IPhone 3G used's review (editor comments) 『I was just the editor several years ago when the work of yoga for healing and therapy was new. Note the main authors are from India and England where things were more open for yoga as therapy. All of us were pioneers and the book is informative and could I say gentle. Illustrations are lovely and one feels serene looking at the book's format. Really!
Written and produced with care and attention from folks with decades of experience even back then.
Do give it a try and use with other health care modalities Nancy Ford-Kohne, M.A. Health Sciences, teaching yoga since 1971.』
IPhone 3G used's review (So helpful) 『I wish I would have discovered this book with my previous two pregnancies. I found the information helpful regarding childbirth and pain management. I got great relief from back pain (I had physical therapy that didn't work the first two pregnancies) and relaxation through the yoga practice. I would recommend this book to any pregnant woman. It has made my pregnancy much more enjoyable.』
(Recommended!) 『From about the 5th month of my pregnancy until I delivered my son I did yoga, using this book, 4-5 times a week. I loved it! I was able to relieve virtually all the aches and pains that crop up during pregnancy with one posture or another. And beginners can use this book - I had never done yoga before my pregnancy and this was easy to follow. I recommend following the author's suggestion to first read the book, then read the instructions for each posture you want to do into a tape recorder and then play the tape back as you do the exercise. The exercises strengthen you for delivery and also give you some quiet time to stay in touch with (and appreciate) all that's going on with your body.』 『Yoga strengthens, tones and relaxes the body, making it the ideal exercise for pregnant women. It's also a natural way to relieve the stress and discomforts that accompany pregnancy. This practical guide is filled with sound health information and easy-to-follow exercises for expectant mothers at every stage of pregnancy. Photos and illustrations.』
Kakaku：848 saved$8.48
Shambhala
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (THE ENCYCLOPEDIA GIVES US AN AUTHENIC PORTRAYAL OF THE YOGA TRADITION) 『SOONER OR LATER MEN AND WOMEN HAVE TURNED TO THE EAST FOR SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT AND GUIDANCE THIS ENCYCLOPEDIA GIVES THE ANSWERS』
(YOGA MEANS TO YOKE! Its not all about asana!) 『Yoga is about so much more than excersize. To the man down there with his sad review, Yoga means to YOKE to be in union with GOD. The asanas were brought to the West and now it is just an exercise routine to you and millions of others. Asana means simple this - SEAT. Seat to meditate with God. How dare you call people who may not do 500 asana a day "armchair yogis". That is highly offensive! I suggest you do your research SIR before you go babbling bad reviews, as this author is one of the most sought after yoga and related topics authors! Yoga is about much more than Patanjali's methods of stretching to prepare yogis for meditation. Which apparently you dont do, its obvious.. so you will NEVER recieve the true benefits. Youre just going thru the motions if you are only doing asana for exercise or you think its cool. You will not gain anything but a nicer looking body. And if thats all youre looking for I suggest you go to your local gym and do pilates or lift some weights. Or perhaps you may find a Guru who will teach you the tru meaning of Yoga, which I hope you do. Learn some humility!
--Chizzle's wife
Shishya Gauri-Pahari Sitaya Das』
(thank goodness) 『This book makes learning about yoga (with all those sanscrit words) so much easier to understand.』
(Yoga History) 『This book is primarily concerned with the history of yoga and source texts, with very little attention paid to the practice of yoga. Of the hundreds of yogasanas, only a handful are covered (possibly as few as twenty) and there is zero coverage of yoga as it has evolved in the West over the past 40 years and no mention of Iyengar or Bikram. If you are a practitioner of yoga then you will find little of practical value in this book. If you are an armchair yogi with an interest in history, you will find what you want here.』
(Indispensable !!) 『The Shambala Encyclopedia of Yoga contains more than 2380 terms associated with Yoga, terms spanning millenia of Yoga history right from the Vedas till the modern age. No serious student of Yoga can afford not to have this book.
