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Breathe
Alex thought she had married the man of her dreams: successful, gorgeous, and delighted by her small-town charm. When he walks out six months later, proclaiming to have 'found himself' (with the help of a stunning yoga teacher), she 'finds herself' alone in an unfamiliar city, vengefully drinking through his prized wine collection, living on takeout, and refusing to answer the door. When this fails to cure her broken heart and bruised ego, she reluctantly allows her new friends to intervene. Slowly, Alex learns to define success on her own terms; she discovers the secret to love in all its forms, and the perfect flying crow pose, one breath at a time.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2013
64 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
Kate Bishop
11 books29 followersKate Bishop is the collective spirit of three friends with a shared passion for writing, yoga and a good, old-fashioned (or New Age) love story. Breathe was inspired by their experiences both on and off the mat and was born of a genuine desire to throw some love, light and laughter into the mix.
Kristin Tone graduated from Bowdoin College with a B.A. in Psychology and received an M.A. in Education from Lesley University. A yoga teacher and an educator, she currently teaches at PS1 Elementary School in Santa Monica, CA.
Talie Kattwinkel earned a degree in Women’s Studies and Creative Writing from the University of Arizona. She currently specializes in bodywork and healing.
Bridget Evans attended the University of Maryland where she studied education. She taught in the Marin County school system for ten years and co-created OUTWORD, an outdoor writing program for children. She is also a yoga teacher. All three women are mothers to small children.
Kristin Tone graduated from Bowdoin College with a B.A. in Psychology and received an M.A. in Education from Lesley University. A yoga teacher and an educator, she currently teaches at PS1 Elementary School in Santa Monica, CA.
Talie Kattwinkel earned a degree in Women’s Studies and Creative Writing from the University of Arizona. She currently specializes in bodywork and healing.
Bridget Evans attended the University of Maryland where she studied education. She taught in the Marin County school system for ten years and co-created OUTWORD, an outdoor writing program for children. She is also a yoga teacher. All three women are mothers to small children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
February 13, 2013
If you think that the only people who are more despicable than people who use store-bought eggs are people who do yoga and then go shopping right afterwards, this is the book for you!
...
So this is a book about yoga.
I knew that going into it, but I had no idea how proselytizing it would be.
Alex has been married to Tripp for six months when he gets really into yoga and walks out on her because she's not "enlightened" enough. Also, he implies that he's been cheating on her with his yoga instructor. And then his mom steps in to close the deal, ensuring that Tripp gets to keep everything, and Alex has a few weeks to find a house.
She's a mess for a while, and then her friends step in and they're like, "You know what would make you feel better? Yoga!" She's understandably skeptical, and then she starts enjoying it, and up to that point the book is pretty good. Then, slowly and subtly, it starts going off the rails.
The further and further she gets into the whole yoga thing, the more cult-ish it seems to the outsider. She has a sense of humor at the beginning of the book--this disappears as she gets sucked into the world of yoga. And she starts letting yoga control her emotions. And her diet. And her money (she agrees to go to a workshop given by her ex-husband's girlfriend just to prove that she's totally yoga).
(Parenthetical note: I had a feeling it would turn out that )
At the beginning, Alex is all, "I hate yoga! My husband left me because I wasn't into yoga!" And at the end, she's like, "My husband left me because I wasn't into yoga...and he was right to do so!"
And also...she gets smug. You guys, lavender and vanilla are such unenlightened scents. Citrus and eucalyptus are so much more "earthy." (I dunno, maybe she thinks lavender and vanilla grow on Saturn?) Or when her (shallow, self-centered) friend Haley finishes a yoga session and goes, "That was great, now I feel like going shopping!", Alex cringes.
Shopping after yoga? Sacrilege! Or whatever; don't get me wrong, it's not like Alex converts to Hinduism or anything (sidebar: the concept of "converting to Hindusim" is kind of a can of worms; you can find more information on Google, as always), but she doesn't let small details like that get in the way of being an authority. Haley, you're appropriating a foreign religion/culture wrong. This is the right way to appropriate.
But what bothered me the most about this is the conclusions that Alex comes to at the end of the book about how to deal with the people who have wronged her.
Some people would hold a grudge.
But not Alex.
Some people would let go of their anger for the sake of moving on, and yet try to avoid these toxic persons in the future.
Ugh, how unenlightened.
Hey, Alex?
If someone treats you like dirt, and indirectly this causes your life to get better, you do not have to hug them and thank them, genuinely, for treating you like dirt.
The woman who had an affair with your husband? You do not have to sign up for her classes and support her business.
And the husband who made you sign a pre-nup, left you six months into your marriage without any attempt to patch things up, , and sent his mom to evict you? He is not a great guy. Just because he's not the devil doesn't mean he's not a jerk. Listen, there is a spectrum here.
I mean, there is being classy, and there is being a big giant freier.
So...what I'm saying is, this book was not to my taste.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
...
So this is a book about yoga.
I knew that going into it, but I had no idea how proselytizing it would be.
Alex has been married to Tripp for six months when he gets really into yoga and walks out on her because she's not "enlightened" enough. Also, he implies that he's been cheating on her with his yoga instructor. And then his mom steps in to close the deal, ensuring that Tripp gets to keep everything, and Alex has a few weeks to find a house.
She's a mess for a while, and then her friends step in and they're like, "You know what would make you feel better? Yoga!" She's understandably skeptical, and then she starts enjoying it, and up to that point the book is pretty good. Then, slowly and subtly, it starts going off the rails.
The further and further she gets into the whole yoga thing, the more cult-ish it seems to the outsider. She has a sense of humor at the beginning of the book--this disappears as she gets sucked into the world of yoga. And she starts letting yoga control her emotions. And her diet. And her money (she agrees to go to a workshop given by her ex-husband's girlfriend just to prove that she's totally yoga).
(Parenthetical note: I had a feeling it would turn out that )
At the beginning, Alex is all, "I hate yoga! My husband left me because I wasn't into yoga!" And at the end, she's like, "My husband left me because I wasn't into yoga...and he was right to do so!"
And also...she gets smug. You guys, lavender and vanilla are such unenlightened scents. Citrus and eucalyptus are so much more "earthy." (I dunno, maybe she thinks lavender and vanilla grow on Saturn?) Or when her (shallow, self-centered) friend Haley finishes a yoga session and goes, "That was great, now I feel like going shopping!", Alex cringes.
