WILD AND PRECIOUS A Celebration of Mary Oliver

The world could use more poetry these days, so this audiobook is a welcome respite from contemporary times. The premise is interesting: The narrators read a selection of Mary Oliver's work and reflect on its emotional impact on them as individuals, sharing thoughts and telling their own stories. For many listeners, this kind of personal touch adds depth and meaning to the material, and the contributors all deliver their reminiscences with informal candor and clarity. Sophia Bush maintains a gentle, enthusiastic thread linking these remembrances, although some transitions are still awkward and the pacing can be challenging. The audiobook is much like an extended podcast--less about Oliver than about the contributors' devotion to her work. Casual listeners may enjoy this lyrical departure from the everyday. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2023]