Blue Pastures

Prior to reading this book, I had already read several volumes of Mary Oliver's poetry, as well as a book of her nonfiction. So I knew what to expect: beautifully concise language, lovely descriptions, and some insightful observations about the natural world and about life. What struck me most about this book was its similarity to the nonfiction of Annie Dillard, another of my favorite writers who deal with both the natural world and the craft of writing. Certain essays in this book reminded me of "Teaching a Stone to Talk," which is another book remarkable for its economical prose. I enjoyed learning some of Oliver's philosophies about the purpose of a writer, and I appreciated her observations about writers who inspired her, particularly Edna St. Vincent Millay and Walt Whitman. She writes well about everything from owls to deer to poetry, and it all comes across as effortless and seamless (though she shows us that the process itself is anything but smooth). I loved this book, although I would say that the best introduction to Mary Oliver is through her poetry: I recommend "White Pine" or "Dream Work." If you already like Mary Oliver, this book won't disappoint you!

This book is exquisite. Thanks to Mary Oliver, I have begun to open my eyes, ears, and soul once more. Her poetry, all her observations, are so moving and her connection to life and what really matters has made me reexamine my own "wild and precious life." I wish I could thank Mary Oliver in person for her poetry and her dazzling insights!

Whatever you believe to be the truth you must read this book. Mary tugged at my heart so intently that I broke down and cried. She seems to possess a consciousness that eludes much of humanity and I wonder how did we let that happen. Mary offers no answers, but she stimulates thought and hopefully her writing will lead her readers to perhaps even conscious thought. I will read this book over and over and over again