Shopping after yoga? Sacrilege! Or whatever; don't get me wrong, it's not like Alex converts to Hinduism or anything (sidebar: the concept of "converting to Hindusim" is kind of a can of worms; you can find more information on Google, as always), but she doesn't let small details like that get in the way of being an authority. Haley, you're appropriating a foreign religion/culture wrong. This is the right way to appropriate.
But what bothered me the most about this is the conclusions that Alex comes to at the end of the book about how to deal with the people who have wronged her.
Some people would hold a grudge.
But not Alex.
Some people would let go of their anger for the sake of moving on, and yet try to avoid these toxic persons in the future.
Ugh, how unenlightened.
Hey, Alex?
If someone treats you like dirt, and indirectly this causes your life to get better, you do not have to hug them and thank them, genuinely, for treating you like dirt.
The woman who had an affair with your husband? You do not have to sign up for her classes and support her business.
And the husband who made you sign a pre-nup, left you six months into your marriage without any attempt to patch things up, , and sent his mom to evict you? He is not a great guy. Just because he's not the devil doesn't mean he's not a jerk. Listen, there is a spectrum here.
I mean, there is being classy, and there is being a big giant freier.
So...what I'm saying is, this book was not to my taste.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2013
My Thoughts
This was so darn cute. As someone who practices yoga, I really enjoyed this tie in to the storyline. I thought the author wrote a light,funny and fresh tale. The book was a fast read and a very nice break from some of the “heavier” books I have read recently.
This is a debut for Ms. Bishop and I have to tell you, it reads as if written by a seasoned novelist. Good flow and nicely entertaining. Congratulations to the author for a job well done and I will be looking forward to future stories from her.
My thanks to Diversion Books and Netgalley for allowing ne to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
Publish date: January 22, 2013.
This was so darn cute. As someone who practices yoga, I really enjoyed this tie in to the storyline. I thought the author wrote a light,funny and fresh tale. The book was a fast read and a very nice break from some of the “heavier” books I have read recently.
This is a debut for Ms. Bishop and I have to tell you, it reads as if written by a seasoned novelist. Good flow and nicely entertaining. Congratulations to the author for a job well done and I will be looking forward to future stories from her.
My thanks to Diversion Books and Netgalley for allowing ne to read this in exchange for an unbiased review.
Publish date: January 22, 2013.
January 31, 2013
I really enjoyed this book – it was the first time I have ever read a book about yoga and I am glad that I picked this story.
It is a love story, of recovery after divorce and discovering one’s destiny. The yoga factor played an important role in the heroines healing because it helped her learn to relax and cope with her life, despite her initial negative feelings about the process.
The reason I found this book interesting (other than the engaging love story) was I have often wondered about the benefits of yoga but I have never tried it. After reading this book, I took a chance and participated in a class myself. I am glad that I did – it was hard, but I am hooked.
Thank you for unexpectedly turning me onto something new that I believe will greatly benefit me into the future.
Marianne Curtis
Author
Finding Gloria
Finding Gloria ~ Special Edition
July 22, 2014
At first I thought this book was a little light and fluffy. I was chastising myself for not reading something deeper. But as I went along I started to see familiar patterns in myself and gained some insight from the book about them. In the end I decided it was more like an instruction manual for living yoga and there were lessons learned by me.
March 4, 2017
I love yoga. You know I love yoga. It's pretty much the most important thing in my life.
And I love romcom/chicklit books.
But put them together & I'm never sure it works. Thus book showed a side of yoga I don't love. I get its the populist side of yoga but it felt, at times, cultish & our heroine seemed to become rather weak and easily walked over in the name of enlightenment.
Not for me I guess.
And I love romcom/chicklit books.
But put them together & I'm never sure it works. Thus book showed a side of yoga I don't love. I get its the populist side of yoga but it felt, at times, cultish & our heroine seemed to become rather weak and easily walked over in the name of enlightenment.
Not for me I guess.
June 5, 2013
What's a girl to do when a whirlwind romance of five months leads to marriage only to end six months later when her husband leaves her for his yoga instructor?
When twenty-five year old Alex met forty year old Tripp Edwards at an Oregon ski resort, she was swept off her feet by the man of her dreams. But her world got turned upside down six short months later when Tripp walks out on her after finding his "Authentic Self" and true path in life through the practice of yoga. Alex is heartbroken and descends into a month long depression hiding away from life, drinking bottle after bottle of wine from Tripp's wine collection and eating pizza. Displaced and feeling lost, with the help of good friends, her family, and her lovable one eared dog named Billy, Alex embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads her to give yoga a try, while discovering how to love herself and enjoy what life has to offer.
Breathe was such a fun book to read! The three friends who make up the persona of author Kate Bishop weaves an entertaining tale of one woman's journey of self-discovery after her short-lived marriage ends. Written in the first person narrative and set in Marin County, California, Alex Edwards takes the reader along on her zany adventure as she learns to rebuild her life after her husband Tripp leaves her to follow a new life path he discovered through practicing yoga.
This book has a plethora of interesting yoga information interwoven throughout the story that will peak the interest of the reader, especially those who already practice yoga or may have an interest in learning about it. I found myself considering looking more deeply into the practice of yoga, especially if it will enrich my life!
This is a lighthearted story that is funny and insightful. It's not just a story about moving on and finding a new love, it is also a story about discovering who you are and learning how to love yourself while in the process of living and enjoying your life. I really enjoyed following Alex's journey as she learned to cope with Tripp leaving her, and the transformation that occurred within her through the process of self-discovery and the practice of yoga.
Alex is a sassy woman who the reader reader can relate to, her journey has a mixture of humor, romantic and inspirational moments. So take some calming moments to read Breathe, immerse yourself in Alex's world as she embarks on her journey, it will help you find your center too!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
When twenty-five year old Alex met forty year old Tripp Edwards at an Oregon ski resort, she was swept off her feet by the man of her dreams. But her world got turned upside down six short months later when Tripp walks out on her after finding his "Authentic Self" and true path in life through the practice of yoga. Alex is heartbroken and descends into a month long depression hiding away from life, drinking bottle after bottle of wine from Tripp's wine collection and eating pizza. Displaced and feeling lost, with the help of good friends, her family, and her lovable one eared dog named Billy, Alex embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads her to give yoga a try, while discovering how to love herself and enjoy what life has to offer.
