Recently Read

The Eight by Katherine Neville.  Almost any and every character in history shows up at some point in this conspiracy/puzzle novel (think Dan Brown).  It is historical name-dropping.  Very long.  Not my thing, although I read it all.  And ask myself why.

Don't Breathe a Word by Jennifer McMahon.  Had this on my list for a long time.  Should have kept in on the TBR list.  Another disappointment--crossing McMahon off my list of authors.

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins.  Hmmm.  An ARC about a string of murders in a small Mississippi town and about three women who all believe they know who the killer is.  Each woman has a different suspect in mind:  a brother, a husband, and employer.  In spite of the novel not really being my cup of tea, I did like Cherrie Mae.

I'm still reading several books of essays, but I'm still not reading much because I've been so wrapped up in my crafting projects.  Embroidery and doll making have occupied most of my time.

I have, however, watched some good documentaries:

Y Yoga Movie - which I really enjoyed after getting over the flamboyant fellow at the beginning.  Many interviews with yoga teachers like Shiva Rae and Seane Corn.

Also,  Craft in America - interviews with some outstanding craftsmen and women whose work is art.  Their work is not the kind of crafting I do, but genuine art--basket makers, furniture makers, and a blacksmith.  The interviews are informative and fascinating.

I've curtailed my library visits lately because I have so many books that I need to read from my own shelves, but I'm feeling the mystery obsession taking hold again and need a bag full from the library to help ease the withdrawal.

Zor by J.B. (Ray Clements)

Zor is a strange little book, a parable about finding enlightenment.

"The avatar, Zor, knows the quest for enlightenment must begin with the unification of Philosophy, Spirituality, and Science. To that end, he guides Jonathan Brewster on his path to self awareness; deftly balancing quantum physics, religion, Zen, reductionism, multi-dimensional reality, Einstein, chi, the power of thought, post death experiences, Newton, Pavlov, the Big Bang theory, relativity, pantheism, space/time travel, peace, love, and understanding."  --from  this page; the page also contains some great links on some of the above subjects.     

This little book, a relatively short read, covers so many things that I've come across in books on yoga, spirituality, and neuroscience.  Although the subject matter is deep, J.B. keeps us from getting lost by using lots of illustrative examples and the enforced parable technique.  

The story of Jonathan Brewster and his chance (?) meeting with the Haitian dwarf Zor provides a way to think about the way interconnections of philosophy, spirituality, and science are perceived.

I enjoyed the book very much, partly because so many of the names and philosophies were familiar from other reading, including the "brain books" -- the books I've read about neuroscience.  However, I also liked it because the book takes it so much further, linking everything together, much like the neurons in our brains..

Fiction.  Philosophy/Spirituality/Science.  2010.  268 pages.

Yoga/Feldenkrais/Neuroplasticiy/The Vigorous Mind

I've been reading my yoga books again, in between all of the other books.  Maybe the feeling of Spring and regrowth and the beauty of azalea blossoms re-kindled my interest in yoga reading and more devotion in my practice.  I do yoga almost everyday, sometimes skipping Sundays, and usually attend two classes a week, but my yoga reading has slowed down in the last few months.

 Whether it was picking up the grandchild or moving furniture or a too enthusiastic practice, or a combination (most likely) of all of the preceding and the ever-present scoliosis, I've done something to that right SI joint.  As a result, I've been taking slower, gentler, more exploratory sequences of asanas and reading more about  joints, muscles, and lower back problems and choosing asanas that calm and strengthen and omitting those that interfere with strength and ease.

I have had a new yoga center on my radar for several months and finally decided to give it a try.  It was a lovely practice that seemed remarkably geared to what I needed.  The Arodasi Center is located in a wonderful old home in the Highland District, and the teacher, Kristin Hanna, is one of those people who seem intrinsically at home with herself and others.  The practice was slow and gentle and left me with the feeling of alertness and peaceful relaxation that I adore about both yoga and tai chi.

 Kristin Hanna is also a Registered Somatic Movement Therapist and Educator in the Feldenkrais Method.  I'm finding myself with a new fascination and have a one-on-one private session for Functional Integration scheduled for Friday.  

It is one of those synchronicitous discoveries -- when reading The Vigorous Mind (the first time), my interest in the workings of the brain and in neuroplasticity was aroused.  Norman Doidge's The Brain That Changes Itself  (one of my favorite "brain" books) mentions Feldenkrais' work and the way it can change brain patterns.  

