Because of my background in western philosophy, I’m drawn more to a work like Plato’s *Symposium* on love and transcendence than, say, to Rumi’s *Spiritual Couplets*. It’s not that I think one style is better suited to the topic. I just generally find Plato’s “prosaic” approach to be the more accessible of the two.This is all to say that if you are reading this review because you are intrigued by its topic or author, but also a little put off by the poetry mixed in with its essays: DO. NOT. BE. Dr. Alam’s short book lays out one of the most profound and accessible understandings of sexual, romantic, and spiritual relationships I’ve ever come across. She has fundamentally transformed how I think about masculinity and femininity. She has opened me up to an entirely new way of thinking about their complementary roles in spiritual growth, both in the context of a relationship and, surprisingly, outside of it. And she managed to do all of this because of her book’s incredible blend of poetry and prose, not in spite of it. I would not have been touched by her message on such a deep emotional and intellectual level were it not for the way she synergistically combines the two. Now I’m convinced is the way all books should be approached!...at least on this topic.I’ll conclude with one of Dr. Alam’s poems, which I think captures the “meta” of this review and the book it is about quite aptly:Lover,This is the only way there ever is-Divine union is bothPristine and dirty,Sinful and holy,Every paradox splayed wide open.I’ll touch and tug,Tempt and tease,And when I finally release you,I'll only have guided youdeeper in.