Writing has for a long time been a part of my creative expression.
The sense that I have got something to share is what motivates this playful writing.
The joy and love for the written word has taken different forms throughout the years, and has now translated into a genre that I have named: Spiritual fiction.
But the secret lies not in the words, but beyond them.
I hope that my writing will be perceived as not only entertainment for the mind,
but a recognition to that within that the story so often are pointing to, which is the essence of all my stories.
This place within that the story emerge from.
This place that I call the heart.
You can find my debut novel TigerLily, early spring bloom and my second novel 40 days and nights in bookstores such as: Akademibokhandeln, Vattumannen, Regnbågen and more.
You can also buy it on the internet in Swedish in book-form, as an e-book in Swedish and in English at places such as Adlibris.com, Bokus.com, Storytel.com, Nextory.com and more.
Below is the back text and an excerpt from 40 days and nights and some reviews:
“That my heart’s voice called from a place within where I could not ignore it, or that its tone often played a melody completely different to the melody of others, was something I understood early on.Whether this was my karma’s payback or my blessing was not yet known to me.Neither did I understand that my journey from “person” to conscious presence had begun already long ago.I did not know, either, what I was getting myself into.The only thing I knew for sure was that, despite my protesting mind, my flagging steps were directed towards a sailboat destined to cross the Indian Ocean.”
A book where you get to follow a challenging time in someone's life, when deep reflections on the existence and purpose of humanity arise. A book full of wisdom, insights and excitement. A book that is written to be experienced not only with the mind, but also with the soul / heart.
Johan /Bokus.com
5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“A personal journey”
I encourage anyone to read this book. It is a personal, authentic and deep story and depiction of interactions and experiences, based on the existential feelings that are always present for us but so often inattentive or invisible. It can be described here in a story that is experienced with the heart as well as with the mind. It is a personal journey and reflection that takes place in reading, which through Iren Rinmad's storytelling can very beautifully take place in harmony with Valentina's and other characters' sails through all the seas of life.
I can also encourage reading of Iren's debut novel: TigerLily, early spring bloom.
Cecilia Persson / Adlibris.com
“The best book I read in a long time!”
5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
It felt like I was on the sailboat myself and experienced every salt drop wave, every star fall, every breath of pain in the broken ribs and everything Val in the book experienced. This was not just the story of a journey across the Indian Ocean but the deeper journey inward . Reflections that are described in an incredibly beautiful and vivid way and that speaks to my own heart. The book is eventful and exciting at the same time as it makes me calm and harmonious and I could not put it down - I did not want it to end. I am thinking of this girl with a broken body, in a very weak physical condition, suddenly finds herself in a situation and on a journey of discovery that shows that she possesses a strength and greatness far beyond the physical. Iren shows us with her beautiful descriptions of Val's reflections what treasure is within all of us. I can honestly say that this book touched me and my heart in the same way that Paolo Coelho and Robin Sharma did with their books. I can highly recommend this book!
Malin Sandman / Adlibris.com
5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The book does not belong to genres that I usually read, but it was incredibly nice. A book that you stop and reflect on what you have read. The language is very nice, well worded and simple. Recommended!
Frida Källman / Adlibris.com
5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Fantastic reading. A book about trust in life, about the journey back home to oneself. I am profoundly touched by the depth, the divine and the spiritual. The story gives a feeling of recognition and confidence as it is written in a way that speaks directly to the heart. At the same time, I am touched by the poetic language that persists throughout the book. Thank you for a wonderful and beautiful book.
Elin Svedlund / Bokus.com
”A different but a fantastic journey”
5/5⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I can start by saying that I loved the cover. So incredibly nice and well made. Another thing that fascinated me was how the author made me start caring about and actually getting to know the main character in such a short time. After all, the book is not that long and I was afraid I would not have time to get a proper idea of her. But it was not something I had to worry about for very long. Our main character accompanies a boat trip in an attempt to find her way back to herself, and I can relate a bit to desperately wanting to search and find parts of myself that seem to have disappeared for a while. The book focuses a lot on the inner journey unlike many other books where the focus is on the outer. Didn't think I would appreciate it as much as I did. But it was done in such a fantastic way that it was impossible not to like it.