Here is a bit about the Feldenkrais Method and Moshe's Feldenkrais' work as a physicist, his escape from Nazi-occupied Paris with French atomic secrets, his training of British paratroopers in hand-to-hand combat, and more about his method.  Yes, I definitely want to read a biography.

This post on my self-challenge inspired by The Vigorous Mind needs some serious updating, but the journey it set me on has included:  becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher, reading more about the brain and neuroplasticity, deepening my yoga practice, and now, perhaps, a new discovery that will further my understanding of the mind/body connection.
===========
Have any of you had any experience with Feldenkrais? 

Halloween and Yoga Books

I still have several books to review, but I've been busy playing with Halloween stuff.  A Halloween tree and some small ornaments are in progress.

Since I'm not in the mood to review my recent reads,  I'm going to share some of my yoga books.  I've gathered them all together, but they will soon return to my various reading spots and to the shelves.

I didn't care for Yoga for Anxiety much, or for Breathwalk.

These are excellent.

I was trying to get a better picture of this one, and Stinker got curious.

She does "cat" pose better than this, but she wasn't really trying.

 These are my favorites, pulled from the various stacks; these are the ones I keep out for rereading and research.  You can see the book marks sticking out of some of them, and all of them are well high-lighted.

Click to enlarge.

I have no idea how many times I've read some of these, but on each reading I process a little more of the information or understand something for the first time.  That learning plateau is always in action.

Although these are my favorites, I frequently pull out some of the others when I'm looking for something in particular.

Such a pleasant surprise....

 I have forgotten to mention the nice email I received from Mark Stephens thanking me for my review of his book Teaching Yoga.  Isn't it funny that he should thank me when I should be thanking him for making the book available for my personal study and my yoga library?

My practice continues, and I continue to read my yoga books both for new information and for reminders.  Not all of them have been reviewed, but maybe I should make a list of all of them and at least make a comment on each.

Still working on reviews.  It is so easy to put that chore aside and continue reading.  

Teaching Yoga by Mark Stephens

Teaching Yoga: Essential Foundations and Techniques is an excellent source for both teachers and students.  

Stephens is well-versed in the history and ethics of yoga, as well as in several yoga styles.  The first few chapters deal with the history of yoga, its philosophy and ethics, subtle energy (the 5 sheaths, prana, nadis, bandhas chakras, etc.), and body structure and movement.

There are also chapters on teaching yoga poses, techniques and tools, teaching pranayama and meditation, and sequencing and planning classes.  He emphasizes the importance of practice, self-discovery, and the role of the breath.  Steeped in the knowledge of classical yoga and modern adaptations, Stephens
manages to make the practice of yoga accessible to experienced teachers, new teachers, and students.

The book also includes appendices on yoga resources, a glossary, a list of asanas, and asana elements (preparation, integration, and exploration).

I will be using this fine book as a resource and re-reading chapters and elements frequently.  It took me quite a while to read through and highlight on my first reading, but it was well worth the effort.

Nonfiction.  Yoga.  2010.  385 pages + extensive notes and bibliographical information.

Krishnamacharya by A.G. Mohan

Mohan, A. G. (with Ganesh Mohan).  Krishnamacharya:  His Life and Teachings.

Krishnamacharya (1888-1988) is considered the "father of modern yoga."   Some of his famous students included B.K.S. Iyengar, Patabi Jois, Indira Devi, T.K.V Desikachar (his son), and the author, A. G. Mohan.  He is largely responsible for the popularization of yoga through his own influence and through the influence of his students.


A.G. Mohan began studied with Krishnamacharya for nearly two decades at the end of Krishnamacharya's long life.  He gives an overview of Krishnamacharya's early years and studies, but does not go into his lessons with Iyengar, Patabi Jois, or Indira Devi.  Instead he relates his own personal experiences with his teacher and mentor with great respect and reverence.


"... A. G. Mohan, a well-respected yoga teacher and yoga therapist, draws on his own memories and Krishnamacharya’s diaries and recorded material, to present a fascinating view of the man and his teachings, and Mohan's own warm and inspiring relationship with the master. This portrait of the great teacher will be a compelling and informative read for yoga teachers and students who truly want to understand the source of their tradition and practice."  Product Description

 The book is quite short with many references to ancient texts with which I am not familiar and only brief information about Krishnamacharya's early years, but I agree with the Product Description -- it is an excellent read for yoga teachers and students interested in learning more about their tradition.

Nonfiction.  Biographical.  2010.  151 pages.

Books and Boxes

I ordered some more yoga books from Amazon.

Stinker had the best time playing in the box.