One can savour the online version of this encyclopedia at Georg Feuerstein's website Traditional Yoga Studies (web address: http://www.yrec.info). Each term of this encyclopedia contains a wealth of information on Yoga.』
『Here is an authentic portrayal of a rich and complex spiritual tradition of India. The over two thousand entries cover Yoga's history, its many approaches, schools, teachers, scriptures, as well as its technical terminology. The book is arranged and written in a manner that will inform rather than overwhelm the lay reader, while at the same time offering valuable references for the professional researcher and the historian of religion.The Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yogaoffers the following features: Each entry has cross-references providing pertinent conceptual links Entries are in English alphabetical order, unlike comparable reference works that follow Sanskrit alphabetical order, which is difficult for the lay reader to follow Orientational entries provide an overview of central aspects of the Yoga tradition, such as history, psychology, and major branches Many entries cite or even quote original sources, shedding light on how a given term is used by traditional Yoga authorities』 『Any student of Yoga will want to know more about not only the practices of Yoga but also its history and spirituality. One of the best places to turn is to Georg Feuerstein's acclaimedShambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga. With more than 100 illustrations (such as the many asana postures and chakra centers) and entries on everything from the Bhagavad Gita to Swami Vivekananda and from the Aryan invasion theory to biofeedback, you can't go wrong. Extensive cross-references also facilitate searches for both English and Sanskrit versions of terms.The Shambhala Encyclopediais a complete yet concise guide to the galaxy of Yoga.』
Kakaku：2995 saved$29.95
Cosimo Classics
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Worth twice it's weight in gold!) 『This book is one of the best I have ever read. It is not about postures, it is about the way to take care of your body and your health. It is chock full of information on how to improve your health in a variety of ways (some of which you can begin while you are reading the book), and many of which are very painless! From breathing, to chewing, to what to eat, to sunning, to ventilation, to bathing, to fresh air, to exercise and so on, he gives you fantastic advice for improving your health and your life. And he also explains WHY you should do the different things, and how they affect your body.
An absolute gem of a book; most highly recommended!』
(More than just Asanas!) 『This is an excellent guide to the Hatha Yoga way of life in all its aspects of health and well-being. You don't have to practice yoga positions to benefit from the wisdom and practical suggestions of this book. Just something as small as breathing correctly can change your whole physiology. I found this book to be very helpful in my overall goal to making a temple of my body as a way to aid my spiritual growth.』 『Followers of the early-20th-century "New Age" philosophy of New Thought believed they could learn the secrets of mind over matter, and one of their most influential teachers-enormously popular writer and editor William Walker Atkinson, writing pseudonymously here-revealed to them, in this 1904 work, the teachings of Hatha Yoga. His lessons cover: . the body's Vital Force . the laboratory of the body . how what we eat impacts the "life fluid" of the blood . the yogi's approach to food and eating . the yogi theory of the "prana absorption" of nutrients . mastering "yogi breathing" . harnessing "pranic energy" . rules for relaxation . and much more. See also Series of Lessons in Gnani Yoga and Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga, also available from Cosimo. American writer WILLIAM WALKER ATKINSON (1862-1932) was editor of the popular magazine New Thought from 1901 to 1905, and editor of the journal Advanced Thought from 1916 to 1919. He authored dozens of New Thought books under numerous pseudonyms, some of which are likely still unknown today, including "Yogi Ramacharaka" and "Theron Q. Dumont."』
Kakaku：2499 saved$24.99
Functional Synergy Press
Usually ships in 24 hours 『As we advance in our yoga asana practice, sometimes physical issues show up - issues such as a tight shoulder, a sore back, or pain in the sacroliliac joints. This book was written to help you overcome these issues. Instead of developing pain, soreness, and an overall feeling of tightness, you'll feel lighter, stronger, taller, and much more at ease. Advancing Your Yoga Practice: The Art of Slowing Down consists of seven full-class sequences that will open and stabilize your shoulders, hips and spine so that you can smoothly and easily move into your classic asanas such as Downward Facing Dog, Triange, Revolved Triangle, Standing Forward Bend, Warrior 1, Warrior 2, and Camel. Anatomy is explored throughout so that you can blend your intellectual knowledge with your yoga practice.』
Kakaku：1500 saved$15.00
Beacon Press
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Instructors and others share yoga's impact on their lives) 『This collection of short essays by yoga instructors, authors, and others details the many varied impacts of yoga. Some of the stories are fun and lighthearted, such as the email exchanges between cousins Janet Bowdan/Roz Peters and Judith Lasater's reflections on yoga and parenting. Others, like Adrian Piper's "The Meaning of Brahmacharya," are more academic in nature and more geared for those interested in yogic philosophy.