Then we should not forget how much I love the sea and the stories that take place there. Sailing is close to my heart and it was wonderful how the author described the surroundings in the middle of the open sea. The whole way the book was written captured me. Absolutely magical descriptions that made me really see everything in front of me.
This book does not belong to the genre or type of story I normally read, but I am so glad to have had the chance to read it. Really recommend it!
Vera / bokus.com
”Touched me deeply”
5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I was recommended to read Iren Rinmad's books by a friend. I rarely read books, but I could not put this one away. Well written and gripping story that touched me deeply. I will read it at least one more time to let the wisdom in the book sink in. And I recommend it to anyone who wants a book with a deeper meaning. Looking forward to reading her debut novel!
Clara / bokus.com
”Thank you, finally something worth reading!”
5/5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Strong story full of insights and valuable messages. In the middle of all the excitement, there is an inner calm when I read. A very beautiful language with its very own tone. Must be read!
Book blogger @i_min_bokhylla
”Melodic and easy to read”
5/5⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
It would take a week to cross the Indian Ocean, that's what he said, but that was not true. Together with two other passengers, she enters the boat and a journey begins. 40 Days and Nights is a book where you get to follow a challenging time in someone's life, when deep reflections on humanity's existence and purpose arise. A book full of wisdom, insights and excitement. A book that is written to be experienced not only with the mind but also with the soul and heart.
The book contains many beautiful reflections on life. A book you should not rush through but really read carefully and with attentiveness. Even if you yourself are not "spiritual" or thoughtful in the same way as the main character, I think it is a well-written, exciting and unpredictable story, which is both calm, thought-provoking and wise and well worth reading as the fine literature it is. It is easy to read with a melodic language, and I really recommend it!
Victoria Hellberg / bokus.com
”Adventure for mind and soul”
5/5⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
A book to read slowly. Letter after letter ... Sentence after sentence ... Page after page. No stress. Just soak in what the text wants to say and enjoy the beautiful and wise sentences.
In this book, just like in Paulo Coelho's books, you get to read about a person's story, but instead of focusing on the physical, it is more the journey that takes place within the character you really experience and absorb. The physical and the mental float together in a blissful mixture and create a cool whole that just floats past in what feels like a moment. The book is a great adventure, it really feels like you are experiencing at the same time as time stands still and flies forward when you read.
Saga / bokus.com
”A unique reading experince”
5/5⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
That "spiritual fiction" would be something for me, I never really thought. But I now realize that this is exactly what I was looking for in every book I read. "A story that points you inwards" as the author herself describes it. And that's exactly how it felt. To be able to follow an exciting story and at the same time meet myself on a deeper or spiritual level, was a completely new reading experience. A book that must be experienced!
Anna Bokmal / bokus.com
”Rewarding book trip”
4/5⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Iren Rinmad describes “40 days and nights” as spiritual fiction, an external story that points you inwards at regular intervals. I find that a good description. On the surface, a woman embarking on a long boat trip, while there is a story of an inner body of pain seeking answers for its healing.
I do not want to say that this is an easy-to-read book. Or a blade turner. Not because the language is complicated or the story uninteresting, but rather because it requires a large portion of your own reflection. The short chapters end with insights and messages that require reflection. So it is wise to let “40 days and nights” take time to read. It's a different book, it's not like any other I've read. For me, it brought some thoughts to life, about my own inner journey and goals. Fulfilled as well as forgotten. Something tells me that where I am in life, affects how I take the book.
Ylva Öz / bokus.com
”A journey”
4/5⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Do you also long to walk barefoot in the sand, to buy food from food carts, to sleep on a boat ... to simply go to Asia ..? Travel there with Iren Rinmad and also travel into yourself.