She would drop her ball in the box, then try to get it out from under a flap, lose it, chase it, and drop it in again.

Devi, Nischala Joy.  The Healing Path of Yoga.

 I enjoyed this book and will be reading back over it with a highlighter in hand.  A lot of the information is not new to me, but as usual, sometimes the way the information is disclosed can make a difference, and there were many places where I felt Devi's words had more of an impact on me that the same ideas in other format.  Another benefit was that there were so many places that, as a yoga teacher, I felt that Devi's words would make things clearer to students.  Finally, the reason some of the ideas are so familiar to us today is because of Nischala Devi's work.

Devi has plenty of experience in using yoga to help those who are ill, as she helped Dr. Michael Lerner develop yoga-based retreats for the Commoweal Cancer Help Program.  She was also requested by Dr. Dean Ornish to create yoga practices specifically for patients with heart disease.

Scientists and the medical community are aware of the benefits of yoga and tai chi in relieving stress, in physical conditioning, in healing relaxation techniques, and in overall wellness today-- and part of the reason is the work that Nischala Devi has done.

Here are two celebrity opinions of her work:

"Whether you have never practiced yoga and meditation or you practice daily, Nischala Devi will help bring you to the next level. Her extensive knowledge and calming manner come through as beautifully in this book as in person. Nischala offers tools you can use that will benefit you for the rest of your life."      
-- Clint Eastwood

" As the caregiver of a cancer survivor, I know firsthand the healing light of Nischala Devi's teachings. Now they come alive for countless others in a book of her distilled experience, beautifully expressed."
-- Gail Sheehy

I don't usually include this kind of endorsement concerning a book, but have a feeling that neither of these individuals would make the statements unless they were sincere.


Nonfiction.  Yoga.  2000. 230 pages.

Only 2 More Days

Ha! How do these damn books know what is going on in our lives and somehow manage to wiggle their way in?

Two books in progess that I've had so little time for (the Bhagavad Gita and The Last Days of the Lacuna Cabal), but I finished my teaching practicum yesterday and the exam today, and I wanted to indulge myself since I have nothing due tomorrow. The Bhagavad Gita is yogic philosophical discourse, Lacuna Cabal is a modern novel about a book club in Montreal recreating The Epic of Gilgamesh, both have connections to the study of yoga, although I didn't realize it with Lacuna Cabal when I started it.

I read a little more of Lacuna Cabal when I got back to the room, but then an hour or so ago, on a whim, I put it down and picked up Hot House Flowers and the 9 Plants of Desire. The jacket said something about plants (which I love), mystery (ditto), and adventure (yes). On page 46, a friend of the main character tells her to take up yoga, that it will relax her more than alprazolam:

"Yoga nidra, the yoga of sleep. Pranayama, control of the breath. Hatha yoga, O gentle yoga of service."

"O nutjob, what the hell is the yoga of sleep?"

"It's when you practice staying awake in your sleep so that your mind is awake while your body is sleeping."

I went to 2 Hatha yoga classes on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. Decided to try Yoga Nidra on the very last class. Wow! What an experience. We've been learning and practicing various pranayama (breath control) techniques since we got here, along with mantras, mudras, and asanas. There are only about 2 sentences in the manual about Yoga Nidra, but our teacher advised us to try it, so on Sunday I did. I could learn to love that experience!

Tonight, I begin a new novel, and although the novel is not at all about yoga (plants, a mystery, and adventure), it is another interesting coincidence. I truly cannot seem to escape from this summer's yoga theme.

I'm yoga-ed out, and it just keeps coming.

A glass of wine and a shower, and then to bed.

Reporting In

Still here in Austin. Working hard. Going to teacher-training classes all day and taking some yoga classes at night and on weekends...when I don't have too much homework.

My husband came this past weekend, I abandoned class thoughts, and we had a great time. We saw the bats (estimated 1.5 million bats in the colony) come out from under Congress Street Bridge--fantastic!

Austin Bats from Daniel and Rose SaltysilkGo on Vimeo.

A friend from class took me to see Mt. Benel and to a wonderful macrobiotic restaurant, Casa de Luz.
Now reading The Bhagavad Gita (re-reading, actually--but the first time was too many years ago in a college class).



Fee brought me 2 new ARCs that came after I left. The Last Days of the Lacuna Cabal by Sean Dixon and Hot House Flower and the Nine Plants of Desire by Margot Berwin. Both of them sound really interesting, but doubt that I'll have time to read them (or the others I brought with me) as by the time I've gotten back to the room, there is still homework or preparation, studying for the exam, and eating and showering, etc.