For myself, the stories which I found most compelling were those which were born from tragedy. In "Brick by Brick," Samantha Dunn shares her discovery of kundalini yoga after a devastating horse accident left her badly injured. Robert Perkins' "Journey in Yama-Yama Land" describes the depression he experienced after the death of his wife and the role of yoga in providing him with a way out. Both Elizabeth Kadetsky's "Coming Apart in Pune" and Lois Nesbitt's "An Insomniac Awakens" relate tales of lives unraveling in the midst of a yoga practice (the former became part of the book First There is a Mountain, a memoir of Kadetsky's studies with BKS Iyengar in India). And in "The Art of Breathing," the suicide of Reetika Vazirani's father plays a central role in her own yoga practice.
Although not all of these stories spoke to me personally, each contains an element of the personal, providing a window of insight into just a few of the infinite ways in which yoga is lived by those who practice it. Anyone with a regular yoga practice is bound to find at least one connection here, but this book is likely to be of little interest to non-yogis.』
(A wonderful collection of essays, shedding light on yoga.) 『This book has been a godsend. It is a collection of essays by various yogis, some of them teachers, some of them just folks trying to understand their lives. Over the past six months I have tried to start a yoga practice in order to gain some insight and bring some clarity into my life. In trying to deal with a lifetime of chronic depression and obesity I have found the holistic and non-striving philosophy of yoga very appealing. And yet I must admit that I am at times intimidated by the placid and flexible gurus who tend to write most of the books, appear in most of the videos, and teach most of the classes. How wonderful it is to encounter the doubts, insights, fears, and questions of the writers in this book. Personally the essays that I prefered were not the ones writen by yoga teachers, but rather the ones writen by people, like me, who have been touched by yoga, and who are just trying to find a "way." This book has opened a door and allowed me into the world of yoga, and I am very grateful.』
(Outstanding addition to the literature of yoga in English) 『There is so much in this book that is wonderful and unique in the literature of yoga that I want to comment on, but for this review I want to concentrate on just one of the essays, the brilliant and penetrating, "The Meaning of Brahmacharya" by Adrian S. Piper.
This essay by Wellesley Professor of Philosophy Adrian Piper centers on two yogic practices, both much misunderstood, and worse, much misrepresented. The first is celibacy (brahmacharya). A lot of cant about how brahmacharya really means moderation or monogamy, sex within marriage only, or a non-lustful state of mind, etc., is given the ghost by Piper, who is a long practicing brahmacarin and expert on jnana yoga. Piper's first point is that brahmacharya means quite simply what it is purported to mean, that is, celibacy. Period. Of course this is hard to accept, and for young people well-nigh impossible, and so most "authorities" have cheapened the message, have compromised the intent, and have said, what is meant is "moderation," etc. Some cultist gurus have even exploited this "interpretation" by assuming this mentality as their mantra: "I make love to you and only you (at this time) because you are special. In this way I practice brahmacharya, I practice moderation and restraint."
Very appealing, but one might also slip through that eye of the needle and enter into the kingdom of heaven wearing a money belt. Piper has no such delusions. She's got it right. Celibacy is celibacy. That is why in the Hindu social philosophy one is first a student, and then a householder, then a mendicant and finally a renunciant. Householders are not celibate. In is only in the latter stages that one can be truly celibate. (There are exceptions of course, just as there are exceptional people.)
Having said this I must confess that I disagree with Professor Piper on one particular. She writes (p. 39): "...the policy governing self-stimulation for brahmacharins is: Hands above the sheets!" What this means, I imagine, is that one must, in so far as it is possible, not practice onanism. Instead one should realize that celibacy means, as Piper phrases it, "to walk with God." This reminds me of the Catholic tradition that has the nuns "married" to Jesus--although, of course the God that Piper is referring to, the God of the Vedas, is Ineffable, being beyond anything we can say or not say. I would differ with Piper by insisting that a complete understanding of celibacy includes this most important distinction of how one should practice sex, that is, quite simply, not with others. Instead one should make love to oneself. Indeed, this is part of self-study. To say that one should not practice sexuality at all is to remain ignorant. There are many reasons that the path of yoga includes brahmacharya, but the most important one is that the practice of celibacy is the best answer to the problem of sex. Sex leads to copious karmas created. It leads to distraction and worldly responsibility. Ultimately, it leads to birth and death, to the perpetuation of the wheel of karma, which is exactly what the yogi wants to get away from, what the yogi is working to transcend. One also acts through nonaction, the Gita teaches. A kind of non-touching of oneself only prolongs and exacerbates the excitement, the tension and leads further along the path to sensuality. That is why in tantra it is taught that the man should withhold...himself for as long as possible. This is not done to conserve his strength, as some strictures have it, but to prolong his and her enjoyment. Putting this minor disagreement aside, I have to say that Piper's delineation of brahmacharya demonstrates a profound understanding of the intent and practice of yoga.
