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The Namaste Club
"This smart, suspenseful tale with an I-didn't-see-that-coming ending is an irresistible page turner, as if White Lotus collided with Nine Perfect Strangers. A summer must-read." — Rochelle B. Weinstein, bestelling author of This is Not How it Ends
From the author of Pink Glass Houses, another delicious beach read about rich people behaving badly! The Namaste Club is a sly and hilarious send-up of the wellness industrial complex, rich ladies doing yoga, and all things fabulous and Florida.
Just inland from Florida’s sun-splashed Treasure Coast is the Namaste Club yoga center. An exclusive oasis of palms, lakes, and adorable guest villas, it’s perfect for getaways where Shakti, a serenely blond Instagram influencer, holds yoga retreats for well-heeled Miami ladies. The Namaste Club is a place of reflection, a place of release and redemption…or at least, that’s the sales pitch.
This weekend, however, is Transcendence Week, and a new bunch of South Florida burnouts have arrived. There’s Indira, fabulously wealthy after her divorce from the fast-frozen fruit king of Florida. There’s Indira’s bestie Jessica, also divorced and trying to get her groove back. There’s Barbara, heir to a massive family fortune, who’s taken a vow of silence for the retreat that will be sorely tested. And then there’s Carol Anne from Vero Beach, a happy tradwife and proud gun owner who recently did something...inadvisable; she’s just here while things cool off in her hometown.
And then, of course, there’s Daniel, the toned, man-bunned apprentice yoga instructor. He’s cute if you like that sort of thing. And many of the rich ladies do.
Last but not least, there’s Bubba, the retreat center’s resident twelve-foot American alligator. Before Transcendence Week is over, Bubba will have his moment of glory as well—when one of the visitors winds up in his jaws.
Who will be living their best life? Who will get their comeuppance? Pour yourself a spicy margarita and settle in for your new favorite read!
From the author of Pink Glass Houses, another delicious beach read about rich people behaving badly! The Namaste Club is a sly and hilarious send-up of the wellness industrial complex, rich ladies doing yoga, and all things fabulous and Florida.
Just inland from Florida’s sun-splashed Treasure Coast is the Namaste Club yoga center. An exclusive oasis of palms, lakes, and adorable guest villas, it’s perfect for getaways where Shakti, a serenely blond Instagram influencer, holds yoga retreats for well-heeled Miami ladies. The Namaste Club is a place of reflection, a place of release and redemption…or at least, that’s the sales pitch.
This weekend, however, is Transcendence Week, and a new bunch of South Florida burnouts have arrived. There’s Indira, fabulously wealthy after her divorce from the fast-frozen fruit king of Florida. There’s Indira’s bestie Jessica, also divorced and trying to get her groove back. There’s Barbara, heir to a massive family fortune, who’s taken a vow of silence for the retreat that will be sorely tested. And then there’s Carol Anne from Vero Beach, a happy tradwife and proud gun owner who recently did something...inadvisable; she’s just here while things cool off in her hometown.
And then, of course, there’s Daniel, the toned, man-bunned apprentice yoga instructor. He’s cute if you like that sort of thing. And many of the rich ladies do.
Last but not least, there’s Bubba, the retreat center’s resident twelve-foot American alligator. Before Transcendence Week is over, Bubba will have his moment of glory as well—when one of the visitors winds up in his jaws.
Who will be living their best life? Who will get their comeuppance? Pour yourself a spicy margarita and settle in for your new favorite read!
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2025
70 people are currently reading
5651 people want to read
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July 3, 2025
—— 𝟑.𝟕𝟓 ☆ 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬. 🧘🏼♀️
🚨 𝙱𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙽𝚎𝚠𝚜: 🚨
“𝙵𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚍𝚊 𝙼𝚊𝚗 𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝙴𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚋𝚢 𝙰𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚊𝚝𝚘𝚛
𝚊𝚝 𝙻𝚞𝚡𝚞𝚛𝚢 𝚈𝚘𝚐𝚊 𝚁𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝.”
