I Like Books

Usually I cannot wait to begin to write my review after I finish a book. But with Yoga Bitch I had to step back for a moment and think about what I just read. To let it all sink in. But mostly I want to be able to give this book the justice it deserves.

Essentially the book is author, Suzanne Morrison's journal she kept for two months while at a yoga retreat in Bali, when she was twenty-five. At the beginning of each chapter she writes in present day, reflecting back on different events that had happened prior to or after her two-month journey.

Originally I was attracted to this book because I myself enjoy a good yoga session every so often but I also don't feel as if I'm one of those hardcore, intense yogis. I saw the book in Barnes and Noble (as per usual) but put it down after a quick flip through the pages. Instead I put the book on a wishlist in a book swap a participate in and low and behold, it was the next book I received in my swap. Brand new condition too. And even though I was hesitant at the beginning, I'm so glad I went for it.

The way Suzanne writes and the topics she writes about are things I can relate to that are going on in my life right now. Major themes in the book are self-discovery and religion/God. And right now I feel how Suzanne felt at age twenty-five. I think I know the answers, I want to know the answers but very slowly I'm discovering that I don't in fact know anything. But it is quite the journey to get there.

Suzanne goes into Bali for the yoga and in hopes to reach some sort of spiritual enlightenment. For two months she eats "green leaves" and rice and drinks tea while doing eight hours of yoga a day all in an attempt to cleanse herself. Her being. Cigarettes, alcohol, sugar, sex-pretty much anything fun is frowned upon. Urine drinking is encouraged. Seattle-based, sometimes-smoker Suzanne is not thrilled to learn all of this.

As I read the book I picture myself in Bali, as Suzanne's third roommate after Jessica. We get each other and are instant best friends. And I definitly wouldn't rat her out for having a coconut milkshake. Because I'd be right along side her, digging in. Rolling my eyes when my supposed "enlightened" yoga teacher begins to sell hand-carved figurines of herself.

And then, at the very end of the book we're reintroduced to adult Suzanne. The Suzanne who has taken what she's learned in Bali, or what she thought she's learned and how that has affected her life afterwards. As an adult she goes over the lessons she thought she learned and takes a second look at them,opening my eyes to them as well.

I have to admit that while reading this book I did feel calmness and enlightenment. I didn't want that or the book to end. I haven't been to yoga in a few weeks (lack of funds) but vow to go with my next extra couple of bucks. I have a new perspective, that's for sure and I cannot wait to try it out.

Yoga Bitch is the type of book that if my dog and her bleeding paw didn't pounce all over it I would definitely insist a friend or two borrow it and have a read.