Just a week and a half left, things are drawing to a close. Leaving will be difficult after the intensity of this experience. Such great teachers and classmates...I'm sad at the prospect of leaving, even if sometimes missing the security of home.

New Series

I discovered a new mystery series, The Coroner's Lunch, while visiting a favorite quilting blog, A Block a Day. The setting is Laos in 1975 and the main character, Dr. Siri Paiboun, a seventy-something who has been conscripted to be the chief medical examiner, must wade through political implications and some supernatural elements to find justice and to survive. I've added it to my wish list, thanks to Lily's recommendation.

Went to my third Kundalini Yoga class from 4:30-6:00, then a Hatha class from 6:00-7:30. Both were good, but I love the Kundalini. So different, so deeply relaxing, and then there is the gong during final relaxation. Addictive. Yes. The vibrations just travel through your body.

Bought two more yoga books and a great CD after class, then came back to the room to eat the tabouli I made this morning and left to refrigerate for about 10 hours. Mmmmm.

I've enjoyed this weekend. Yesterday, I had to wash clothes and do some grocery shopping, but there was time to play on the computer, to read, answer emails, talk to family and friends on the phone, and to practice on my own. Today, more of the same. Tomorrow, free time will be less available.

Listening to my new CD, Deva Premal's Essence...

July 4th and Off to Austin

We had a great deal of fun over the long 4th of July weekend. Lots of people in and out over 4 days. The kids were all great and had a ball playing in the large pool Fee bought for them. There was also a blow-up slide that was a real hit!

Some folks were only there Friday night, others only Saturday. I came home Sunday afternoon, but Erin, Mila, Max, Rhodes, and Fee stayed until Mon.

Now, I'm here in Austin, TX. Wednesday, it was 106; yesterday, 105. Have to admit, though, that with the lower humidity than at home and frequent breezes, it doesn't feel as miserable as Shreveport/Bossier weather. Sweat dries here.

I scheduled my most recent reviews before I left, so I won't have to worry about reviewing A Darker Domain by Val McDermid or Find Me by Carol O'Connell. I also have a couple of drafts in progress.
-------------------
Saturday

Orientation for the Hatha Yoga Intensive was Friday from 5:30 - 8:30. Classes today were from 8:00 - 6:30. Exhausting, exhilarating. There are 20 participants, and they have all been very nice--which is great given the amount of time we will be spending together for the next 30 days!

I did bring some review copies to read:

The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (which is wonderful so far)
Conversations with Richard Bandler by Owen Fitzpatrick
The Book of Rapture by Nikki Gemmell
God is an Englishman and
To Serve Them All My Days - classics by R.F. Delderfield that Sourcebooks is re-publishing and want reviewed for a Blog Tour in September.

Now, I don't know how much time I'll actually have to do much besides study and practice!

Yoga for Body,m Breath, and Mind: A Guide to Personal Reintegration

Mohan, A. G. Yoga for Body, Breath, and Mind: A Guide to personal Reintegration.

This and Desikachar's Heart of Yoga are two of my favorite yoga books so far, and they have much in common as Desikachar is the son of Krishnamacharya and A.G. Mohan is one of his most famous students.

Chapter 1: Yoga and Personal Reintegration

Information on perception and misperception, the 5 states of mind, the gunas, obstacles to reintegration and some solutions, Kriya Yoga, the 8 Limbs of Yoga

Chapter 2: Asana--The Role of the Body in Personal Reintegration

The core principles of reintegration, listed and expanded upon. The principles of practice and sections on putting each principle in action.

"Asana should not simply be an external form into which you fit your body, but should arise from within you. What you see in the mirror is the form. What you feel is the function of the posture. Unity, not uniformity is the goal of yoga."

"The vast spectrum of body types and conditions assures that any partiular posture or movement not only will, but should, look different in every student."

Chapter 3: The Asanas

Classic and modified postures illustrated.

Chapter 4: Viparita Karani -- Inversion

Chapter 5: Vinyasa Krama--Sequencing and Adaptation

Chapter 6: Parnayama-- The Role of Breath

Inhalation, exhalation, retention, and suspension of breath and the relation between the components discussed. Methods of breathing listed and defined (ujjayi, sitali, nadi shodana, etc.). General Guidelines for pranayama practice; bandhas, use of sound.

Chapter 7: Meditation

Chapter 8: Yoga Therapy

I've highlighted so much in this book! The content is so similar to Desikachar's Heart of Yoga, but the language is very different. I always benefit from different explanations.