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿
❝𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙽𝚊𝚖𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚎 𝙲𝚕𝚞𝚋 𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝 𝚜𝚙𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚞𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚊 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚑 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚎𝚕𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚎. 𝙵𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚠𝚎𝚜𝚝, 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝙲𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚕 𝙵𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚍𝚊 𝚝𝚘𝚠𝚗𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜: 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚜, 𝙲𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚛 𝙱𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚎𝚕, 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚎𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚎, 𝚐𝚞𝚗 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝚢𝚘𝚞’𝚕𝚕 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚠𝚊𝚖𝚙𝚢 𝚏𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎𝚗 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚢 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚎𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚕 𝚑𝚒𝚙𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜.❞
📖┆𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐛𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐚 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐬
🏷️┆𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: 𝔽𝕚𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟, 𝕊𝕦𝕤𝕡𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕖, 𝕊𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕣𝕖
📆┆𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝: 𝟞/𝟚𝟛/𝟚𝟝 - 𝟞/𝟚𝟡/𝟚𝟝
📋┆𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬
「 “Just inland from Florida's sun-splashed Treasure Coast is the Namaste Club yoga center; an exclusive oasis of palms, lakes, and adorable guest villas. It’s perfect for getaways where Shakti holds retreats for well-heeled Miami ladies. The Namaste Club is a place of reflection, a place of release and redemption...or at least, that's the sales pitch.”」
❝𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚎𝚏 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚍 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚍𝚐𝚎𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚎𝚒𝚟𝚎. 𝚆𝚎’𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚕𝚔 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚘𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚕 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛, 𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚎𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚜𝚞𝚛𝚏𝚊𝚌𝚎, 𝚐𝚕𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚌𝚎𝚙𝚝𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚜 𝚋𝚎𝚕𝚘𝚠. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚐𝚒𝚊 𝚌𝚊𝚕𝚖𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚋𝚒𝚝.❞
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿
❝𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚍𝚊𝚢? 𝚈𝚘𝚐𝚊 𝚒𝚜 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚛. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚙𝚛𝚊𝚗𝚊𝚢𝚊𝚖𝚊 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚛, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚗 . . . 𝚖𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚎? 𝙳𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚐𝚒𝚗-𝚔𝚘𝚖𝚋𝚞𝚌𝚑𝚊 𝚌𝚘𝚌𝚔𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚕𝚜? 𝙷𝚘𝚠𝚕 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚘𝚗? 𝚃𝚊𝚕𝚔 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚘𝚍𝚜?❞
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ★★★.𝟕𝟓
ɢᴏᴏᴅʀᴇᴀᴅꜱ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: 𝟹.𝟽𝟿 ☆ ꜱᴛᴀʀꜱ
ᴘᴀɪʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ: ᴡɪʟᴅ ʀᴏᴀꜱᴛᴇᴅ ʙᴏᴀʀ 🐗
ꜱᴘɪᴄᴇ: ½🌶️
ᴡᴏᴜʟᴅ ʏᴏᴜ ʀᴇᴄᴏᴍᴍᴇɴᴅ?: ✅
lıllılı.ıllı.ılılıılıı.lllııılı.
ɴᴏᴡ ᴘʟᴀʏɪɴɢ:
[ꜰʟᴏʀɪᴅᴀ!!! ♪ ᴛᴀʏʟᴏʀ ꜱᴡɪꜰᴛ (ꜰᴇᴀᴛ. ꜰʟᴏʀᴇɴᴄᴇ + ᴛʜᴇ ᴍᴀᴄʜɪɴᴇ)]
1:09 ———♡——— 3:35
⇄ ◃◃ ⅠⅠ ▹▹ ↻
➻❥ all my girls got their lace and their crimes and your cheating husband disappeared, well, no one asks any questions here so I did my best to lay to rest all of the bodies that have ever been on my body and in my mind, they sink into the swamp.
‧₊˚♪𝄞࿐₊˚⊹
ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
🐊 ᴡʜɪᴛᴇ ʟᴏᴛᴜꜱ
🧘🏼♀️ ᴍᴜʟᴛɪᴘʟᴇ ᴘᴏᴠꜱ
🌴ꜰʟᴏʀɪᴅᴀ ꜱᴇᴛᴛɪɴɢ
🐊 ꜱʜᴏʀᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀꜱ
🧘🏼♀️ ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ ᴍʏꜱᴛᴇʀʏ
🌴ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇᴀʟ ʜᴏᴜꜱᴇᴡɪᴠᴇꜱ
🐊 ʀɪᴄʜ ᴘᴇᴏᴘʟᴇ ᴘʀᴏʙʟᴇᴍꜱ
⚠️TW: sexual situations, sexual assault, sexual exploitation of a minor, violence, animal death
❝𝙿𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚗’𝚝 𝚏𝚛𝚘𝚖 𝙵𝚕𝚘𝚛𝚒𝚍𝚊 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚒𝚝. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚐𝚎𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚋𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚗 𝚊 𝙲𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚐𝚘𝚛𝚢 3 𝚑𝚞𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚎, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚎𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚢 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚜𝚙𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚋𝚢 𝚊𝚗 𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚊𝚝𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊 𝚜𝚠𝚒𝚖 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚕𝚊𝚔𝚎.❞
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
💬┆𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
• I’m bound to enjoy any book that starts off by saying a Floridaman got eaten by an alligator. The Namaste Club was a fast, fun, even somewhat heartfelt, entertaining time. I was not bored once. I love whackdoodle ladies getting themselves into trouble. And even though I didn’t like any of these women, I still had a blast reading about thejr bad decisions. It was funny in a silly goofy, don’t take this book too seriously way. It’s meant to be a pool/beach side read, a guilty pleasure read, a doesn’t require much thought read.
