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Cover of Be With by Forrest Gander

Be With

by Forrest Gander

Approximately 96 pages

This poetry collection invites readers into a reflective space, exploring deep emotional landscapes.

Difficulty

Challenging

Pace

Slow

Mood

lyrical, meditative

Book club

Medium

Find in a library

Is this book for you?

Read this if you enjoy

  • contemplative poetry
  • you appreciate nature-inspired writing

Consider another book if

  • you prefer straightforward narratives
  • you seek conventional poetry

What it is about

"Be With" by Forrest Gander explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative is structured around the author's reflections on grief following the death of a close friend. Gander weaves together personal memories and observations about nature and the world.

The text often shifts between prose and poetry, creating a lyrical quality. The author examines the interplay between presence and absence in relationships. Nature serves as a backdrop, offering solace and perspective.

Gander's language is rich and evocative, inviting deep contemplation. The work reflects on the ways individuals cope with sorrow. It also emphasizes the importance of connection in the face of mortality.

Ultimately, "Be With" is a meditation on the enduring impact of love and memory.

Award recognition

2019 winner

Pulitzer Prize for Poetry

United States

View the winners list: Pulitzer Prize for Poetry

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