Addressing Misunderstandings in the Review of Just Love Her
In the world of book reviews, every reader brings their own set of experiences and preferences to the table, and that diversity is essential to the literary ecosystem. However, misinterpretations can arise when a reviewer steps outside their comfort zone and tackles a genre that requires a deep understanding of abstract, spiritual, and non-linear ideas. Unfortunately, this seems to be the case in one of my book Just Love Her reviews. I will address the points in this article individually, explaining why I believe the review failed to understand the book’s core.
1. “Most of the book is nonsense”
This is a particularly harsh statement, especially when reviewing a book that deals with abstract spiritual concepts. Just Love Her was never meant to follow a linear, traditional narrative. The reflections in the book are meditative and philosophical, dealing with the intangible experience of divine love. By its very essence, spirituality does not always adhere to the rigid structures of logic or storytelling that we might expect from other genres. I recognize that these kinds of meditative reflections may not resonate with everyone, but to dismiss them as “nonsense” shows a lack of grasp of the spirituality genre, where abstract and subjective experiences are central.
2. “Rambles on about ‘soul messages’ and ‘visions,’ ‘soul images’ and ‘divine love reflections’”
What the reviewer calls “ramblings” are crucial elements of spiritual exploration. The book delves into the nature of divine love and how it manifests in human life. Concepts like “soul messages”, “soul images”, and “divine love reflections” are metaphors for deeply personal, spiritual experiences that many readers—especially those familiar with spiritual literature—may relate to. I didn’t write this book to explain divine love traditionally or rigidly. Instead, I invite readers to feel their way into the book, to meditate on these ideas, and to allow them to unfold intuitively. Dismissing these ideas without understanding their spiritual context seems to point to a lack of familiarity with non-linear, meditative literature.
3. “Mihal quotes the movie The Matrix too frequently”
The Matrix is not just a movie but a cultural touchstone that deals with profound philosophical and spiritual ideas. The idea of waking up from an illusion and discovering a more profound, hidden reality is central to The Matrix and the journey I describe in Just Love Her. In referencing the film, I am not trying to compare divine love to pop culture frivolously but rather to use a modern metaphor to help explain a spiritual concept. In The Matrix, Neo realises that the world he thought was real is merely an illusion. This theme parallels the spiritual awakening I describe in my book, where love and divine connection transcend the material world.
For readers unfamiliar with spiritual literature, the connections I draw to The Matrix bridge the spiritual and the modern world, offering a relatable way to grasp abstract ideas.
4. “The book does not seem professionally edited”
The reviewer mentions “countless grammatical errors,” but many of my choices were deliberate and approved by a professional editor with experience in spiritual and literary writing. The capitalization of “Her” when referring to divine love is intentional, symbolizing the personification of the divine feminine. Switching between lowercase and uppercase “her” reflects the duality of personal and transcendent love. It is essential to understand that traditional grammar rules are sometimes bent for poetic or symbolic reasons in spiritual writing. I fully accept that some readers may struggle with this stylistic choice, but it was not done haphazardly.
5. “I also felt that Mihal should have explained more about ‘divine love’ and ‘soul images’ before diving into his reflections”
I can understand why a reader unfamiliar with spirituality might feel that more explanation is needed. However, the book’s purpose is not to give readers a step-by-step guide to understanding divine love—it is to invite them on a reflective journey where they can connect with these ideas in their own way. In the spirituality genre, abstract metaphors, like “soul images,” are expected to provoke thought and inner exploration. These terms are not meant to be rigidly defined but to evoke feelings and insights that lead readers to their understanding of divine love.
6. “Failed to convince me that these thoughts should be held to the same ideals as typical religions”
Just Love Her is not a religious text, and it was never intended to convince readers to adhere to any religious doctrine. Instead, it is an exploration of love in its most divine, transcendent form—a form that exists beyond the confines of organized religion. The book is meant for those seeking to deepen their spiritual connection to love without being tethered to specific religious ideals. It’s perfectly fine that this approach didn’t resonate with the reviewer, but it doesn’t mean the ideas lack value or depth. Many readers may find the spiritual exploration of love and soul images meaningful, even if it falls outside traditional religious frameworks.
7. “I would not recommend this book”
It’s understandable that a book like Just Love Her, with its abstract reflections and spiritual metaphors, will not appeal to everyone. However, outright discouraging potential readers from exploring it seems heavy-handed, especially considering spirituality’s personal and subjective nature. It would be equally inappropriate if I were to suggest to readers that the forum itself wasn’t worth participating in due to one mismatched review. The beauty of literature, particularly in spiritual and abstract genres, is that it speaks to different readers differently. It may not have resonated with this particular reviewer, but that doesn’t mean it won’t connect deeply with others seeking to explore love more profoundly and spiritually.
Conclusion: The Value of Different Perspectives in Spiritual Literature
While I respect the reviewer’s opinion, this review highlights the challenge of reviewing spiritual literature without the proper background or familiarity with the genre. Spiritual books are often non-linear, reflective, and abstract, requiring a certain openness to concepts that are not always easily explained. For those seeking a deeper understanding of divine love and the interconnectedness of all souls, Just Love Her offers a meditative exploration of those themes. Still, it requires a reader willing to engage with it on a spiritual level.
I welcome feedback and am always open to improving my work. However, I hope future readers approach Just Love Her with an open mind and an understanding that spirituality, by its very nature, defies simple explanations and linear thinking.
— Raz Mihal
Author of Just Love Her: A Journey into Love’s Divine Essence
