My friend is a big fan of Khalil Gibran's work and I thought it would be nice to get her a book of an author with a similar writing style (she has all of Gibran's work). Her favorite piece is
"Vision" if that helps.
Thank you.
Alan Arc
Favorite Answer
I would think the Persian poet Rumi would be perfect for your friend. He wrote volumes, here's just one chosen almost randomly:
All day I think about it, then at night I say it.
Where did I come from, and what am I supposed to be doing?
My soul is from elsewhere, I'm sure of that,
And I intend to end up there.
This drunkenness began in some other tavern.
When I get back around to that place I'll be completely sober.
Meanwhile, I'm like a bird from another continent, sitting in this aviary.
The day is coming when I fly off,
But who is it now in my ear, who hears my voice?
Who says words with my mouth?
Who looks out with my eyes?
What is soul?
I cannot stop asking.
If I could taste one sip of an answer,
I could break out of this prison for drunks.
I didn't come here of my own accord, and I can't leave that way.
Whoever brought me here will have to take me home!
Diana
If she's into Gibran, she may already have it, but there's "The Rubaiyat" by Omar Khayyam. He wrote, "The moving finger writes and having writ moves on, nor all thy piety nor tears can bring it back to cancel half a line." There are gorgeous gift books that aren't too pricey.
Gibran's in a class by himself, but she may also like Rumi, Tagore, and Haziz.
Another possibility is Anthony De Mello: "The Song of the Bird" and "One Minute Wisdom" are collections of parables.
Good luck!