Moezzi1 invites us into her "bipolar life" with candid, unvarnished truth, humor, and indignation for political and personal hostility. This is Moezzi's memoir; it is not a manual. She is on a spiritual journey to heal her heart. And she does so with her father and his intimate knowledge of Rumi's mystical poetry.

"I invited Rumi into my life, my house, my heart. I follow my father's lead as I seek remedies for some of the most common human diagnoses around: wanting, isolation, haste, depression, distraction, anxiety, anger, fear, disappointment, pride, and all of the misery they breed." These states of mind become the 10 chapters of the book.

Moezzi recounts the compassionate legacy of the ancient scholar, theologian, jurist, and mystical poet Rumi, sharing his life story revealing the essence of his sacred mystical poetry. Honoring her family, she discloses her father physician's spiritual gift-a lifelong daily, hourly evocation of Rumi's mystical poetry and its inherent, time-honored wisdom.

Moezzi's reflections on "21st Century Cures in Thirteenth Century" couplets: "I have also inherited my father's Rumi addiction, and through the book, I invite you to do the same. For unlike opioids or amphetamines, Rumi's prescriptions defy the rules of dosing and tolerance, as they work better when shared, grow stronger with each successive use, and boast no harmful effects."

It is hoped that readers will explore this important work as it is vivid proof that art is a healing force. But more importantly, it is an opportunity to witness a sacred journey and to deeply reflect on one's own. The audio version carries a unique experience for the listener that reading might not. It is as though Melanie is speaking directly to the listener as a friend, if you will. One who fervently hopes that you will find your way to peace, hope, and understanding free of the states of mind that cause misery.

You went out

in search of gold

far and wide,

But all along

you were gold

on the inside.

- Rumi

Melody Moezzi is an author, attorney, activist, visiting professor of creative nonfiction at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. She is also author of Haldol and Hyacinths: A Bipolar Life and War on Error: Real Stories of American Muslim, a United Nations Global Expert, and a regular columnist for Bipolar Magazine.

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