Breathe was such a fun book to read! The three friends who make up the persona of author Kate Bishop weaves an entertaining tale of one woman's journey of self-discovery after her short-lived marriage ends. Written in the first person narrative and set in Marin County, California, Alex Edwards takes the reader along on her zany adventure as she learns to rebuild her life after her husband Tripp leaves her to follow a new life path he discovered through practicing yoga.
This book has a plethora of interesting yoga information interwoven throughout the story that will peak the interest of the reader, especially those who already practice yoga or may have an interest in learning about it. I found myself considering looking more deeply into the practice of yoga, especially if it will enrich my life!
This is a lighthearted story that is funny and insightful. It's not just a story about moving on and finding a new love, it is also a story about discovering who you are and learning how to love yourself while in the process of living and enjoying your life. I really enjoyed following Alex's journey as she learned to cope with Tripp leaving her, and the transformation that occurred within her through the process of self-discovery and the practice of yoga.
Alex is a sassy woman who the reader reader can relate to, her journey has a mixture of humor, romantic and inspirational moments. So take some calming moments to read Breathe, immerse yourself in Alex's world as she embarks on her journey, it will help you find your center too!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
January 24, 2013
Breathe Kate Bishop.
Saw this via netgalley but being a tech nerd couldn't work out how to get it to my kindle but it appealed so I bought it and read it that way! Sometimes the PC wins – yesterday was one of those days....
Anyway – on with the book. I'm a sucker for a good romance with a decent back story and wasn't disappointed. Alex thought she was happily married to the man of her dreams, but only six months after the wedding he walks out after a yoga retreat to “find himself” Poor Kate is devastated, she has no job, and the mother-in-law from hell ensures she soon has no home. She doesn't realise she has a couple of really good friend who care for her and refuse to let her wallow in depression. They bully her – in the nicest way – into picking herself up and starting over. She finds a new job, new but tiny apartment and tries to find out who she is. She feels so lost without Tripp (the ex) and uncertain of what to do and who she is. Things progress, though via a series of ups and downs as she seems to be a magnet for accidents, and there's love lurking in the background for her though she doesn't see it. This book made me laugh, Alex tries hard, but seems to have setbacks – not always the horrible sort but those you can laugh with. She's a good friend too and that gets recognised. She looks back at her childhood and sees it differently, looks at her childhood best friend and sees her differently too – especially when she leaves her husband and descends on Alex like a steamroller – complete with lots of Louis Vitton luggage and a teacup Yorkie dog!
Its a great romance, and a funny journey with Alex to find her HEA. You'll laugh with her and cry with her and the ending leaves you feeling satisfied. Its not a book full of sex, the romance is more subtle than that with gentle touches and hints of feelings as Alex is running scared. If you want romance with a good story to keep you interested then this book doesn't disappoint.
Its well written and edited, and at £1.94 for 290 pages its excellent value. Stars: four and half for me, doesn't quite make the full five but very close.
Saw this via netgalley but being a tech nerd couldn't work out how to get it to my kindle but it appealed so I bought it and read it that way! Sometimes the PC wins – yesterday was one of those days....
Anyway – on with the book. I'm a sucker for a good romance with a decent back story and wasn't disappointed. Alex thought she was happily married to the man of her dreams, but only six months after the wedding he walks out after a yoga retreat to “find himself” Poor Kate is devastated, she has no job, and the mother-in-law from hell ensures she soon has no home. She doesn't realise she has a couple of really good friend who care for her and refuse to let her wallow in depression. They bully her – in the nicest way – into picking herself up and starting over. She finds a new job, new but tiny apartment and tries to find out who she is. She feels so lost without Tripp (the ex) and uncertain of what to do and who she is. Things progress, though via a series of ups and downs as she seems to be a magnet for accidents, and there's love lurking in the background for her though she doesn't see it. This book made me laugh, Alex tries hard, but seems to have setbacks – not always the horrible sort but those you can laugh with. She's a good friend too and that gets recognised. She looks back at her childhood and sees it differently, looks at her childhood best friend and sees her differently too – especially when she leaves her husband and descends on Alex like a steamroller – complete with lots of Louis Vitton luggage and a teacup Yorkie dog!
Its a great romance, and a funny journey with Alex to find her HEA. You'll laugh with her and cry with her and the ending leaves you feeling satisfied. Its not a book full of sex, the romance is more subtle than that with gentle touches and hints of feelings as Alex is running scared. If you want romance with a good story to keep you interested then this book doesn't disappoint.
Its well written and edited, and at £1.94 for 290 pages its excellent value. Stars: four and half for me, doesn't quite make the full five but very close.
February 15, 2013
Thanks to Netgalley for letting me preview this book.
Normally I would have found this book really cheesy but considering that I just started doing Bikram yoga a few months ago, I totally get it. Alex's husband of less than a year up and leaves her one day after starting a love affair with yoga, and, she thinks, a yoga instructor. Alex is 25 and living the high life with a wealthy husband and has a dragon of a mother-in-law. No kids, thank goodness.
Thus begins Alex's transformation from young wannabe socialite into an authentic person. Her mother-in-law forces her from the marital home (because she owns it, of course) and Alex finds a new apartment the size of a shoebox. Along the way we meet her neighbors, friends and the new people that come into her life. Along with yoga, lots of yoga. Where as before, Alex thought her husband Tripp was going a bit nutty with the stuff and his new found enlightenment, Alex starts going too. And finds she likes it! It was nice to see a character have some development in a book and I loved her cast of friends, especially her pup.
Cute book, 3 3/4-4 stars.
Normally I would have found this book really cheesy but considering that I just started doing Bikram yoga a few months ago, I totally get it. Alex's husband of less than a year up and leaves her one day after starting a love affair with yoga, and, she thinks, a yoga instructor. Alex is 25 and living the high life with a wealthy husband and has a dragon of a mother-in-law. No kids, thank goodness.
