St Martin's Press The Gift of Rumi: Experiencing the Wisdom of the Sufi Master

A great read, from an academic genius. It will change your perspective of life. Persian poetry from the 12th century. The author of this analytical analysis of poetry is definitely a talented scholar .

Whether you are knowledgeable about Rumi, and seeking fresh translations of his poems that will re-invigorate your heart in their authenticity (both literally and metaphysically), OR you are the everyday reader, perhaps seeking inspiration in the language of love, this book will nourish your inner essence and capacity for deep spiritual devotion...to yourself! (In the most unselfish way :)) This is not a self-help book, but a self-book. A manual for contemplating humanity, and what it truly means to be a "self."What I find most admirable in this Gift is the weaving together of the poetry, history, and the personal journey of the author, to truly encapsulate the wisdom and teachings of Rumi. The mystic speaks to anybody alive today, regardless of who they are or where they come from, and shows us how we can learn about the human spirit that connects us all. Especially today, when there is so much uncertainty all over the world, and we are reminded not to take life for granted, this book can help us uncover (or recover) what is most precious about us as humans...our capacity for love. And that is what makes every one of us truly divine!

A must read

As someone who has always had only cursory familiarity with Sufism and the verses of Rumi, I found this book to be highly enlightening, and a complete joy to read. Emily does a wonderful job in laying out the groundwork for a total beginner in terms of understanding the historical/cultural/religious background with respect to his life and spiritual journey, while also making some truly beautiful, heart-opening poetry accessible and understandable to all through her skilled curation/translation.

This book is a delight to read. It’s a spiritual adventure. I felt as though I was in each place the author was describing. Rumi’s words soften my heart and I’ll likely read it again. It’s a great book for our troubled times. It gives me hope.