Customer Reviews

The Return of the Prophet

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I wasn't sure if I really wanted to read this book after I got it. My older sister had just died and I felt very angry and confused. What good was this book going to do me? Probably no good at all. But I picked it up anyway.

It starts off talking about Hajjar Gibran's older brother's death. That seem strangely co-incindental to me. What's the chances of being in that same state of sorrow as the writer of the book? Mr Gibran talks about how his loss led him to drinking and drugs. After being bailed out of jail by his parents, his mother leaves "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran with him. He opens it to a random page and reads "...could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain would seem less wondrous than your joy." It's something else to ponder when you are enmeshed in grief. He studies the drawing of Kahlil Gibran and realizes that the man looks familiar to him. He had seen the face in a vision (for lack of a better word) he had while he was in jail. His mother tells Hajjar that Kahlil Gibran is his great uncle and he should read the book.

Hajjar Gibran studies the book and more. He has a spiritual awakening that allows him to ask questions of the prophet. The answers are well thought out, not simple platitudes. The words are very touching and profound.
I won't say that the book healed me of my grief or made everything wonderful. I'm not sure grief can ever be healed, and even if it can, it's much too early in the process for me. But it made me look outside of myself and my overwhelming grief. It gave me something else to contemplate instead of my anger. It is a very powerful book to affect me in that way.

If you've read any of Kahlil Gibran's work, you will definitely want to read this book. The words flow like a beautiful river. I would also recommend this book for people who know nothing of "The Prophet". You don't have to read the original book to find comfort in this book.

Read it and ponder it.

I enjoyed the writings of Kahlil Gibran and felt that this was a worthy sequel to these writings. The poetic passion is not as intense on Kahlil's but the author makes it up with good poetic metahpors underscored by a gentle honesty about what he went through. The theme of making ordinary life into a meaningful dramatic journey where the lessons life teaches are important is developed well. There are worthy thoughts shared that shows the ancestor living in his descendants. I give it four stars rather than five because I still found myself tempted to compare Hajjar with Kahlil and still found Kahlil's to be a notch up. Still the book was enjoyable and the art, the charcoal sketches, is very appropriate and wonderful.

I remember reading "The Prophet" in high school and having metaphysical discussions. That was a wonderful period of life. I had been pulled into reading The Prophet, using it's guidance and wisdom in facing some of life's challenges. Many years later, in the tradition of Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet", one of Gibran's descendants, Hajjar Gibran, has now authored, "The Return of the Prophet". First off, this is NOT "The Prophet". It is written by a Lebanese gentleman, 100 years later, a descendant. It is sooooo easy to relate to this man, Hajjar. I can relate to the tragedy of death, attachment, change, escape, hope, courage ... He writes in a less mystical, ultimate TRUTH manner than did Kahlil. The teachings of the Prophet in this text were beautifully written. After a dozen years of subsequent training, I seem to see some of the unconscious elements that tie much together. Where Kahlil's writing was much more aloof and mystical, Hajjar's writing was much more down to earth, with occasional lapses into the ethereal, and, in my opinion, it made this book much more easy to relate to and to benefit from. I don't think that it has the substance quality of Kahlil's writings, not yet at least, but, was excellent stimulus for my thinking and practice. I'd give this book an A-. For the percent of the population drawn to popular metaphysical literature, it'll be an A+. Highly detailed and grounded people are less likely to benefit from this writing until their circumstances force them to be able to relate to elements of this excellent text. I hope that this is helpful to you. If you would like further conversation on this book, please feel free to contact me.

The title of this review is one of the many, many quotes in this book that I will pull out to keep me warm when it feels cold out to me.

I didn't know what to expect when I got this book. I had not read "the prophet" and did not have a preconceived idea. Within a couple of pages I was profoundly touched and completely hooked.

Hajjar Gibran has invited the reader on a journey from the soul splitting wound over the death of his brother to a homecoming and awakening of his Spirit's heart. I left the final page with a reluctance and also with a sense of having been nourished.

It threads very real human experience and foibles into a steady walk toward realization and understanding. If you are someone that seeks quotes of strength and honor, this book is good for that. Each page weaves words in a beautiful way. If you are someone who seeks themes of redemption, do not miss out on this book. It is exquisite!

Hajjar Gibran's 106 page gem, The Return of the Prophet flows brilliantly with its vividly picturesque life journey teeming with metaphors and similes beginning with the tragic childhood death of the author's big brother, to the writer's seemingly purposeless existence growing up and ending with his enlightenment during adulthood.

A descendent of The Prophet's Kahlil Gibran, Hajjar's colorful work exudes with wisdom and truth.

I think it is safe to say that this book is destined for the best seller list.

It's not the easiest thing to be a descendant of a great poet, then try to write poetry yourself. I think of the unfortunate case of the forgotten Percy Milton--but the less said about his unfortunate fate the better!

Suffice to say that the current Gibran fares much better, and does a lot to clear the air and make space for future heirs of famous people!

The writing in this new text is beautiful, inspirational, tender, and evocative. I recommend it with all good cheer and delight! Share it with someone you love, someone who's dear to you. Read it aloud. Savor the mystery and romance!

Not having gotten too deep into The Prophet, I didn't find this to be as interesting of a read ... as others have commented before me.

Having said that, it is indeed a beautifully written book and is inspiring. If you are need of comfort and direction, I do recommend reading this book ... in conjunction with The Prophet.

Relative, shirt-tail relative, or just a kindred soul, Hajjar Gibran has created a soulful and indeed useful book. Interspersed with an interesting story line can be found (Prophet-like) bits of wisdom crafted in prose sometimes similar to the original Prophet, sometimes entirely unique to this author.

I found that the sections on Forgiveness ("Anger is disintegrated love.") and Abundance ("Prosperity need not hinder your progress, nor can renunciation elevate your goodness.") really spoke to me, helping me to put events in my own life in perspective. Bits and pieces of wisdom can be found throughout this little book, some of it worthy of highlighting for future reference.

Kahlil Gibran purists might be disappointed, but perhaps they shouldn't be. This is a new Gibran, and a new book, although obviously drawing on inspiration from the old one.

I say, buy this one, AND if you haven't read The Prophet, buy that one, too. The two are a good pair for your book collection.

Not a bad book but -- well, not what I expected, either. Worth reading if you are a HUGE fan of "The Prophet". If you have only a mild interest, this one might not be what you're looking for.

As a big fan of Kahlil Gibran for years, I looked forward to seeing how close his descendant could come to his lyrical heart-moving prose. And I was not disappointed. Woven into the fabric of his biography are the words of the Kahlil's Prophet, giving advice in the way only he can. I highly recommend this book to other Gibran fans, as well as those looking for spiritual enlightenment and upliftment.