The Longing In Between: •Sacred Poetry From Around The World (A Poetry Chaikhana Anthology)

This is a perfectly beautiful book. The selected poems are treasures, and Granger’s reflections are thoughtful and thought-provoking. It’s that kind of rare gem that I can’t wait to share with other people.

Poetry is our grace to a life of meaning and spiritual growth. It brings color to an otherwise black and white existence. The selection of poets and their heartfelt expressions of love is a tribute to Granger’s own masterpiece.

Love these poems. And the section that explains the poems was very helpful. I have a new appreciation for some poets like Whitman and Emily that I never understood before

2nd purchase for gift

It's a mix of understandable and not. Very interesting.

So glad I bought this book. Various writers articulate truths we maybe otherwise only “know” in a heartfelt, wordless way. I’ll continue to reread much of it.

Each of Ivan's reflections on the poems in this book add an incredible depth of meaning to the poet's words, deeply enriching the poetry reading experience for me. Really treasure his insights !

The world of inner human affairs often feels opaque, full of elusive destinations. We yearn to glimpse the truths that are hidden just around the chaotic curves and corners of our lives. The Longing in Between suggests that we can find in sacred poetry a useful grammar of awareness and insight. Toward this end, this book gathers a diverse selection of poetry from the metaphorical chambers of mystics worldwide, a collection of luminous flames further illuminated by commentaries rich with visionary insights. Ivan M. Granger holds up a perceptive lens – a lens produced from what he calls in his previous book (Real Thirst) a “fierce eye” and a “gentle heart.” In this marvelous selection of poems from global literatures, we glimpse unexpected depths of selfhood and meaning. The Longing in Between brings the whole world to our fingertips, and it is a delightful place to explore. This book deserves to find its way into the fleeting moments of contemplation that are so precious in the busy momentum of our unruly lives.

The analysis and the choice of the poems make this book a very interesting and insightful read

I use this book for reflection and simply to read and enjoy the poetry.

A book to treasure - I'm not the first reviewer to say it. I have followed Poetry Chaikhana for many years and it never disappoints. How many of Ivan's readers were waiting for a book like this to keep by the bedside and dip into time and time again. I truly hope this won't be the last anthology. It would be nice to have a beautifully bound hard copy of something as precious as this. Having said that, the paperback is accessible and sturdy enough.

Great book - very useful commentary on the poems by the author, interesting selection of sacred poetry from many different centuries and places. A perfect book to pick up, open on a random page, and meditate on a poem for a few minutes on a rainy, cold day.

Fabulous book of beautiful uplifting poetry from many cultures, supported by delightfully sensitive insightful inspirational explanations and comments. Highly recommended. A spiritual treat and a salve for the soul. Top of my long list of favourite books.