Upstream

Why people recommend it

Upstream is a collection of essays by the acclaimed American poet Mary Oliver that explores nature, art, creativity, and literary influences. On The Book Review podcast during the episode titled The Year in Reading, broadcast on July 18, 2024, Will Schwalbe shared that he was currently reading the book. Schwalbe expressed profound admiration for the essays, describing them as stunning and noting that every single word feels like it has been perfectly placed by the author. Furthermore, he highlighted the thematic depth of the collection, praising the insightful discussions regarding literary icons such as Walt Whitman, Edgar Allan Poe, and Ralph Waldo Emerson, alongside profound meditations on the natural world. Schwalbe characterized the overall reading experience as simply fantastic, conveying his deep appreciation for Oliver's prose style. His recommendation on the podcast illuminated the lesser-known prose side of a writer primarily celebrated for her poetry. Through Schwalbe's enthusiastic remarks on The Book Review, listeners gained an appreciation for how Oliver translates her poetic sensibility into thoughtful essays about creativity, observation, and humanity's connection to the wilderness. The mention encouraged the audience to seek out Oliver's non-fiction to experience her trademark clarity and reverence for the natural world in a new format.