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Thanks to NetGalley and Workman Publishing Company for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. I’ll post that review upon publication.

Updated 6/22/21

4 stars

Stanley takes an approach that will appeal to folks who enjoy the benefits of yoga but who maybe also feel uncomfortable with - or even outright disgusted by - the appropriative nature of various aspects of it. In other words, if you're trying to buy this book in your "Nama-stay in bed all day!" t-shirt, this is not what you think, and it is not for you. Or maybe it IS for you, and that shirt becomes a cleaning rag.

My favorite part of this collection is Stanley's varied approach to this concept of appropriation and misuse of yoga in modern American culture. I really enjoy the perspectives on these issues and the consistent reminders of what yoga is supposed to be instead of what we're fed by the exact offenders Stanley mentions.

Stanley's more personal revelations - reactions to teachers and even a horrifying set of examples of her own experiences with sexual assault - are difficult to read but essential in shaping her character and persona. In case this isn't already clear, TW: sexual assault.

My greatest wish for this collection is for it to be expanded. At times, some of the essays felt a bit less developed than I'd have liked. But overall, Stanley is speaking truth to so many folks' experiences with yoga, and it is nice to have a reminder of what yoga can and should be as well as what it has been transformed into (sadly). A recommended read for perhaps a niche audience.