• Now onto my issues:
⤷ issue 1:The Namaste Club was made for either people who live in Florida or a niche group of people who just have a deep rooted love for Florida. On one hand, you’re going to have people who are going to love it because they’ll understand the ~Florida lingo~, relate to the setting, & appreciate the poking fun at our bizarre state. But then on the other hand, you’re going to have people who are going to dislike it because they’re not from Florida, don’t care about the Florida lore, therefore won’t understand a lot of references sprinkled throughout the chapters. Because I’ve lived in Florida for most of my life, actually about an hour away from where this takes place, I enjoyed not only the state humor, but the way the author described the landscape was on point. The writing was that perfect type of descriptive that I could picture the yoga resort, nestled in the Florida bush/wildlife, clearly in my mind.
⤷ issue 2: I didn’t like the way the author handled Daniel’s character. In the beginning, you find out it’s his murder that needs to be solved. He starts out a friendly, flirty, yoga student, but then towards the last 75% of the book, Daniel starts acting unhinged out of nowhere. It didn’t fit with his character. I wish she had built up more to why he starts to go a little cuckoo because then it would’ve been more an of interesting turn.
⤷ issue 3: I don’t mind if politics are briefly mentioned in a book, but in this book, it was a constant and I was getting sick of it. I understand the author was trying to describe Carol Ann’s character, and unfortunately I knew exactly what kind of Florida-woman stereotype she was describing, but I read to escape reality, I don’t want to be reminded of what’s going on out in the real world.
• If you don’t want to read it, I’ll be honest, you’re not missing much. But if you do decide you want to read it for the Florida-ness and messiness, I don’t think you will regret your decision. Personally, I’m glad I read it; I enjoy watching bad people get what they deserve and I appreciated the surprising sisterhood & womanhood of it all. But please, for the love of Bubba the alligator, in a world full of Carol Annes, be a Shakti. 🧘🏼♀️
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
❝𝙳𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚍? 𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚍𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚏𝚎𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢 𝚒𝚜𝚗’𝚝 𝚊𝚗 𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚌𝚊𝚝; 𝚒𝚝’𝚜 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚘𝚗. 𝙸𝚝 𝚛𝚘𝚊𝚛𝚜.❞
♡ Thank you NetGalley & William Morrow Publishing for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Be on the lookout for The Namaste Club, hitting shelves on July 1st 2025!
‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵‿︵‿︵୨˚̣̣̣͙୧ - -୨˚̣̣̣͙୧‿︵‿︵
Want to read
June 20, 2025💀 The way this story started has me weak – "Breaking news, Florida Man partially eaten by alligator at luxury yoga retreat"
Also, multiple narrators for this audiobook?? Love that!
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Harper Audio for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
Also, multiple narrators for this audiobook?? Love that!
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Harper Audio for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
July 3, 2025
BOOK✶REVIEW
#ad much love for my advance copy @williammorrowbooks + @asha.sue.elias #partner
& @harperaudio #partner for the ALC
🆃🅷🅴 🅽🅰🅼🅰🆂🆃🅴 🅲🅻🆄🅱
< @asha.sue.elias >
ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ ɴᴏᴡ
🫣 So the pub day changed and instead of an early review this is now a LATE review - but good news! Because you can run and get a copy today!
“‘It was terrifying, really, how someone could look so relatively normal on the outside but possess such crazy dark personality traits on the inside,’” (p. 150).
“It's so easy to make yourself invisible. When people think that you aren't listening to them, they'll forget you can still hear what they are talking about. Then they'll say all kinds of things as though you aren't even there,” (p. 158).