Thus begins Alex's transformation from young wannabe socialite into an authentic person. Her mother-in-law forces her from the marital home (because she owns it, of course) and Alex finds a new apartment the size of a shoebox. Along the way we meet her neighbors, friends and the new people that come into her life. Along with yoga, lots of yoga. Where as before, Alex thought her husband Tripp was going a bit nutty with the stuff and his new found enlightenment, Alex starts going too. And finds she likes it! It was nice to see a character have some development in a book and I loved her cast of friends, especially her pup.
Cute book, 3 3/4-4 stars.
February 6, 2013
Having got a friend who had a longtime relationship end due to her fiancé getting totally involved in yoga (but not the yoga teacher though), I could totally relate to the scenario. This can really happen folks!! While the art and benefits of yoga is a major component of the story – the actual plot looks at how Alex dealt with the breakup and the steps she took, albeit kicking and screaming, to recovering her life back. When Tripp leaves her Alex has no job; little money thanks to a pre-nup she signed; and a hellion of a mother-in-law who evicts Alex within weeks. But Alex finds she is not as alone as she thought, she does have friends, and soon a new love interest. But the road to recovery is not smooth, especially when Alex discovers that while yoga may have indirectly caused the break up – it will also be the solution to regaining her life.
Author ‘Kate Bishop’ is made up of three friends: Kristin Tone, Talie Kattwinkel and Bridget Evans. Let’s hope they continue to be friends and write some more books together. BREATHE made me laugh and was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Author ‘Kate Bishop’ is made up of three friends: Kristin Tone, Talie Kattwinkel and Bridget Evans. Let’s hope they continue to be friends and write some more books together. BREATHE made me laugh and was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
June 26, 2013
I decided to read this book as it was something different from what I usually read and I wanted to see what did happen to the character Alex, from the synopsis, it sounds like she has been through the ringer. I was hooked right away. You feel like you are Alex and you feel her heartache and confusion and pain. She is very easy to connect with and you go on this journey with her.
The life that Alex has for a year was a life I do feel a lot of us dream of having, but sometimes your dreams are not what they seem, and for Alex she learned that the hard way. Her transition from basically trophy wife to single lady finding her way is an enthralling story. She finds out who her true friends are and that no matter what, there is always a positive somewhere down the road. Her journey through yoga is inspiring. Although she is reluctant at first, she opens her self up and the journey it takes her on is very moving.
Read full review at Step Into Fiction
Review completed by: Ashley
The life that Alex has for a year was a life I do feel a lot of us dream of having, but sometimes your dreams are not what they seem, and for Alex she learned that the hard way. Her transition from basically trophy wife to single lady finding her way is an enthralling story. She finds out who her true friends are and that no matter what, there is always a positive somewhere down the road. Her journey through yoga is inspiring. Although she is reluctant at first, she opens her self up and the journey it takes her on is very moving.
Read full review at Step Into Fiction
Review completed by: Ashley
December 5, 2014
Disclaimer: This ARC was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley. Also warning for snark and gifs.
Where to begin?
First of all, though I'm not a yoga-practitioner, I follow an alternate spirituality, the main character was insufferable especially once she started getting into yoga.
Me too, Sammy, me too.
I mean she must be Manic (as in Bipolar) to go on and buy yoga clothing and take expensive lessons on a limited budget.
And think. And breathe. I am Bipolar, I know how to deal with this.
Also she get's the ideal job for her like that *snaps fingers*. I wish it was that easy.
Sammy's expression is mine.
Also the plot twist that her ex didn't actually cheat on her, but left her for yoga was idiotic.
My exact reaction.
Where to begin?
First of all, though I'm not a yoga-practitioner, I follow an alternate spirituality, the main character was insufferable especially once she started getting into yoga.
Me too, Sammy, me too.I mean she must be Manic (as in Bipolar) to go on and buy yoga clothing and take expensive lessons on a limited budget.
And think. And breathe. I am Bipolar, I know how to deal with this.Also she get's the ideal job for her like that *snaps fingers*. I wish it was that easy.
Sammy's expression is mine.Also the plot twist that her ex didn't actually cheat on her, but left her for yoga was idiotic.
My exact reaction.This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2013
Kate Bishop is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and Breathe
As a yoga practicer myself, I knew I would be able to connect with this book. I am also close in age to Alex, our main character, and she was so relatable that it was easy to get sucked into her story. Breathe is quite the page-turner, and it took me just over a day to finish this read. After Alex’s husband walks out on her and her evil mother-in-law callously evicts her from their home, Alex feels lost and confused. I loved that she is from a small Oregon town, and could understand how she seemed to lose her way after meeting and marrying Tripp so quickly. It was great fun to watch her get back to herself and follow her along the way. I’m very impressed that three authors wrote this book, because the writing stays smooth throughout, no hiccups along the way. One I highly recommend!
**4.5 stars**
As a yoga practicer myself, I knew I would be able to connect with this book. I am also close in age to Alex, our main character, and she was so relatable that it was easy to get sucked into her story. Breathe is quite the page-turner, and it took me just over a day to finish this read. After Alex’s husband walks out on her and her evil mother-in-law callously evicts her from their home, Alex feels lost and confused. I loved that she is from a small Oregon town, and could understand how she seemed to lose her way after meeting and marrying Tripp so quickly. It was great fun to watch her get back to herself and follow her along the way. I’m very impressed that three authors wrote this book, because the writing stays smooth throughout, no hiccups along the way. One I highly recommend!
**4.5 stars**
May 18, 2013
I felt like I was reading a thinly disguised religious tract, only this was all about yoga and its transformative powers. Don't get me wrong, I love yoga. I just don't appreciate an author shoving his/her ideology down my throat.
March 7, 2013
Absolutely LOVE this story! It was just what I needed! Great characters!