Her essay is also about the somewhat infamous tantra of the left-handed path, which she calls "California Tantra," a felicitous phrase that captures the essence of the practice. Again, Piper's insight and expression reveals her deep understanding of the subject. As she writes (p. 56), "Variants on the general rule of thumb [for tantric yoga] might be: Party until you've gotten your yayas out; or until you've had enough partying for three lifetimes; or until you've learned the lessons from it you need to learn." This is tantric yoga in a nutshell: one finds liberation by giving into one's desires, it being believed that finally when the fires of youth are exhausted one will find samadhi (as Siddhartha does in Herman Hesse's celebrated novel). Piper acknowledges on page 55 that this liberation is "nothing to sneeze at." What she doesn't say in her essay is that tantra of the left-handed path is a torturous and very painful way of finding God, to be employed only when all else fails. It is the path of the junkie and the libertine; it is the roller coaster ride of exhaustive highs and lows; it is the path that will burn the aspirant out at an early age. It is dangerous.
Piper's final note is magnificent: "The point ofpractices is not what one gives up but rather what one gets." She adds, "One does not give up the good life, but rather maximizes its goodness."』
(Yoga in the Real World) 『This book takes a refreshingly candid look at the way yoga fits into the world of a variety of different people. By allowing the reader to see that even experienced teachers struggle with their practice at different points in their lives, Jeremijenko de-mystifies some of our commonly held beliefs. This book is a very enjoyable read with something for everyone, no matter where they are in their practice or their lives.』 『"This captivating, fresh collection of personal stories provocatively explores the question of 'what happens to a practice based on stillness and acceptance, in a world based on striving, distraction and insatiable appetites.' More than a dozen yoga practitioners shine light on their own lives to reveal a great breadth of possibilities about the reach of yoga for Americans." -Publishers Weekly, starred review』
Kakaku：3495 saved$34.95
Motilal Banarsidass
In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served. IPhone 3G used's review (A lucid and practical introduction to Kashmir Shaivism) 『Written from the perspective of a spiritual master of Kashmir Shaivism, this book is alive with practical and inspiring insights into an ancient but very timely philosophy. For anyone interested in learning more about Kashmir Shaivism and its approach to consciousness, I believe this to be the best, most lucid and complete introduction to a fascinating subject.』 『Consciousness is the most intimate experience of life the essence of life itself. among the many spiritual traditions born and developed in India one ancient philosophy--------Kashmir Shaivism----has explored it completely.The Yoga of Kashmir Shaivism is a book that will transform you. It is a resource and guide towards investigating and deepening your own consciousness.』
Kakaku：796 saved$7.96
Forgotten Books
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Hatha Yoga Pradipika: Sanskrit and English) 『A very interesting little book that really gives a meaningful perspective on yoga practices. The translations into English allows you to take the time to think about the practice.』 『Book Description:
"Hatha Yoga Pradipika is a classic Sanskrit manual on Hatha Yoga, written by Swami Swatmarama, a disciple of Swami Goraknath. Said to be the oldest surviving text on the Hatha Yoga, it is one of the three classic texts of Hatha Yoga, the other two being the Gheranda Samhita and the Shiva Samhita. The book was written in 15th century [AD]. The work is derived from older Sanskrit texts and Swami Swatamarama's own yogic experiences. Many modern English translations of the book are available. The book includes information about asanas, pranayama, chakras, kundalini, bandhas, kriyas, shakti, nadis and mudras among other topics. It runs in the line of Hindu yoga (to distinguish from Buddhist and Jain yoga) and is dedicated to Lord Adinath, a name for Lord Shiva (the Hindu god of destruction and renewal), who is alleged to have imparted the secret of Hatha Yoga to his divine consort Parvati."(Quote from wikipedia.org)
Table of Contents:
Publisher's Preface; Introduction; OnÂsanas; On PrÂÂyÂma; On MudrÂs; On SamÂdhi
About the Publisher:
Forgotten Books is a publisher of historical writings, such as: Philosophy, Classics, Science, Religion, Esoteric and Mythology. www.forgottenbooks.org
Forgotten Books is about sharing information, not about making money. All books are priced at wholesale prices. We are also the only publisher we know of to print in large sans-serif font, which is proven to make the text easier to read and put less strain on your eyes.』
Kakaku：1995 saved$19.95
Lakshmi Voelker