Welcome to the Namaste Club yoga retreat. It’s bound to be a week you won’t forget. Drop the fakeness and pick up the vodka because any good retreat isn’t really a retreat without the booze, drama, and people dying. Also, don’t forget about Bubba - the resident alligator. He knows where to hide the bodies.
Memorable:
Moon Cycles 😂
Nama-slay
Jennifer 😂😂🤦🏼♀️
Bubba
I first discovered this author last year and it’s been a love affair ever since. This book is seriously perfection! Short chapters, characters you just love - mostly, and a plot that keeps you hooked and entertained throughout.
This book has it all! You’ll laugh, be intrigued wondering who the kiIIer is, and flipping the pages late into the night. What is better than a yoga retreat? A yoga retreat that comes with an 800 lb friendly alligator 🐊 who is more than willing to help you hide the body.
The Namaste Club by Asha Elias is a must read for thriller lovers. I had so much fun reading it. And know you will too.
The story alternates between the characters’ POV: Jessica, Martina, Shakti, Indira, Carol Ann. It also alternates leading up to the retreat, during the retreat, and after the retreat. It’s a ride!
🎧 Also listened to the audio and it was perfect also. The multiple narrators for the different characters made this audio! An entertaining listen.
#NamasteClub #williammorrow
#ad much love for my advance copy @williammorrowbooks + @asha.sue.elias #partner
& @harperaudio #partner for the ALC
🆃🅷🅴 🅽🅰🅼🅰🆂🆃🅴 🅲🅻🆄🅱
< @asha.sue.elias >
ᴀᴠᴀɪʟᴀʙʟᴇ ɴᴏᴡ
🫣 So the pub day changed and instead of an early review this is now a LATE review - but good news! Because you can run and get a copy today!
“‘It was terrifying, really, how someone could look so relatively normal on the outside but possess such crazy dark personality traits on the inside,’” (p. 150).
“It's so easy to make yourself invisible. When people think that you aren't listening to them, they'll forget you can still hear what they are talking about. Then they'll say all kinds of things as though you aren't even there,” (p. 158).
Welcome to the Namaste Club yoga retreat. It’s bound to be a week you won’t forget. Drop the fakeness and pick up the vodka because any good retreat isn’t really a retreat without the booze, drama, and people dying. Also, don’t forget about Bubba - the resident alligator. He knows where to hide the bodies.
Memorable:
Moon Cycles 😂
Nama-slay
Jennifer 😂😂🤦🏼♀️
Bubba
I first discovered this author last year and it’s been a love affair ever since. This book is seriously perfection! Short chapters, characters you just love - mostly, and a plot that keeps you hooked and entertained throughout.
This book has it all! You’ll laugh, be intrigued wondering who the kiIIer is, and flipping the pages late into the night. What is better than a yoga retreat? A yoga retreat that comes with an 800 lb friendly alligator 🐊 who is more than willing to help you hide the body.
The Namaste Club by Asha Elias is a must read for thriller lovers. I had so much fun reading it. And know you will too.
The story alternates between the characters’ POV: Jessica, Martina, Shakti, Indira, Carol Ann. It also alternates leading up to the retreat, during the retreat, and after the retreat. It’s a ride!
🎧 Also listened to the audio and it was perfect also. The multiple narrators for the different characters made this audio! An entertaining listen.
#NamasteClub #williammorrow
February 1, 2025
Namaste, all! Ohhh I’m bummed! I absolutely loved Pink Glass Houses so I jumped at the opportunity to grab this one but it just didn’t have the same effect on me. I struggled with the word salad of yogi talk for sure. I did enjoy the catty drama when it appeared though!
The Namaste Club follows a hodge podge group of individuals who embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment through yoga and mindfulness, but is it truly achievable to not judge others? Is everyone really here for the right reasons?
Overall, it’s an easy read that is perfect for a light escape!
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for my advanced copy!
Pub. Date: July 1, 2025
The Namaste Club follows a hodge podge group of individuals who embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment through yoga and mindfulness, but is it truly achievable to not judge others? Is everyone really here for the right reasons?
Overall, it’s an easy read that is perfect for a light escape!
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for my advanced copy!
Pub. Date: July 1, 2025
May 30, 2025
Was this supposed to be satire like "Pink Glass Houses"? If so, I missed the point. I did manage to read the whole book, and admit that the ending made up for the rest of the book.
