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The Value of Your Soul: Rumi Verse for Life's Annoying Moments
Drawing from her 2019 memoir of living at a spiritual retreat in Scotland, S. A. Snyder’s new book, The Value of Your Soul , is a collection of 38 peculiar “annoyances,” each with conventional translations that most of us can relate to. With the help of select verses from the Persian poet Jalal ad-Din Rumi, Snyder teases out some lessons learned from her experiences and offers a soupçon of homespun wisdom for coping with people, circumstances, and life. Her witty style and unique experiences combine to make this a fun, light read with a reminder not to take life too seriously. If you enjoy chicken soup stories, you’ll laugh at Snyder’s quirky approach to self-improvement. Think of it as lamb stew for the annoyed soul!
181 pages, Paperback
Published September 13, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 20, 2021
This book received rave reviews in the introduction from a variety of spiritual leaders and theological scholars. I wish I shared their enthusiasm. I have been drawn to the mystical writings of Rumi for a number of years and so I was eager to dive into this book. Much to my dismay I found the writing rather flat and uninspiring. Perhaps I should have taken a clue from the subtitle: “Rumi Verse for Life’s Annoying Moments.” I was able to digest about one third of book and then skipped around the remaining chapters, hoping for something more enlightening.
The book is divided into three sections: Expectation, Control; Resentment, Disappointment; and Vulnerability, Fear, Isolation. Each of the 38 chapters begin with a statement of “Annoyance” followed by a “Translation,” a Rumi Verse, and a short vignette from the author’s experience in a spiritual retreat located in Scotland. A little of this approach goes a long way, and after a while the reading became a heavier and heavier chore. I found little humor or joy in these contemporary illustrations the author calls “Unpacking It.” Confronting and integrating the “shadow” aspects of personality are integral parts of spiritual path; however, this book felt heavy-handed rather than uplifting which is what Rumi’s poetry represents for me.
I have not read the author’s first book, “Plant Trees, Carry Sheep,” a memoir describing the challenges of living in the same spiritual community. I respect the author’s courage and willingness to share her life experience with such candor. It just wasn’t a good match for me.
My thanks to the author, Luna River Publishing, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an independent, honest review.
The book is divided into three sections: Expectation, Control; Resentment, Disappointment; and Vulnerability, Fear, Isolation. Each of the 38 chapters begin with a statement of “Annoyance” followed by a “Translation,” a Rumi Verse, and a short vignette from the author’s experience in a spiritual retreat located in Scotland. A little of this approach goes a long way, and after a while the reading became a heavier and heavier chore. I found little humor or joy in these contemporary illustrations the author calls “Unpacking It.” Confronting and integrating the “shadow” aspects of personality are integral parts of spiritual path; however, this book felt heavy-handed rather than uplifting which is what Rumi’s poetry represents for me.
I have not read the author’s first book, “Plant Trees, Carry Sheep,” a memoir describing the challenges of living in the same spiritual community. I respect the author’s courage and willingness to share her life experience with such candor. It just wasn’t a good match for me.
My thanks to the author, Luna River Publishing, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an independent, honest review.
January 27, 2021
Book Rewiew: The Value Of Your Soul
5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book provides a lot of insight into life.
The way we can get lost in today’s world and lose our true inner selves.
The author provides Rumi verses, meaning, example and explanations.
It will offer insight to all in different ways.
You must read.
5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book provides a lot of insight into life.
The way we can get lost in today’s world and lose our true inner selves.
The author provides Rumi verses, meaning, example and explanations.
It will offer insight to all in different ways.
You must read.
November 21, 2020
This is a great companion piece to Plant Trees, Carry Sheep, Snyder's memoir about her time spent in Scotland at the same spiritual retreat as the lessons in this book discuss.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews