Mary Oliver published her first book of poems at age 28. Now 81, Oliver has published “Upstream,” a book of essays that provides deep insights and delightful anecdotes as she examines her role as a writer, reader and a spiritual seeker who constantly practices what she describes as the redemptive art of true effort. "Upstream: Selected Essays," by Mary Oliver (Penguin Press)The book opens with “Upstream,” a lyrical piece where Oliver recalls wading upstream in rippling water as a child while her parents remained downstream. Others come from analyzing the choices, both on and off the page, of writers she considers companions and mentors. The poet Mary Oliver (Mariana Cook)Oliver incorporates all of those insights in her poetry.

Source: Washington Post October 12, 2016 17:03 UTC