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It was freeing to notice the patriarchy of spiritual pursuits in an ancient age and how the author has allowed both Rumi and Shams to dip into the idea of equal opportunity as well as explore the potential of social limitations of their time. I could relate to Ella and her emotions at many times - and it was quite the coincidence and my son is also named Avi. What really drew me in was not the forty rules of love, but the sudden realisation that like Ella, I too had embarked on this year with an intention and instinct that this, my fortieth, was holding the promise and potential of major change. The story line in itself was lovely and complete in the various facets of observation - looking through the lens and inside the thoughts of the various characters was very liberating - and insightful. And just like that, the story became a reflection and an introspection - a pause to consider what these different rules of love meant to me. Then all of a sudden, I was past mid-way into the story and I realised I had spent close to a month with the book, which in itself was a first. I even wondered what all the hoohaa about the book was. I found it just like every other book and philosophy on heart-centered philosophy that I had read and studied. The first half of the book did nothing for me. I would love to give it a 4.5 - it went beyond really liking it and yet, I wouldn't say it was absolutely amazing.