Devotions

By Mary Oliver,

Book cover of Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver

Book description

A New York Times Bestseller, chosen as Oprah's "Books That Help Me Through" for Oprah's Book Club

"No matter where one starts reading, Devotions offers much to love, from Oliver's exuberant dog poems to selections from the Pulitzer Prize-winning American Primitive, and Dream Work, one of her exceptional collections. Perhaps…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Devotions as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Devotions is a comprehensive anthology of Mary Oliver’s best work. Oliver is without a doubt the gold standard in nature poetry, and one of the most renowned authors of the genre. It reminds me of all the reasons why she is and will always be my favorite poet, and one of the best poets of the last century. If anyone feels themselves drawn to nature poetry, this book is a must-read.

From B.L.'s list on contemporary nature poetry.

My first introduction to Oliver’s work came in high school when I read her collection of poetry and essays, Owls and Other Fantasies. She has the descriptive detail one may expect, but it’s the quality of her point of view that is most seducing, always full of wonder and attentiveness. In reading her work one is immediately aware that they’re in the presence of someone deeply in tune with nature, and somewhat disconnected from the hustle, striving, and often hollow rewards found in less natural environs. She was a balm to me back when I was a teenager, and…

From Kassandra's list on our relationship with nature.

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