Nonfiction. Yoga. 1993. 211 pages.

Teaching Yoga: Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship

Farhi, Donna. Teaching Yoga: Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship.

This book certainly contains some useful advice, but is the least favorite of the yoga books I've read. The information could be contained in fewer pages, and something about the style and anecdotal situations put me off a bit. Loved Farhi's Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit, but this one...not so much. Perhaps as a former high school teacher, much of the content is pretty standard fare. Which doesn't mean that even experienced teachers don't need reminders...

Here are some of the points I highlighted:

- "The underpinnings of the Yoga tradition have to do with leading a moral life in which our actions are congruent with our values." I like the way she worded this, and it is one of the more difficult virtues to accomplish--to practice what we preach.

- I also like that when she mentions ahimsa, usually described as non-violence, Farhi expands the meaning to "compassion for all living things" and later balances satya (not- lying or truthfulness) with ahimsa and not-harming. Often truth is used as a weapon and is intended to hurt or belittle. Farhi makes the first mention of this need for balance that I've read so far. It may be taken for granted by many, but I like that she spells it out.

- Farhi's use of Patanjali's yoga sutras to introduce many of sections is worth noting. I liked this aspect as well.

- I found the sections on the power of words, appropriate etiquette, and setting boundaries useful concepts to keep in mind. These are important in any teaching situation, but have special relevance for physical endeavors.

I do think Teaching Yoga is a book that will be good to have on the yoga shelf and one to which I might need to refer in the future. (There is a CD included that contains Farhi's keynote address at Yoga Spirit 2002.)

Nonfiction. Yoga. 2006. 166 pages.

Mid-Summer Already!

My gosh! I have 3 more reviews scheduled, 4 drafts in progress, and two books that I've just finished.

All of those scheduled and in progress were completed in June. A little minor surgery and a thyroid imbalance slowed down the physical activity in June so it turned into a reading marathon. When I wasn't too tired to keep my eyes open, I was reading, but as usual, not reviewing. So the first week of July will be reviews of June books.

My only crafty activities (besides the ever present embroidery) were these flowers for Calamity Kim's Fabric Flower Flickr Group.
While I was in my "too tired to do much" state, I attended only Marcia's morning restorative yoga classes. Last week when I began feeling more energetic, I went to one of the evening "fitness yoga" class and...injured my shoulder. Duh!

Yoga for Wellness

Kraftsow, Gary. Yoga for Wellness.

Gary Kraftsow, founder of the American Viniyoga Institute, teaches in the lineage of Krishnamacharya and Desikachar and is well-known in the world of yoga.

An overview with points I like or consider important:

Part I Yoga: A Developmental Approach

Chapter 1: Principles of Practice

- in discussing the form/function problem concerning the relationship between classical form and practical function of postures: "The true value of these postures lies in their functional benefit to our own body, not [emphasis mine] in the objective character of their classical form."

- a great section on why we adapt postures and various explanations and photos that illustrate adaptations

-methods of adapting the breath to "deepen the practice and produce different effects."

- information about using sound and props and on sequencing.

Chapter 2: Biomechanics of Movement

- the primary and secondary intentions of movements

- postures are discussed and there are plenty of photos that illustrate problems in postures, as well as info on common risks and sequencing

Part II Yoga Cikitsa: An Introduction to Yoga Therapy

- The orientation of tradional medicine is "to treat the disease; the Yoga orientation is to treat the person. In Yoga therapy, therefore, we are first and foremost seeking to change attitudes and actions tha inhibit the natural healing process."

- "Viyoga literally means separation. In the context of Yoga therapy, Viyoga refers to the process of separating ourselves from whatever is undesirable in our lives." It is a process of elimation and "includes letting go of unhealthy attachments, giving up self-destructive behavior, and breaking detrimental relationships."

-"Samyoga literally means linking together. In the context of Yoga therapy, Samyoga refers to the process of linking to whatever is positive and productive in our lives. It involves the development of mental qualities such as kindness, courage, patience, and compassion. It also involves establishing appropriate priorities, practicing virtues, and cultivating positive relationships."

- "Our health problems may be related to congenital factors; patterns acquired in early childhood; the result of an accident, an unhealthy lifestyle, chronic stress; or any combination of these or other factors."

The 3 chapters in Part II, deal with Common Aches and Pains, Chronic Disease, and Emotional Health. Kraftsow frequently points out that in many situations, the practitioner will need to see a doctor in order to combine the benefits of traditional medicine and Yoga. The chapters cover in some detail the various systems of the body (skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, etc.) and various asana sequences developed to deal with specific problems.