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Sitting Mountain Yoga) 『This tape is quite lovely to listen to and really helps to put you into a relaxed state for yoga. However I didn't realize it was audio not video! Although a nice, small book with sketches of the poses accompanies the tape, I found that for me this was not really useful; I am disabled and find a video tape more helpful. I do use it in conjunction with other tapes which are video.』
(The Sitting Mountain Series) 『I found this CD easy to use and very practical containing a booklet with illustrations and clear instructions on moving in and out of the poses. Lakshmi includes the physiological benefits of each of the postures included in her series.』
(Chair Yoga is Great!) 『Chair Yoga is a wonderful alternative to regular floor exercise yoga when you have been sitting at your desk too long or on a confining airline flight. It gets you moving, stretches you and gets the circulation going again. It's also great when you just don't think you have the energy for a full blown yoga session or you've temporarily injured yourself in some way that traditional yoga might be too much of a strain. I can see where it would be fabulous for wheelchair-bound, disabled or frailer seniors. Try it - you'll like it - no love it!』
(chair yoga) 『I would love to see Lakshmis'chair yoga placed into the curriculum of all nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals.Lakshmis'nurturing voice,encouraging words, and strengthening postures are a gift towards healing. It would have been a wonderful healing tool for my father who had become wheelchair bound in his last years.』
(Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga: Sitting Mountain Series) 『This presentation of do-able yoga is presented as two items: a cassette and a tutorial book the size of the accompanying cassette. It's handy size makes it portable and useful anywhere. The two blend beautifully with the book itself wonderfully helpful. The drawings are excellent.The audio instructions very, very clear. The quality is outstanding and a must for ANYONE interested in the many benefits of yoga without having to be on the floor. It is also for those who sit at a desk for long periods of time, for those perhaps interested in ways to relieve stress by stretching and breathing during a busy day, for those physically unable to practice a more traditional method. Lakshmi has created a package that is worthy of heightened attention by anyone newly intrigued by yoga or by folks, like myself, who have practiced yoga for a number of years. Thank you for this gift, Lakshmi!』 『This CD and pocket-sized 44 page tutorial booklet appeal to a wide audience - those who sit at desks or in airplanes, cars, or wheelchairs and want an afternoon "pick-me-up."
Chair Yoga benefits those who have a physical condition that requires them to exercise on a chair such as arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, osteoporosis, or stroke.
It is also an excellent form of Yoga and exercise for those who just do not want to get down on the floor yet desire the same results and benefits of traditional Yoga.
The Sitting Mountain Series has tremendous potential in the corporate setting. Chair Yoga can be used by those who are unable to get regular exercise away from the office. It provides a stress-free workout in the comfort of a worker's chair without leaving the office.
Lakshmi Voelker's Chair Yoga provides an avenue for oxygenating the body and mind for increased productivity. As the body becomes more flexible and the mind more centered, the worker obtains energy boosts without such stimulants as caffeine, nicotine, and sugars.
The CD contains one 30-minute and two 15-minute Yoga sessions. The 44-page tutorial booklet uses pictures and words to guide you through each session. It will fit in a shirt pocket or purse so you can carry it with you and do your Chair Yoga without the CD, if desired.
Lakshmi has provided over 35 years of Yoga therapy to 1000's of disciples. She gets rave reviews wherever she teaches.』
Kakaku：599 saved$5.99
St. Martin's Press
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Read this book!) 『This is a funny book and a good read! I read it in about a day, simply because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. The vegetarian, Unitarian, Prius-driving, pantry-moth breeding Gettleman-Summers will have you turning the pages faster than you can say "Tubular Bells."』
(A gem of a read) 『I picked this book up at the library because of the title and I'm glad I did. Debra Galant's intimate look into the lives of a not-so-ordinary NJ family is both funny and poignant, and I found myself groaning out loud as each calamity struck these well-meaning individuals.
I was particularly fond of Michael, the stereotypically boring meteorologist husband. Poor Michael. It seems that he can't do anything right, and certainly doesn't deserve the fate that befalls him.
Galant's visuals are right on the money and more than just reading about these characters, I was living their agonies with them. As I read, I could see this book as a movie. Nothing is left to the imagination.