Valentina is hesitantly following Janek on a voyage that will last a week, but as the title reveals, it will be much longer than that. The pleasant holiday trip turns into a nightmare, especially as she is seriously injured after a motorcycle accident. Most of the story takes place on a sailboat in a storm and it is not a luxury cruise directly; and the days are divided into tiring five-hour shifts.
I interpret it so that the external journey provides an opportunity for your inner journey - to develop trust, strength and acceptance and insight is what really matters.
Saras Bokhylla / Bokus.com
”Woderful book”
4/5⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I experienced so many emotions when I read this book, even though it is about someone else, I can relate to myself. The characters are strong and brave while daring to show their weaknesses. Addresses important topics that touch.
What I love most about the book is the language, it's so incredibly beautiful. The words are formulated in a poetic way and touched me deeply. The language depicts the moments in life that one both appreciates and does not.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes books with deep messages and elements of poetry.
Annas Bokhylla / bokus.com
”A book filled with excitement and wisdom”
4/5⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
What a beautiful, revealing and special book! It grabs me and makes me want to travel away and just focus on my inner self and the big existential issues. The story is exciting and written in a poetic way. The author can really express the innermost questions of the soul.
The book highlights the human ego, which destroys and destructs. The subject of gratitude is included as a common thread, to be still, to be thankful for what we receive. I will take this with me on my life journey!
Below is a brief summary of TigerLily, early spring bloom and some reviews:
"Meet TigerLily and let yourself be inspired by the story's vibrant New York setting. Against the backdrop of this fast-paced city, the young female protagonist discovers ways in which to re-unite her physical existence with her innate spiritual nature. The city that never sleeps, causes a profound stir in the young woman. We follow her as she emerges from the dream of the everyday reality and enters into a state of greater wakefulness.
Her awakening is the beginning of the end of everything she once believed to be true. A tale that entertains with its dynamic exterior, but that also succeeds in drawing the reader deeper into the more reflective intuitive interior. The reader is taken behind the scenes,beyond the story-line, to a place that can be defined as the "the inner essence". The place where the tale has its origin. A warm, inspiring book filled with wisdom and humour. A book that was written not just to be experienced with the senses but even with the heart and the soul."
Eva Röse/actress
”Iren Rinmad is one of the coolest people I know. Without knowing how much or which parts of her book is autobiographical, the detailed story that starts in New York's fashion world and finds its way to Yoga and self-awareness,is an exciting journey to follow.”
Matilde Wergeland/freelanced journalist/Vogue
”TigerLily is a unique story and genre with an exciting plot and thought-provoking insights that make you want to read more and more. The book's wisdom and life-lessons make you stop and reflect which is one of the reasons why it is very hard to put this wonderful book down once you've started reading it”.
Kia Naddermier/Yoga teacher and founder of Mysore Yoga Paris
”With a true insider's view, Iren Rinmad manages to capture the contrast between the cliches of New York's fashion world and a stray soul's search for meaning and context. A story that pulls you in and makes you stop and reflect."
Book Blogger: @iminbokhylla
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Avery nice book that describes the beauty of the little things and makes one stop and reflect. Nicely portrayed characters in a story that contains both wisdom and insight, but also humor. Well written and exiting.”
Book Blogger: @bibliofilan
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
”One of my favorite books in 2018 was TigerLily, early spring bloom.
A book that the author herself describes as spiritual fiction/litterature.
It was a wonderful story about TigerLily who lives and works in New York but who starts to feel that something is missing. Is this really what is important in life?
I love the depth and the spirituality that permeates the book. And the environmental descriptions in New York and Iceland are captivating.
I would like to say that this is a chick lit with surprising depth, that made me several times during the reading (I read it three times during the year)stop and just sit and think about how we can influence what happens in life and on what is really important to me.”
