Will I love Devotions?

When you're living in the sterile, gleaming world of a fertility clinic, I’m not sure there’s a more inviting landscape to disappear into than the poetry of Mary Oliver.

I find something so moving and hopeful—almost meditative—in the lyricism of her language and the beauty with which she renders the natural world. What a lovely place to live, even for a few hours or a few pages.

I actually considered borrowing a line from one of these poems for the title of my book. 

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.

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… show more.