April 13, 2021
This book was just shy of being fluff but was still sweet and enjoyable; I polished it off in two sittings. While this genre typically isn’t my jam, the yoga angle is what drew me in. That being said, there were a couple of things that were inconsistent with the teachings I received when doing my yoga teacher training that bothered me. First, some of the yoga instructors Alex took classes from used touch to correct her form, and in one case it was sexual in nature and completely unethical. In the lineage I practice, Viniyoga, we learn to use our words to coach students. Only when there is a very good reason, such as risk of injury, do we use touch and only if the student gives us permission. This book was published in 2013, which isn’t that long ago, but in the eight years since its publication the word “trauma” has become popular vernacular. An extension of that is an increasing number of yoga instructors who are trauma informed, part of which means knowing not to touch students without their permission, as it can be triggering. I’ve also recently noticed popular yoga magazines and websites publishing articles about the use of touch and why it is problematic (aside from potentially triggering students, instructors also run the risk of causing them injury). So I do think it’s possible that this book might be a little different if published today, but I don’t want anyone who is new to yoga to get the impression that they lose autonomy over their own body when entering a yoga studio. Most teachers have the best of intentions, but it still isn’t appropriate to touch students without their permission.
The second thing that I found problematic was the fact that most of the classes Alex attended included challenging, advanced poses that are not accessible to many people such as handstand, crow, bird of paradise, etc. Sigh. It just reinforces the misapprehension that yoga is only for fit, strong, thin, healthy, flexible people. Yoga is for all regardless of age, body type, physical ability, etc.; and there is no such thing as perfect form, as people’s bodies vary widely. Adaptations are sometimes needed for health and safety and some poses simply need to be avoided altogether. I just wish the authors (“Kate Bishop” is a pen name for a collaboration between three different authors) had depicted more inclusive classes. It’s also important to remember that yoga is not just about asana, the physical postures. In fact, Pantanjali makes very little mention of asana in the Yoga Sutras. Sutra 1.2 reads Yogash chitta vritti nirodhah, which roughly translated means yoga is the calming of the fluctuations of the mind. That is reason we practice—it’s not just so we can get into Lotus pose. Doing pranayama, breath work, is yoga. Sitting in a comfortable position meditating is yoga. Reading spiritual texts is yoga. Alex does seem to begin to understand the true nature of yoga by the end, and her practice serves her well, but I do wish the authors had explicitly stated that yoga is not just movement practice, as that would be news to many who have not studied the teachings. Nevertheless, it was still a fun, light read.
The second thing that I found problematic was the fact that most of the classes Alex attended included challenging, advanced poses that are not accessible to many people such as handstand, crow, bird of paradise, etc. Sigh. It just reinforces the misapprehension that yoga is only for fit, strong, thin, healthy, flexible people. Yoga is for all regardless of age, body type, physical ability, etc.; and there is no such thing as perfect form, as people’s bodies vary widely. Adaptations are sometimes needed for health and safety and some poses simply need to be avoided altogether. I just wish the authors (“Kate Bishop” is a pen name for a collaboration between three different authors) had depicted more inclusive classes. It’s also important to remember that yoga is not just about asana, the physical postures. In fact, Pantanjali makes very little mention of asana in the Yoga Sutras. Sutra 1.2 reads Yogash chitta vritti nirodhah, which roughly translated means yoga is the calming of the fluctuations of the mind. That is reason we practice—it’s not just so we can get into Lotus pose. Doing pranayama, breath work, is yoga. Sitting in a comfortable position meditating is yoga. Reading spiritual texts is yoga. Alex does seem to begin to understand the true nature of yoga by the end, and her practice serves her well, but I do wish the authors had explicitly stated that yoga is not just movement practice, as that would be news to many who have not studied the teachings. Nevertheless, it was still a fun, light read.
July 6, 2017
Library Request. It was to much yoga references, and mantras,the story was the same rich man marries more underprivileged and left said partner due to mothers intervention. Girl looses self to refine herself with yet another mans love waiting in the winds for when she finds herself. Yada, yada, yada.
November 1, 2022
I absolutely love this book! It is a light read with some great messages for anyone contemplating their life during their twenties. I am way past my twenties but Alex’s story or reinvention and realizing what is important in life can happen at any decade of life. It’s a feel good story with a great message of slowing down and spending your energy on pursuits that matter.
July 5, 2024
Alex’s whirlwind romance and marriage end almost as quick as it started. With the kindness and comfort of neighbors, acquaintances and the tenets of yoga for inspiration, she starts to create a new life for herself.
Caution: This book may inspire you to take a yoga class, start meditating and/or visit San Francisco/Northern California - I know I want to do all those things since finishing it.
Caution: This book may inspire you to take a yoga class, start meditating and/or visit San Francisco/Northern California - I know I want to do all those things since finishing it.
June 8, 2017
Entertaining. I wish I had the ability to make friends as easily as her. I mean who really gets invited to the "in" teacher's house for dinner? The ending was weak, when her ex comes crawling back and says he didn't actually sleep with yoga girl. What? Still, it was a fun read.
December 31, 2020
Not exactly literature but not badly written like many in this genre. Utterly predictable but entertaining enough.
January 12, 2023
Too long winded, written for the mind of a 8th grader.
December 5, 2023
I got annoyed by the assumptions everyone made, the lack of real-sounding characters and the portrayal of extremely zealous yogis. Meh
July 11, 2020
It appears Alex has it all, a perfect marriage to a very successful man. He even seems to love her country charm which fits a bit awkwardly into his society events. Unfortunately, Alex is living a dream that quickly becomes a nightmare as after attending a yoga retreat, he leaves her. Their lovely home wasn't that, it is owned by his vicious and controlling mother (think Wicked Witch of the North) who quickly demands she leave.
After a period of despair, Alex is convinced to attend a yoga class herself wherein she initially sees it as a competitive sport but eventually comes to terms and thrives.
Very obviously a beach read, light but interesting yoga stuff. A good break from detective stories.
After a period of despair, Alex is convinced to attend a yoga class herself wherein she initially sees it as a competitive sport but eventually comes to terms and thrives.
Very obviously a beach read, light but interesting yoga stuff. A good break from detective stories.
March 23, 2013
He left the next morning for what I thought was a business trip in Atlanta. Initially, Trip didn't correct me, but eventually he confessed that it was, in fact, a retreat. A spiritual retreat: yoga, meditation, healing... And as unenlightened as it sounds, I felt like he was cheating on me. With himself.
Alex is whisked off her feet when she meets Tripp, wound up in a whirlwind romance that leads to a proposal after three months and a wedding only two months after that. While Alex is a country girl at heart, having spent her childhood on a ranch surrounded by homegrown vegetables and beloved pet horses, Tripp and his family inhabit a world of business and wealth full of socializing and schmoozing that is quite unfamiliar to Alex. Even so, she is head over heels in love and feels insanely lucky to be the wife of such a financially fit and powerful man.
