New and Selected Poems
by Mary Oliver
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 271)
recommended to Cathy by:
John Larkin
recommends it for: Poets, poetry lovers, nature lovers
recommends it for: Poets, poetry lovers, nature lovers
My brother gave me this book, not knowing that I met Mary Oliver's poems many years before. Some of her poems build toward such a strong last line, that they are still with me today, many years later.
From "The Summer Day": "...Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?"
Although I reread her books periodically, when I come upon certain poems, it's like meeting an old friend with whom you can pick up the conversation again, seemingly rig...more
From "The Summer Day": "...Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?"
Although I reread her books periodically, when I come upon certain poems, it's like meeting an old friend with whom you can pick up the conversation again, seemingly rig...more
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for the right person, Oliver delivers an emotional and metaphoric experience that can bring comfort and challenge all at once.
i've used Oliver in my artwork for many years. i have not stopped loving her way of ending a piece with an aphoristic flourish - there is something sonnet-like about it that really works in a meditative/inspirational way. she IS accessible. that is the best of it - and it is also the definition of her limits, if limits are important.
any poem that begins &quo...more
i've used Oliver in my artwork for many years. i have not stopped loving her way of ending a piece with an aphoristic flourish - there is something sonnet-like about it that really works in a meditative/inspirational way. she IS accessible. that is the best of it - and it is also the definition of her limits, if limits are important.
any poem that begins &quo...more
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Read in January, 1997
Why do I distrust nature poets so? Ah well, nevertheless I do. I can say Mary Oliver is exceptionally approachable, and I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to try poetry reading. She has some wonderful turns of phrase; and she's certainly not a self-worshiping poet (which some have the tendency to be). The thing is, and she isn't even prone to this fallacy that much, however much I think nature should be protected and enjoyed, I always get suspicious of Americans who are worship...more
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Read in January, 2002
recommends it for:
Nature lovers, wordsmiths
Mary Oliver has a talent for finding an image in nature that prompts an internal journey. She challenges me to think:
"I was thinking:
so this is how you swim inward,
so this is how you flow outward,
so this is how you pray."
"I wanted
the past to go away, I wanted
to leave it, like another country; I wanted
my life to close, and open
like a hinge, like a wing, like the part of the song
where it falls
down over the rocks: an explosion, a discovery;
I wanted
to hu...more
"I was thinking:
so this is how you swim inward,
so this is how you flow outward,
so this is how you pray."
"I wanted
the past to go away, I wanted
to leave it, like another country; I wanted
my life to close, and open
like a hinge, like a wing, like the part of the song
where it falls
down over the rocks: an explosion, a discovery;
I wanted
to hu...more
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Read in January, 2002
Not exaggerating when I say this poetry changed my life. Mary Oliver is an unbelievable, powerful nature writer. This book contains some of the most beautiful and inspirational poems I've read, as well as the most heart-breaking poem I've ever read.
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If you only own one Mary Oliver book, make it this one. Some of her very best work is in here: When Death Comes, In Blackwater Woods, Poppies, The Journey, The Summer Day. A book to pick up over and over again, for sure.
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Mary Oliver is amazing. "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" and "You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves" are two of my favorite lines of poetry, ever.
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Read in January, 2006
My yoga teacher used to read to us from this book before savasana, so it made a big impact on me. Oliver has a way of capturing life experience and our interactions with 'nature' so beautifully.
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Read in January, 1999
A graduation present from my nephew, Owen. A few favorites are: "Farm Country," "Rice," "Her Grave," "The Summer Day." Muscular, sensual, physical poems.
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Read in December, 2007
recommends it for:
emily
how a close observation of all living things and the natural world can enrich our existence. one yearns to attain the sensitivity of the poet.
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One of my favorite books of poetry... words that tap into the depths of who we are in relation to death, life, the earth, and love.
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Read in May, 2003
recommends it for:
nature lovers
Read just this compilation of Mary Oliver poems and no more. Too many make her themes repetitive, and this book has only her best.
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such a wonderful book. A reference book for me. What can I say about a woman who writes poems about owls? Love love love
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Read in April, 2000
Mary Oliver is such a great poet. Her poems touch your heart and give for deep, reflective thoughts and contemplation.
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Poetry?
Well I returned it without reading everything. But it was pleasant enough, if you like poetry about nature.
Well I returned it without reading everything. But it was pleasant enough, if you like poetry about nature.
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A bride, married to astonishment. One of my favorite contemporary poets. Zen and trees. Magical deer.
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in January, 2007
Silky, amazing poetry. Makes me feel happy to be alive and amazed at our bravery to live life.
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recommends it for:
thoughtful nature lovers
I just keep a book of Oliver's poems around all the time...just in case. This one is a good one.
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
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What is there to say? We all love her. Wild Geese and The Poppies are my favorites.
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book data (includes all editions)
avg rating (all editions): 4.48 (237 ratings) avg rating (this edition): 4.48 (237 ratings) number of reviews: 29popular shelves
other editions
quote
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?"
more quotes »