• At Blackwater Pond

  • Mary Oliver reads Mary Oliver
  • By: Mary Oliver
  • Narrated by: Mary Oliver
  • Length: 1 hr
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (307 ratings)

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At Blackwater Pond  By  cover art

At Blackwater Pond

By: Mary Oliver
Narrated by: Mary Oliver
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Publisher's summary

Mary Oliver has published fifteen volumes of poetry and five books of prose in the span of four decades, but she rarely performs her poetry in live readings. Now, with the arrival of At Blackwater Pond, Mary Oliver has given her audience what they've longed to hear: the poet's voice reading her own work. In this beautifully produced audiobook, Mary Oliver has recorded forty of her favorite poems, nearly spanning the length of her career, from Dream Work through her newest volume, New and Selected Poems, Volume Two.

©2006 Mary Oliver (P)2011 Random House Audio

Featured Article: The Best Poetry Audiobooks to Listen to for National Poetry Month


It’s a common turn of phrase that poetry is meant to be heard. Tone, pauses, cadence, and vocal inflections all serve to further the emotional pull of modern and historical poetic masterpieces. In audio, poems can be heard and enjoyed just as the poet meant them to be. Taking into account not only the words themselves but the way they are spoken, our list provides a look at the power behind a poem, celebrating those works which have touched our souls.

What listeners say about At Blackwater Pond

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

this poet shouldn't read own work

I love Mary Oliver's poetry and thought it would be wonderful to hear her read her own work. Unfortunately, I found her narration quite dry and I could not complete this book.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

More Heard Each Time

Mary Oliver’s work has grown on me with each ‘hearing.’ Every listen brings forward new nuances.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Lovely poetry

Lovely, meaningful poetry read beautifully by the author. Very soothing. Leaving this book in my library.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful poet

What made the experience of listening to At Blackwater Pond the most enjoyable?

Great poetry read by the author. Best of all possible events.

What was one of the most memorable moments of At Blackwater Pond?

"Her grave" brought back memories of my favorite dog.

Which character – as performed by Mary Oliver – was your favorite?

No character were Involved.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

No film options come to mind

Any additional comments?

Poetry needs to be more available in audio books.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I love mary oliver so much

mary oliver reading some of her beloved poems, including "wild geese." This is a treat!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding

Mary Oliver has created the space within these poems to stretch ones self into comfort.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Mary draws me in...

What made the experience of listening to At Blackwater Pond the most enjoyable?

A gifted poet, Mary Oliver's visceral and humble writing style invites you to join her daily walks and introduces you to her observations and friends in nature. Beautifully written and read.

Have you listened to any of Mary Oliver’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Nice listen

Enjoyed listening to these set of poems while going on walks outside. Mary Oliver reads her own poems.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

beautiful

loved it, for the first time in a long time I feel like a kid seeing the world for the first time.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful Collection

This is a wonderful collection of Mary Oliver poems. I found the author's narration quite goods and adds to the poems.

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