One day, thought, Tripp comes home and announces that he is leaving not only his wife but also his old life all together. He has found himself obsessed with a more enlightened path, through yoga and meditation, and he is leaving Alex to pursue higher things after being mentored by sexy yoga guru Lauren, who Tripp says has guided her through many lifetimes that were previously unattainable to him.
Disgusted by Tripp's announcement, Alex feels that her husband has been brainwashed by the cult of yoga, one that overtook her own mother through Alex's childhood. Her earliest memories were of yoga mats strewn all over the living room and countless attempts by her mother to coerce Alex into experiencing her first yoga class herself. But yoga is mostly for skinny girls with big boobs and small brains -- and desperate, unenlightened husbands, isn't it?
However, Alex's friends somehow convince her to embrace her competitive side and she consents to participating in a popular local yoga class -- if for no other reason than to prove that she *can* do yoga (and do it better than Tripp, at that!) Entranced by the gorgeous, muscular yoga instructor, Alex finds herself slowly becoming obsessed with yoga, beginning her own journey to understanding her center, her purpose, and her motives in life.
Nothing is permanent.
It was one thing to read it, study it, and meditate it. But to truly embrace it? This was the practice, the real practice. Could I let him go? In this moment?
As Alex dives deeper into her new experiences of meditation and enlightenment, she works desperately to prove to herself that she's really ready to start over after her failed marriage -- but, is she lying to herself? When a thoughtful new stranger challenges Alex's perceptions of friendship, love, and understanding, she is quick to rebel against his charming ways and his thoughtful actions -- but can the one thing stole her husband away from her end up being the very thing that gives her a second chance of living her life the way she really wants it to be?
BREATHE was a wonderfully entertaining novel about one woman's struggle to deal with the loss of a failed love while seeking out her own needs and intentions through the medium of yoga. While this was my first fictional book I've read that was centered on yoga, I don't intend for it to be my last. This novel really got me more interested in yoga and I intend to actually try my own hand at a yoga workout or two.
It was interesting to see how Alex becomes so entranced with the general experience of yoga, obtaining every book she could on the subject, taking countless classes, and dropping hundreds of dollars on her own specialized yoga attire. While she initially describes the yoga movement as a cult-like phenomena at the beginning of the story, Alex gradually loses sense of her own obsession as she finds herself falling in love -- first, presumably with her yoga instructor, and then later with the sense of peace and calmness she is able to tap into as she learns not only to meditate but also to learn to hear her own desires and consider her own needs while thinking ahead to her future.
The only thing I didn't necessarily love was the way that Alex seemed to become a bit more judgmental of those around her as she embraced her new yoga lifestyle, describing herself as an open-minded yogi but simultaneously acting with disdain towards those who live more in accordance with her own lifestyle. Her attitude left me feeling a bit isolated from her character, which made me feel a little less invested in the outcome of the possible new relationship that was always looming around the corner.
I do think BREATHE was a worthwhile contemporary novel, though, that would definitely appeal to anyone who likes yoga or who enjoys reading about women who seek out a new strength after the demise of a previous lifestyle. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book and I've already dusted off one of my old yoga DVD's after becoming a bit inspired by Alex's own journey in this novel
Alex is whisked off her feet when she meets Tripp, wound up in a whirlwind romance that leads to a proposal after three months and a wedding only two months after that. While Alex is a country girl at heart, having spent her childhood on a ranch surrounded by homegrown vegetables and beloved pet horses, Tripp and his family inhabit a world of business and wealth full of socializing and schmoozing that is quite unfamiliar to Alex. Even so, she is head over heels in love and feels insanely lucky to be the wife of such a financially fit and powerful man.
One day, thought, Tripp comes home and announces that he is leaving not only his wife but also his old life all together. He has found himself obsessed with a more enlightened path, through yoga and meditation, and he is leaving Alex to pursue higher things after being mentored by sexy yoga guru Lauren, who Tripp says has guided her through many lifetimes that were previously unattainable to him.
Disgusted by Tripp's announcement, Alex feels that her husband has been brainwashed by the cult of yoga, one that overtook her own mother through Alex's childhood. Her earliest memories were of yoga mats strewn all over the living room and countless attempts by her mother to coerce Alex into experiencing her first yoga class herself. But yoga is mostly for skinny girls with big boobs and small brains -- and desperate, unenlightened husbands, isn't it?
However, Alex's friends somehow convince her to embrace her competitive side and she consents to participating in a popular local yoga class -- if for no other reason than to prove that she *can* do yoga (and do it better than Tripp, at that!) Entranced by the gorgeous, muscular yoga instructor, Alex finds herself slowly becoming obsessed with yoga, beginning her own journey to understanding her center, her purpose, and her motives in life.
Nothing is permanent.
It was one thing to read it, study it, and meditate it. But to truly embrace it? This was the practice, the real practice. Could I let him go? In this moment?
As Alex dives deeper into her new experiences of meditation and enlightenment, she works desperately to prove to herself that she's really ready to start over after her failed marriage -- but, is she lying to herself? When a thoughtful new stranger challenges Alex's perceptions of friendship, love, and understanding, she is quick to rebel against his charming ways and his thoughtful actions -- but can the one thing stole her husband away from her end up being the very thing that gives her a second chance of living her life the way she really wants it to be?
BREATHE was a wonderfully entertaining novel about one woman's struggle to deal with the loss of a failed love while seeking out her own needs and intentions through the medium of yoga. While this was my first fictional book I've read that was centered on yoga, I don't intend for it to be my last. This novel really got me more interested in yoga and I intend to actually try my own hand at a yoga workout or two.
It was interesting to see how Alex becomes so entranced with the general experience of yoga, obtaining every book she could on the subject, taking countless classes, and dropping hundreds of dollars on her own specialized yoga attire. While she initially describes the yoga movement as a cult-like phenomena at the beginning of the story, Alex gradually loses sense of her own obsession as she finds herself falling in love -- first, presumably with her yoga instructor, and then later with the sense of peace and calmness she is able to tap into as she learns not only to meditate but also to learn to hear her own desires and consider her own needs while thinking ahead to her future.
