that well. The imagery in these poems is beautiful and the way her love for this world shows in her poetry is so lovely. The way the themes were conveyed through the words made me feel deeply human but in a way that's very connected to earth. It's almost humbling.
The poems themselves are usually quite simple and easy to digest. I know this might take away for some people, but I actually think it's a plus. It's important to have uncomplicated poetry that's accessible to more people and on this case, the simplicity adds to the charm and beauty of the poems.
These are the kind of poems that just make you feel good. This is a wonderful book that I honestly would recommend to anyone and everyone.
I always say that writing is painting with words and I feel like Mary Oliver really does that well. The imagery in these poems is beautiful and the way her love for this world shows in her poetry is so lovely. The way the themes were conveyed through the words made me feel deeply human but in a way that's very connected to earth. It's almost humbling.
The poems themselves are usually quite simple and easy to digest. I know this might take away for some people, but I actually think it's a plus. It's important to have uncomplicated poetry that's accessible to more people and on this case, the simplicity adds to the charm and beauty of the poems.
These are the kind of poems that just make you feel good. This is a wonderful book that I honestly would recommend to anyone and everyone.