5 stars
| Wow, what a beautiful collection of poems. I picked this up on a whim from the Recently Returned cart at the library. I’ve been trying to read more poetry lately and was drawn in my the simple title and lovely cover art. Then I started reading it. Oh my goodness. This is the first book by Mary Oliver that I have read and I was not prepared for how lovely it would be. The book consists of poems inspired by the natural world. From trees and flowers to birds and foxes, this book explores the beauty, mystery, magic of nature and how humans fit within its realm. When I first started reading this book, a few of the poems felt almost like random lists to me, but as I read more and sort of got to know Oliver, I realized the magic of her words. I think she said it best when she admits, “Okay, I confess to wanting to make a literature / of praise.” That pretty much sums up this book. Yet my initial speculation of randomness was quickly dispelled as I picked up the awe with which Oliver writes about the natural world. The reader can actual feel how much she loves and is inspired by the world around her. Each poem, each line resonates with an inner awe within us all. It creates for a truly amazing read. This is such a wonderful, beautiful, amazing collection. I loved it. I have already added a ton of Oliver’s other books to my ever-growing TBR list. I am glad to have found another poet that I really enjoy. Also, that sassy poem at the end was hilarious and everything I needed as a writer. Definitely worth the read. Goodreads |