The only thing I didn't necessarily love was the way that Alex seemed to become a bit more judgmental of those around her as she embraced her new yoga lifestyle, describing herself as an open-minded yogi but simultaneously acting with disdain towards those who live more in accordance with her own lifestyle. Her attitude left me feeling a bit isolated from her character, which made me feel a little less invested in the outcome of the possible new relationship that was always looming around the corner.
I do think BREATHE was a worthwhile contemporary novel, though, that would definitely appeal to anyone who likes yoga or who enjoys reading about women who seek out a new strength after the demise of a previous lifestyle. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book and I've already dusted off one of my old yoga DVD's after becoming a bit inspired by Alex's own journey in this novel
March 20, 2013
Delightful! This book had its issues, but if you love a good character development plot, you forgave the TSTL (too stupid to live) moments and bouts of BMs (big misunderstandings).
When the book opens, Alex's marriage is about to implode. We are caught in medias res of the emotional turmoil that has her spiraling towards the depths of despair. It was visceral, palatable! A train wreck that she refuses to abandon, and you could not look away from. As a reader, you immediately took her side and wished a slow death to her asshole of a husband and his controlling mother.
Bishop (three authors in a collective) deftly wove past in with present to give us a technicolor picture of a love story gone pale. We watch Alex get up, fall down, and fall down some more on her road to love. And this is a love story. But its a love story about finding one's self. Alex is my hero! I want to be just like her when I grow up!
I will be the first to admit that the yoga and New Age-y was way over the top. But if you like that kind of stuff (and I do) you'll forgive it. I will also warn REAL GIRLFRIENDS that when Alex's new BFFs don't think twice about taking a class from the yoga teacher her husband allegedly cheated with, I was upset enough to put the book down. That plot point pissed me off...but only for like 5 minutes of venting then I dove back in, and in the end it was handled admirably. Also, Alex's new love interest is not written with a lot of depth -there's lots of hints of depth, but its never spelled out for the reader. He, Andy, never talks about himself which makes him mysterious and intriguing. But at the end of the book I realized I didn't really know much about him except he was a very patient man.
But this book is really about Alex growing as a character, and it was done so so so well! Alex is a blank slate that takes on the personalities of others around her. First her childhood best friend, wild child. And later her upper class, monied husband. The story is watching her shed these false ideals, and through the power of an internal and external practice, she finds herself with lots of bumps and mid-transformation assessments along the way. It was beautiful to watch!
ARC provided by NetGalley
When the book opens, Alex's marriage is about to implode. We are caught in medias res of the emotional turmoil that has her spiraling towards the depths of despair. It was visceral, palatable! A train wreck that she refuses to abandon, and you could not look away from. As a reader, you immediately took her side and wished a slow death to her asshole of a husband and his controlling mother.
Bishop (three authors in a collective) deftly wove past in with present to give us a technicolor picture of a love story gone pale. We watch Alex get up, fall down, and fall down some more on her road to love. And this is a love story. But its a love story about finding one's self. Alex is my hero! I want to be just like her when I grow up!
I will be the first to admit that the yoga and New Age-y was way over the top. But if you like that kind of stuff (and I do) you'll forgive it. I will also warn REAL GIRLFRIENDS that when Alex's new BFFs don't think twice about taking a class from the yoga teacher her husband allegedly cheated with, I was upset enough to put the book down. That plot point pissed me off...but only for like 5 minutes of venting then I dove back in, and in the end it was handled admirably. Also, Alex's new love interest is not written with a lot of depth -there's lots of hints of depth, but its never spelled out for the reader. He, Andy, never talks about himself which makes him mysterious and intriguing. But at the end of the book I realized I didn't really know much about him except he was a very patient man.
But this book is really about Alex growing as a character, and it was done so so so well! Alex is a blank slate that takes on the personalities of others around her. First her childhood best friend, wild child. And later her upper class, monied husband. The story is watching her shed these false ideals, and through the power of an internal and external practice, she finds herself with lots of bumps and mid-transformation assessments along the way. It was beautiful to watch!
ARC provided by NetGalley
February 14, 2013
I finished Breathe on Saturday! What a terrific, engaging, FUN story.
It's a wonderful book -- smart, fun, funny, sexy, and romantic. And importantly, it manages to be both sexy and romantic without being a book you are embarrassed to admit you are reading! I also like the fact that the main character in the book, Alex, manages to confront some devastating set backs by finding her stronger, more self-aware, and self-reliant self -- as opposed to by becoming vengeful and mean.
The minute I started reading I was wishing I was back in the days before I was a wife and a mom and a business owner, when I could just go back to bed with a bagel and a cup of coffee and read until I finished it. Even though those days are over and I never get big chunks of time to read anymore, I still finished it in a flash because it is such a page turner.
I also loved that it included so many of my favorite things like strong, smart, sexy women; injured but adopted stray dogs; smart, gorgeous, thoughtful guys; loyal and committed girl friends; yoga; urban agriculture; fabulous and enlightened gay friends; Stanford; Madonna in her henna period; Halloween costumes; Marin; San Francisco...even cool Moms who are also civil rights lawyers (okay so that's a minor character, but a personal fav)!
Seriously, it is a great book and such a treat to read. I hope the authors feel incredibly proud of what they have accomplished. I am so doubly impressed to know that three good girl friends wrote it together. What an inspiration!
It's a wonderful book -- smart, fun, funny, sexy, and romantic. And importantly, it manages to be both sexy and romantic without being a book you are embarrassed to admit you are reading! I also like the fact that the main character in the book, Alex, manages to confront some devastating set backs by finding her stronger, more self-aware, and self-reliant self -- as opposed to by becoming vengeful and mean.
The minute I started reading I was wishing I was back in the days before I was a wife and a mom and a business owner, when I could just go back to bed with a bagel and a cup of coffee and read until I finished it. Even though those days are over and I never get big chunks of time to read anymore, I still finished it in a flash because it is such a page turner.
I also loved that it included so many of my favorite things like strong, smart, sexy women; injured but adopted stray dogs; smart, gorgeous, thoughtful guys; loyal and committed girl friends; yoga; urban agriculture; fabulous and enlightened gay friends; Stanford; Madonna in her henna period; Halloween costumes; Marin; San Francisco...even cool Moms who are also civil rights lawyers (okay so that's a minor character, but a personal fav)!
