Kahlil Gibran's Little Book of Life

Kahlil Gibran (January 6, 1883-April 10, 1931) was a Lebanese-American artist, and poet. He is chiefly known in the English-speaking world for his 1923 book The Prophet, an early example of inspirational fiction that includes a series of philosophical essays written in poetic English prose. Neil Douglas-Klotz, PhD, (Saadi Shakur Chishti) is a world-renowned scholar of religious studies, spirituality, and psychology. Living in Scotland, he directs the Edinburgh Institute for Advanced Learning and for many years was co-chair of the Mysticism Group of the American Academy of Religion. He is also the cofounder of the International Network of the Dances of Universal Peace.

"Lebanese poet, Maronite Catholic, and follower of Sufi mysticism Kahlil Gibran died in 1931, yet his most memorable work, The Prophet, continues to form and inform spiritual seekers. Author Douglas-Klotz (director, Edinburgh Inst. for Advanced Learning) identifies the work as "inspirational fiction" and intersperses quotes from the book with lesser-known works to demonstrate Gibran's reflections on the topics of life and living. Douglas-Klotz admits that while some of these sayings are comforting, others are confusing, even disturbing. This is, he claims, the mystic's willingness to engage chaos as well as peace, signifying Gibran's embrace of all of life. Short apothegms ("We live only to discover beauty/ All else is a form of waiting") are part of chapter-long meditations. A few do not easily reveal their deeper insights ("If I were you/ I would not find fault/ with the sea/ at low tide"). Selection notes provide an important guide for further reading; an "About the Author" endnote is also helpful. VERDICT Poems, parables, and stories for mystical hearts." --Library Journal, Sandra Collins, Byzantine Catholic Seminary Lib., Pittsburgh