“Entertain your hearts, for hearts become blind when they are tired.” (The Prophet Muhammad, pbuh, as recorded in Al-Bukhari).
I had the honor of reviewing an entertaining novel titled, “Jasmine Falling” by Muslimah writer Shereen Malherbe.
Reading “Jasmine Falling” was fun because it is an adventure story. Before I tell you more, I want to encourage you to make time for “play”.
“Play” is any activity you do to have fun (in a halal way of course). I had fun reading “Jasmine Falling.” What are some halal ways that you like to have fun?
Why is “play” important? Well, according to play expert Dr. Stuart Brown, “play”:
1. Strengthens your brain
2. Opens your imagination
3. Invigorates your soul
As the above hadith shows, halal entertainment is good for our hearts.
“Jasmine Falling,” is an exciting read that gives you a glimpse into Palestinian culture. I was glued to the pages. The writing style is vivid and colorful. This book would make a great movie!
I loved the descriptions of Jerusalem. The ending is the best!
Here is the author’s summary of the book:
“When Jasmine’s mother dies inside their English mansion, hope comes in the form of her multi-million pound inheritance. But with her inheritance threatened, Jasmine is left to contemplate a future she does not know how to live. Jasmine has only ten days to uncover the circumstances of her father’s decade long disappearance before her fortune is lost forever. Forced to return to his homeland in Palestine, she follows his footsteps through stories long ingrained in the local’s minds. She is helped on her journey by a mysterious stranger who guides her through the trails of the Holy Land to the scattered broken villages, each harbouring its own secrets. Under the watchful eyes of the ever-encroaching Occupation, Jasmine must piece together her history in the broken land, before it destroys her future.”
Please support this Muslimah’s work by reading her book, available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/dp/151977074X
The author’s website is http://shereenmalherbe.com/jasmine-falling/