Seriously, it is a great book and such a treat to read. I hope the authors feel incredibly proud of what they have accomplished. I am so doubly impressed to know that three good girl friends wrote it together. What an inspiration!
June 10, 2013
I decided to read this book as it was something different from what I usually read and I wanted to see what did happen to the character Alex, from the synopsis, it sounds like she has been through the ringer. I was hooked right away. You feel like you are Alex and you feel her heartache and confusion and pain. She is very easy to connect with and you go on this journey with her.
The life that Alex has for a year was a life I do feel a lot of us dream of having, but sometimes your dreams are not what they seem, and for Alex she learned that the hard way. Her transition from basically trophy wife to single lady finding her way is an enthralling story. She finds out who her true friends are and that no matter what, there is always a positive somewhere down the road. Her journey through yoga is inspiring. Although she is reluctant at first, she opens her self up and the journey it takes her on is very moving.
I relate to Alex when it comes to Galen. I can never tell and am always surprised when it happens and it always seems everyone else knows but me. As soon as we meet Andy, I love him right away. He's a spitfire and honest guy, which we need more of.
This book was so inspiring, it stuck with me so much, I purchased a yoga mat and beginners yoga dvd. I am ready to find my center and my path, I think it will help me so much! So thank you so much ladies for this amazing book that has had a huge impact on me already!! I loof you girls!! And I loof this book!!!
The life that Alex has for a year was a life I do feel a lot of us dream of having, but sometimes your dreams are not what they seem, and for Alex she learned that the hard way. Her transition from basically trophy wife to single lady finding her way is an enthralling story. She finds out who her true friends are and that no matter what, there is always a positive somewhere down the road. Her journey through yoga is inspiring. Although she is reluctant at first, she opens her self up and the journey it takes her on is very moving.
I relate to Alex when it comes to Galen. I can never tell and am always surprised when it happens and it always seems everyone else knows but me. As soon as we meet Andy, I love him right away. He's a spitfire and honest guy, which we need more of.
This book was so inspiring, it stuck with me so much, I purchased a yoga mat and beginners yoga dvd. I am ready to find my center and my path, I think it will help me so much! So thank you so much ladies for this amazing book that has had a huge impact on me already!! I loof you girls!! And I loof this book!!!
May 2, 2013
I wasn't sure what to think when I bought this on Kindle because it sounded like "chick lit." Well, yes, it is, but the yoga influence is strong. There was enough story line and character development for me to overlook that this was chick lit and made it a very quick and enjoyable read.
It takes place in Marin, San Francisco and Oregon, very appealing places. Several characters are developed well enough to keep it entertaining.
The main character starts out as a silly 25-year-old, trying to find her way, one of those girls who would pick up a book by that "ing" author as a way of trying to make her life better. However, once a dramatic event happens in her life, she becomes a more interesting character and begins her "journey" of growth as a human being.
I tend to read a lot of nonfiction, and a well written novel such as this was refreshing and fun to read. Yes, there are some annoying factors in it, but overall, it's a good read.
I'm intrigued that it was written by three women who all practice yoga - they did a great job at infusing it with yogic philosophy while keeping it fun, light and interesting, while still being "educational."
This is a book that could be turned into a Hallmark movie - light, refreshing and uplifting, with a happy ending.
It takes place in Marin, San Francisco and Oregon, very appealing places. Several characters are developed well enough to keep it entertaining.
The main character starts out as a silly 25-year-old, trying to find her way, one of those girls who would pick up a book by that "ing" author as a way of trying to make her life better. However, once a dramatic event happens in her life, she becomes a more interesting character and begins her "journey" of growth as a human being.
I tend to read a lot of nonfiction, and a well written novel such as this was refreshing and fun to read. Yes, there are some annoying factors in it, but overall, it's a good read.
I'm intrigued that it was written by three women who all practice yoga - they did a great job at infusing it with yogic philosophy while keeping it fun, light and interesting, while still being "educational."
This is a book that could be turned into a Hallmark movie - light, refreshing and uplifting, with a happy ending.
September 7, 2013
I wasn't initially pulled into the story, as the heroine Alex wallows in misery after her husband leaves her (for his yoga teacher it is assumed). But, since I was stuck on a plane during my yoga tour this summer, I kept turning my Kindle pages until I couldn't put the device down. Once "Oregon," as she is nicknamed by someone who sees her for who she is -- the down-to-earth cowgirl from a ranch in Oregon, rather than a rich Marin socialite wannabe -- decides to take the yoga path, I was totally pulled in. Alex's stabs at meditation after reading Ram Dass put pearls of wisdom into the story that made me appreciate it all the more. And although I knew how the ending would work out (we all expect a happy ending, don't we?), the suspense leading up to it was well-written and each miss-step made the story all the more entertaining.
Namaste,
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries and Chakra Secrets
www.thechakras.org
Namaste,
Becca Chopra, author of The Chakra Diaries and Chakra Secrets
www.thechakras.org
October 13, 2015
Others before me have mentioned the shopping after yoga class. Talk about being judgemental there... Just because someone happens to shop then, does it mean they don't do anything good for the community? No volunteering? Are they mean, rude people, too? Ever heard of the fact that is something supports you in fulfilling your dharma, it's all good?
And perfect bendy asanas after two months of practice? Come on, that is unrealistic for the most of us. People who try too much too soon end up at the doctor's.
I'm sure the intention was to write an upbeat little story, but to me it comes across as preachy. And the lack of setting boundaries was very stressful to read. Why not throw out a friend who leeches on you? Grow a bit as a person in the process, rather than be an all-accepting flower child (but suffering in silence on the inside)?
Not my favourite read, had a hard time getting into it as well.
And perfect bendy asanas after two months of practice? Come on, that is unrealistic for the most of us. People who try too much too soon end up at the doctor's.
I'm sure the intention was to write an upbeat little story, but to me it comes across as preachy. And the lack of setting boundaries was very stressful to read. Why not throw out a friend who leeches on you? Grow a bit as a person in the process, rather than be an all-accepting flower child (but suffering in silence on the inside)?
Not my favourite read, had a hard time getting into it as well.
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