I look forward to reading more from this author.』
(Screwy comic farce with a sardonic wit) 『This is a screwball comedy about a family (mom, dad, son, grandma and grandpa) all busy "seeking" something - the thing is, none of them are quite sure what it is.
Nina, the protagonist, owns a posh yoga studio in New Jersey. She tries to be the perfect enlightened yoga instructor (at least to all appearances) when a feng shui consultant wanders in to tell Nina her studio has bad energy - setting off a ripple effect of comedi-tragic events.
As Nina becomes increasingly freaked out by her feng shui worries, her husband loses his job, her normally good son acts out in school and her blustering parents decide to visit. All of this is framed by the increasingly ominous arrival of Hurricane Ida, an ideal metaphor for this family's internal chaos and desperation.
You can taste the sense of squeaky-clean New Jersey suburbia - and understand the price people pay to maintain such outward "perfection." Like many families, Nina's picture perfect outward image isn't built on solid ground.
If you grew up in a family of strong women on the East Coast, there are a lot of recognizable elements here: Nina's own controlling thoughtlessness; Nina's old school, matriarchal overbearing mother; a mellow, slightly cowed, slightly incompetent set of "good provider" husbands; and the quiet son who decides to rebel against the Stepford-perfect ways of his politically-correct, New Age mom by secretly becoming an orthodox Jew.
Each character is cunningly drawn and entirely realistic, even if the series of events is not. There are no heroes, or even villains here (well, except the actually very scary Homeland Security officer).
The resolution offers no nicely packaged answers. Everyone is still a bit messed up. Perhaps they've have drawn back from the edge of desperation and grown slightly in self-knowledge.
Or maybe not. At the very end, Nina reveals she's latched onto her next big thing...
It's a short book and a quick read. While the plot isn't particularly compelling, I found it hard to put the novel down.』
(fast paced and fun from start to finish -- don't meditate on it - buy it) 『The title grabbed me and then I couldn't put the book down. I read it in 24 hours annoyed whenever I HAD to stop to feed the kids, or walk the dog, or lie to the husband about some money thing.
Great insight into all the characters, male and female, young and old. Lots of good quirky stuff too. I'm sending my husband to Newark Airport with a camera ASAP! I loved it!』
(Classic screwball comedy) 『I was mainly attracted to this book because of the title: I grew up in New Jersey (although South Jersey, fairly distant from the suburban New York setting featured here), and I practice yoga regularly. The plot features about a week in the life of yoga instructor Nina Gettleman-Summer and her family. Nina has just open a beautiful new yoga studio, but to her dismay, she discovers that it has bad karma. With extraordinarily bad timing, her husband's job as a meteorologist is outsourced, their son Adam decides that he wants to embrace his previously unclaimed Jewish heritage in order to have a bar mitzvah, and Nina's parents decide to evacuate their hurricane-threatened home in Florida to come stay with their daughter and her family.
What follows is a zany comedy in the tradition of such old movie classics as It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. Nina struggles to use Feng Shui to clear the bad karma from both of her studio and her home, her husband Michael gets in trouble with Homeland Security, her son Adam pays a visit to fringe rabbis, and both of her parents are suspected of being crazy. It's a wild--and sometimes implausible--ride, but of course, everything comes together at the end. Overall, this was a quick, fun read, and I'd recommend it in particular to fans of offbeat comedy.』 『At the center of Debra Galant's new novel is Nina Gettleman-Summer, a stressed out New Jersey yoga teacher. Nina should be calmly guiding her high powered students through their savasanas and their chakras . Instead she is worried about... everything: her new meditation fountain overflowed resulting in a dangerous mess that caused one of her more litigious students to slip and fall; her husband Michael's job as Newark Airport's meterologist was outsourced to the Phillipines, and a hurricane is bearing down on her parents home in Florida. The last thing Nina needs is her suspicious mother Belle around, wailing about the weather and asking questions about Michael's job. To complicate matters, her teenage son Adam is showing a sudden interest in having a Bar Mitzvah--even though Nina, never a fan of her Jewish heritage, signed the family up at the local Unitarian Church. Which brings us to the heart of this very funny book. Nina's put her faith in feng shui and crystals while her husband passes the time chatting with the local Jehovah's Witnesses and Adam plots his religious coming of age, which he believes will net him a real life pot of gold. The Gettleman-Summers are poised for an awakening which, when it arrives, is deftly portrayed in Galant's classic screwball style.』