This is another book that is informative on many levels. Kraftsow is thorough and the book is full of practical knowledge and inspiration. Another great reference!

Nonfiction. Yoga. 1999. 328 pages.

Yoga Mind, Body and Spirit

Farhi, Donna. Yoga Mind, Body and Spirit.

Part One: Groundwork covers a definition of yoga, the principles of yoga (the Yamas and Niyamas), an explanation of asanas and their purpose, and Farhi's Seven Moving Principles.

Some points and passages that I especially liked:

- "the practice is the reward"

- "yoga is both the means and the result, and the seed of all that is possible is present at the beginning"

- on asteya (not stealing) - "all misappropriation is a an expression of lack" and "The practice of asteya asks us to be careful not to take anything that is not freely given." (she goes on to explain that taking someone's ideas or time is a form of misappropriation)

- on santosha (contentment) - "Contentment also should not be confused with complacency, in which we allow ourselves to stagnate in our growth," and "Contentment not only implies acceptance of the present but tends to generate the capacity for hopefulness."

Farhi also covers the Neuroendocrine System, the Organ System, the Fluid System, the Cellular System, the Nervous System, and the Musculoskeletal System. She lists their attributes, structure and qualities and how to engage each system.

Part Two: The Yoga Asanas includes how to practice the asanas, considerations to keep in mind, essential skills, and how to incorporate the "Seven Moving Principles." There are separate sections on the standing postures, the sitting postures, backbends, arm balances & inversions, and restorative postures & breathing practices.

Part Three: Practice discusses sequencing, general and thematic practices, transitional movements, counterposes, and gives several possibles sequences for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practioners.

This is an excellent book by a registered movement therapist and renowned and respected yoga teacher. The book is practical and inspirational. I finished it about 2 weeks ago and have already referred to it many times!

Nonfiction. Yoga. 2000. 270 pages.

Wasting Away...

not in Margaritaville, however. Although a nice, cooling sip of Margarita would be appreciated in this heat! Well, yes, I mean more than a sip, but "sitting on a bar stool in a cool, dim bar and swilling Margarita's" didn't sound as good.

I've been doing a lot of very little lately. A little this and a little that in a pretty apathetic way. Reading some, embroidering tee shirts, less and less in the garden, etc.

I've continued my yoga studies, though. Currently reading Yoga for Wellness, Yoga for Body, Breath, and Mind and other books on my reading list. I find myself contemplating a statement about a posture or its benefits and then picking up other books for comparison. I'm really hoping some of this is beginning to take root in my brain.

Some fiction, too. I've still got to review A Stopover in Venice and A World Made by Hand.

The latter has given me some pause over the last few days as it was kind of peculiar toward the end, and I find myself wondering what I really thought about it. Does that happen to you? You read and enjoy a book while in the process, but when finished, you aren't really sure what you think?

Evaluating a book is often difficult, and the same book can mean different things at different times. On the whole, I love post-apocalyptic, dystopic society books. They are terrifying, but always make me wonder how far back in time society would be thrust if the entire infrastructure fell (or was blasted) away.

For the same reason that I loved Robinson Crusoe as a child, I enjoy thinking of the ways modern mankind would adjust to a society left with only medieval technology. What alternative futures could result from reversals in nature and/or human foolishness?

Yoga Anatomy

Kaminoff, Leslie. Yoga Anatomy: Your Illustrated Guide to Postures, Movements, and Breathing Techniques.

Yes, this is one of those books that I began months ago and have been reading on and off while reading others -- including the other books for my self-challenge, the fantasy books for Carl's Once Upon a Time Challenge, and many Advanced Reader's Copies.

One of the things I really liked about this book is the pronunciation guide to the Sanskrit names of various asanas and information about the meaning of the terms. Each pose is illustrated with an anatomical guide to the muscles that are in action, which is really interesting and gives insight into the actual workings of the body in the poses.

There is also information about joint and limb action for each pose, the challenges to the respiratory system in different poses and how to use the breath to make the most of the posture, obstacles, cautions, and variations.

The information is pretty technical (which is one reason it took so long to get through it), but it makes an excellent reference tool. I was glad this book was on the reading list as I already owned a copy and had been using it.

When I started taking classes with Marcia, some of the information became more pertinent, as Marcia goes more in depth about the asanas we practice in class.

Nonfiction. Yoga. 2007. 217 pages.