The Forty Rules of Love

     Author                       Elif Shafak

     Country                     Turkey

     Genre                         Spiritual (Sufism)

     Publication Date       February 2010

     Pages                         350





For the first time in a long time, I am finding it hard to pen down my thoughts on a book - and that's probably because this book has meant so much to me! It is indeed one of the most spiritually and conceptually rich books I have read in a long time and hence, the dilemma.

Elif Shafak's 'Forty rules of love' portrays Ella, a housewife who, despite having a seemingly perfect life finds something terribly missing. As part of her new assignment as a reader to a literary agent; she reads a novel by the mysterious Scottish author, Aziz Z Zahara, only to be plunged back into the thirteenth century Anatolia, where the fabled poet Rumi is transformed by the dervish Shams of Tabriz' forty rules of life and love. In her parallel life story, Ella is intrigued by the author Aziz and starts interacting with him via email and phone, only to fall in love with him.

Through the book, Elif has done a tremendous job in conveying the exquisite forty rules of love while also bringing these to life through Ella. The power of love, faith, spirituality and finding soul mates are some of the central themes of the book. Ella's practical and planned outlook to life is contrasted with Aziz's emotional, living in the present and full of love world view; as also depicted by the Rumi and Shams.

Some of my favourite quotes from the book are as below:

'Your destiny is the level where you will play your tune. You might not change your instrument but how well to play is in your hands.'

'People who cannot open up to love and follow its path the way a sunflower follows the sun are not really alive.'

'I believe we each make a covenant with God. I know that I did. When I became a Sufi, I promised God to do my part to the best of my ability and leave the rest to Him and Him only. I accepted the fact that there are things beyond my limits.'

'The totality of religion is far greater and deeper than the sum of its component parts. Instead of searching for the essence of Quran and embracing it as a whole, the bigots single out a specific verse of two.'

'If God had wanted everyone to be the same, he would have made it so.'

This book has meant a lot to me and I would highly recommend it to each and everyone of you! Have fun and be spiritual!

If you are thinking of purchasing a copy of this book, try out my favorite site: www.lafalafa.com; an online shopping portal which brings together some awesome deals from all large e commerce sites (Flipkart, eBay, Snapdeal and the likes) while also offering additional cash back; which you only get if you go through Lafalafa and shop at any of your e commerce sites!  

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading! 

Good Wives

     Author                    Louisa May Alcott

     Country                  United States

     Genre                      Classical Fiction

     Publication Date    1869

     Pages                       248







There are some books that possess an old library book smell - an amazing, yummy one that reminds one of days gone by. And 'Good Wives' was one such book. A sequel to my most favourite childhood book: ('Little Women'); 'Good Wives' helped me relive those lovely carefree days. And the story itself built around four sisters who each go through their own experiences but come together as a family to bear any extraneous events is an awesome reminder of everything that's good in the world!

True to its inherent nature of being an old world classic, this book is written in an exquisite language that's endearing. The story goes on at a favourable and comforting pace with positivity, hope and freshness as the central themes. One of my favourite quotes from the book that brings the general goodness to life is:

'I want to be above the little meannesses and follies and faults that spoil so many women. I'm far from it now, but I do my best, and hope in time to be what Mother is.'

The trials and tribulations of daily life are brought to light in the book through the lives of the four sisters. While Meg matures in her marriage and strives to be an exemplary wife and mother, Amy travels abroad to explore her independence and gain new life experiences. Jo tries her hand at writing while more significantly devoting herself to the care of her dying sister, Beth. The love and tenderness with which she caters to Beth in her last days is a lesson for all.

In short, 'Good Wives' is a 'feel good' read that absolutely matches up to the high standards set by the prequel!  So, if you are looking for something that's fun, meaningful and plain nice, you won't be let down!

If you are thinking of purchasing a copy of this book, try out my favorite site: www.lafalafa.com; an online shopping portal which brings together some awesome deals from all large e commerce sites (Flipkart, eBay, Snapdeal and the likes) while also offering additional cash back; which you only get if you go through Lafalafa and shop at any of your e commerce sites!  

You could use the link: http://bit.ly/1MJ4Fh5 to shop.

So, do check it out and Happy Reading!