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claudiashelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
❝ Each and every reader comprehends the Qur’an/ Bible on a different level in tandem with the depth of his understanding. There are 4 levels of insight. The first level is the outer meaning and it is the one that the majority of people are content with. Next is the Batum- the inner level. Third there is the inner of the inner. And the fourth level is so deep it cannot be put into words and is therefore bound to be indescribable. Scholars who focus on the Sharia/ Bible know the outer meaning. Sufis/ Lightworkers know the inner meaning. Saints know the inner of the inner. The fourth level is known by prophets and those closest to God. So don’t judge the way other people connect to God. To each his own way and his own prayer. God does not take us at our word but looks deep into our hearts. It is not the ceremonies or rituals that make a difference, but whether our hearts are sufficiently pure or not. ❞
❝ How we see God is a direct reflection of how we see ourselves; We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are. If God brings to mind mostly fear and blame, it means there is too much fear and blame welled inside us. If we see God as full of love and compassion, so are we.❞
I cannot adequately express how much The Forty Rules of Love means to me. It has touched me deeply and left a profound impression on my heart and mind. The book is truly a masterpiece, and I'm not sure if I have the right words to describe its beauty and depth.
At first glance, one might assume that the book is just another romance novel, but this couldn't be further from the truth. This book is a novel that stands apart from the crowd. It is truly unique and unlike any other novel I have ever read. One of the things that I appreciate most about it is that it tells two parallel stories that eventually intersect, creating a beautiful and intricate tapestry that is both fascinating and fulfilling.
As I read through the pages of the book, I found myself completely engrossed in the two stories. The characters were so well developed and relatable that I felt as though I was living their lives with them. The stories were so well-written and engaging that I couldn't help but turn the pages to see what would happen next.
One of the things that I love most about this book is how it makes me feel. Reading this book is like being wrapped in a warm, comforting blanket on a cold winter's day. It soothes my soul and fills me with a sense of peace and contentment. After I finish reading it, I feel refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to take on whatever challenges come my way.
Last but not least, I highly recommend The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak to anyone who is looking for a book that is both engaging and thought-provoking. It is a book that will leave you feeling fulfilled and inspired, and one that you will want to read again and again. So, go ahead and get yourself a copy – you won't regret it! I promise.
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Murder, and Rape
bookishbuket's review against another edition
2.0
- The storytelling doesn’t leave any room for interpretation. Shafak outlines people’s motivations bluntly, which doesn’t allow the audience to speculate the why of anything. And that’s arguably the most important thing and author must achieve: showing not telling.
- The multiple POVs didn’t work for me. The characters spoke too similarly to one another. Their ideas were dissimilar but there wasn’t much about the tone or language that developed character or established a clear divide between the two timelines.
- Aziz’s description of his ex was laughable! Talk about Manic Pixie Dream girl!
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Rape
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Eating disorder
just_one_more_paige's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Terminal illness and Rape
Minor: Eating disorder
ljtademy3's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Sexual violence, Violence, and Rape
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Blood, Alcohol, and Adult/minor relationship
nehariaz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Infidelity, Rape, and Violence
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, and Death
Minor: Addiction
sophi_walison's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
Graphic: Grief, Infidelity, Medical trauma, Adult/minor relationship, Racism, Sexism, Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Child abuse, Cultural appropriation, Cursing, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Hate crime, Kidnapping, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Rape, Religious bigotry, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Violence
stephanieridiculous's review against another edition
1.0
-The writing stumbles over itself in its simplistic and modern vernacular. Its over written, clunky, juvenile, and cringey.
-The waxing philosophical about the meaning of life and love and the divine machinations of it all strive way to far and rarely land. I will give credit to two or three quotes from Shams that are very spot on regarding legalistic approaches to faith, but by and large it just didn't work for me.
-Less objectively bad and more in personal preference, reading about a woman falling into a wildly inappropriate/unprofessional emotional affair and justifying it because her husband has been unfaithful, but never confronting him about it, was not great.
-Shock factor used for literally nothing other than shock with rape on page and a hermaphrodite brothel owner.
-Shams tells a prostitute who was kidnapped/forced into sexual slavery who is trying to survive in a world that deems womens value based on their purity that people "disrespect her" (i.e. rape her) because she doesn't respect herself.
-Fatphobia, Islamophobia, questionable rep of various Islamic sects
Graphic: Rape
sarahaf712's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Murder, and Rape