Khalil Gibran Reader: Spirits Rebelloius, Secrets of the Heart, Tears & Laughter

by Kahlil Gibran

"I prefer to be a dreamer among the humblest, with visions to be realized, than lord among those without dreams and desires."The Kahlil Gibran Reader brings together sayings, poems, and short pieces from one of the twentieth century's most revered writers. Born in Lebanon in 1883, Kahlil Gibran's groundbreaking philosophy and simple yet eloquent poetry made him a figure of international renown. His writings have been translated into more than twenty languages, and his reflections on the nature of humanity continue to bring joy and inspiration to millions.This beautiful and accessible book is infused with Gibran's timeless and provocative truths, touching on subjects as diverse as love, friendship, beauty, wealth, sorrow, ambition, and destiny. A thoughtful gift for all milestone occasions-graduations, birthdays, anniversaries-and for every age group, this remarkable collection will provide a lifetime's worth of wisdom."To be closer to God, be closer to people."

Genres: Poetry, Fiction, Collections, Philosophy, Inspirational

Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Kahlil Gibran (Arabic: جبران خليل جبران ) was a Lebanese-American artist, poet, and writer.
Born in the town of Bsharri in modern-day Lebanon (then part of Ottoman Mount Lebanon), as a young man he emigrated with his family to the United States where he studied art and began his literary career. In the Arab world, Gibran is regarded as a literary and political rebel. His romantic style was at the heart of a renaissance in modern Arabic literature, especially prose poetry, breaking away from the classical school. In Lebanon, he is still celebrated as a literary hero.
He is chiefly known in the English-speaking world for his 1923 book The Prophet, an early example of inspirational fiction including a series of philosophical essays written in poetic English prose. The book sold well despite a cool critical reception, gaining popularity in the 1930s and again, especially in the 1960s counterculture.
Gibran is the third best-selling poet of all time, behind Shakespeare and Lao-Tzu.

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite authors...Gibran never disappoints!

[Jyothi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phew! Well, its a bit depressing. But then its strength is in its pathos which almost made me cry, at other times I just prayed to Almighty to grant me freedom from this incredibly long monotonous work. But if you think a bit and look around, this is what you see everywhere-pain.
His stories are more like those Prayers in the Church. The stories are well woven. Most of us might well relate to the protagonists in his stories, as he rattles your conscience, making you aware of your own insensitivity.

Its a must-read for most of the youth of today, since insensitivity stands tall amongst most other evils of the day.

[Brooke Gilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible writer and poet. My favorite poem is "Earth"

[Jeevan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of works such as 'Broken Wings' and 'The heretic'. There are so many hard-hitting lines in his work, it will not be enough to read them once. Written with the authority of a realized soul, many stories reflect the contemporary and the age-old questions along with some original answers. I wish the compiler provided more background on all the works instead of just a few.

[Ravi Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful poetry in the style we have come to expect from Gibran. He had a fascinating insight into the world, into people and expressed it in a visionary style.

Highly recommended.

[Elia Anichini · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Ispirazione è vedere una parte del tutto con la parte del tutto che è in noi."