Book Blogger: @ebbas.bokhylla
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I started this book last night and devoured it all in just a few hours. The book is like a mix between Sex & the City and Siddharta, where you can follow TigerLily and her fast-paced life as a fashion assistant, with little stops in her thoughts about life.
The book is very beautifully written and contains many deep reflections about life and about how to find one’s own way. The book feels real and not far out and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read a novel with that little extra! I would love to read more about TigerLily and thank you @iren.rinmadfor this nice reading experience. Incredibly beautiful book!”
Book Blogger: @lollosbokhorna
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is no ordinary book. It is a nice and special book full of humor. The book is about TigerLily, who lives a fast life in New York but who somewhere begins to feel that something is missing. She starts asking the question, is it really the most important thing in life? The book's language is good even though it took me a while to find the flow in the reading because it felt like the text was jumping forward. Iren succeeds with the environmental descriptions and conveys what life is like around TigerLily.
Every little thing in our everyday lives can turn into a great wave of impressions that we don't always know what to do with and don't always feel so good about.We would all feel good to stop and just be in the present! To not just rush on and take the next step. Maybe we should just be still and actually enjoy what we have a little more!
Book Blogger: @bokpratoannat
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Do you know the reading experiences that make you completely empty of words afterwards? TigerLily was such one for me. The book is about TigerLily, a young woman who seeks herself, seeks peace of mind, and finds it through meetings with people and by exchanging learned habits towards those who feel healthier.
In the book you get to follow TigerLily’s spiritual journey, that really makes one start thinking about how hectic our lives actually are, and that we more often should stop and discover what it means to just Be. This was a book I really needed to read, and I can imagine it will be well suited to me in twenty years as well!”
Book Blogger: @ebbasbocker
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
”This book was really something new to me, I have never read anything called ”spiritual fiction” before. I have to say I was very pleasently surprised! The book is about TigerLily who is living a stressed life in New York where she works in the fashion industry. It is a hectic life situation with travel, meetings - always something.
We follow TigerLily during a spring where she goes through a soulful journey and discovers an inner consciousness. The book is very well written and makes me think of things I never otherwise give a thought. Recommended!”
Book Blogger: @bettansboktips
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was completely taken by "TigerLily, early spring bloom". I read one chapter at a time and then stopped and reflected on what I just read. I found it wonderful!
Book Blogger: @jenniesboklista
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was inspiring, fun and beautiful!
Book Blogger: @booksandpastry
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
”TigerLily, early spring bloom” is a spiritual journey, but also a rare walk through New York and Island. At the same time it offers an insight into the stressful fashion world.
The book is very easy-going, restful and full of uplifting messages that turn your thoughts inward.
It is not a book to stress read but rather take a deep breath and just enjoy.
An existential gem.”
Book Blogger: @enbokiskogen
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Let me start by saying that this is a totally wonderful book. I really liked it. In TigerLily we follow a young woman with the same name as the book, who lives in New York and works as a fashion editor on a fashion magazine and lives a hectic life where everything must happen now.
We follow TigerLily during a spring of awakening to consciousness. I was totally captivated by this book, especially because of TigerLilys all contemplations. How beautiful but also how hard life can be. Iren Rinmad has an incredibly beautiful and simple language in the book. The short chapters made the book feel very relaxing and that you had time to reflect on what you just read. A book to recommend!”
Nöjd / Bokus.com
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“I love yoga and I love novels, but I had never read a yogic novel before. If the focus of the novel is primarily on the journey and not the goal, then there is a certain risk that the pages will not arouse interest and invite further reading. It does not happen in TigerLily, spring bloom.
I am sucked in from the first moment, the environmental descriptions make me feel the scent of nineties New York as well as a spring forest on Iceland. The book is entertaining, but it is also something more. A deep wisdom hides between the pages of the book, a calm and a presence that we would all need more of in today’s modern society.”
If you wish to read more reviews about "TigerLily, early spring bloom" and “40 days and nights” you can find them at places such as Adlibris.com and Bokus.com
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