When I read the description of this book, it sounded like a fun read. It was supposed to be funny, and I love gossipy reads. And don't stay away from this book just because it wasn't my glass of wine. There are plenty of other readers/reviewers who think this is a great book.
What I got, however, was a political diatribe (depending on your stance) with a side order of 'let's make fun of those we don't agree with'. Stay away if you are a Republican. It was interesting to see that this author writes a story (Yes, it is fictional, I understand that) that makes Republicans look like gun-crazed, anti-everything, uneducated, bigoted, idiots. I also understand that authors are encouraged to write about what they know.
I am not a very political person, as such, but this book annoyed even me. Additionally, the very first chapter provided a vivid description of what a needy woman does with her battery-operated 'appliance'. No, just ick!
The yoga part was a bit heavy, and for the life of me, filled with sexual innuendo. I could not see where this story was going. Was this supposed to be a mystery? ( never did find out) A long-winded, inner dialogue-filled, never-ending 'poor me' story?
*ARC was supplied by the publisher William Morrow, the author, and NetGalley.
When I read the description of this book, it sounded like a fun read. It was supposed to be funny, and I love gossipy reads. And don't stay away from this book just because it wasn't my glass of wine. There are plenty of other readers/reviewers who think this is a great book.
What I got, however, was a political diatribe (depending on your stance) with a side order of 'let's make fun of those we don't agree with'. Stay away if you are a Republican. It was interesting to see that this author writes a story (Yes, it is fictional, I understand that) that makes Republicans look like gun-crazed, anti-everything, uneducated, bigoted, idiots. I also understand that authors are encouraged to write about what they know.
I am not a very political person, as such, but this book annoyed even me. Additionally, the very first chapter provided a vivid description of what a needy woman does with her battery-operated 'appliance'. No, just ick!
The yoga part was a bit heavy, and for the life of me, filled with sexual innuendo. I could not see where this story was going. Was this supposed to be a mystery? ( never did find out) A long-winded, inner dialogue-filled, never-ending 'poor me' story?
*ARC was supplied by the publisher William Morrow, the author, and NetGalley.
July 3, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc and alc.
I really adored Asha Elias' debut novel, Pink Glass Houses, so I was excited to be approved for this book. While I don't think I enjoyed it as much as her debut book, it was still a good read worth at least 3.5-4 stars. I also enjoyed the voice cast and I thought they all did a great job! I would be definitely interested in reading more by Asha Elias in the future!
I really adored Asha Elias' debut novel, Pink Glass Houses, so I was excited to be approved for this book. While I don't think I enjoyed it as much as her debut book, it was still a good read worth at least 3.5-4 stars. I also enjoyed the voice cast and I thought they all did a great job! I would be definitely interested in reading more by Asha Elias in the future!
June 27, 2025
This one started out interesting, but in the end it missed the mark for me. Too much political stuff happening and the satire did not hit for me. That being said, the audiobook had decent voices and I still did want to know what happened in the end.
August 23, 2025
OK, this was fun.
The Namaste Club is a salty Florida fling—equal parts murder mystery, yoga retreat satire, and spicy margarita-influenced comedy. Set at the Namaste Club in Florida, this Transcendence Week features a cast of privileged burnouts: a freshly minted divorcee, her best friend, a vow-of-silence heiress about to snap, a wildly traditional wife with a handgun (who recently did something… questionable), a man-bunned yoga hottie, and Bubba—the twelve-foot alligator who may literally snap at someone.
Elias skewers the wellness-industrial complex, right-wing Trad-wives, and Miami's glamorous excess with razor-sharp wit and enough suspense to keep the pages flipping. I almost couldn't decide who I was rooting for and who I was side-eyeing.
A sharply funny page-turner where prestige meets peril—and the wild critters might just steal the spotlight.
What to listen to while reading...
FloriDada by Animal Collective
Survivor by Destiny's Child
Lush Life by Zara Larsson
If I Rise by Dido
Hazey by Glass Animals
Shake it Out by Florence + the Machine
Breathe by Telepopmusik
The Namaste Club is a salty Florida fling—equal parts murder mystery, yoga retreat satire, and spicy margarita-influenced comedy. Set at the Namaste Club in Florida, this Transcendence Week features a cast of privileged burnouts: a freshly minted divorcee, her best friend, a vow-of-silence heiress about to snap, a wildly traditional wife with a handgun (who recently did something… questionable), a man-bunned yoga hottie, and Bubba—the twelve-foot alligator who may literally snap at someone.
Elias skewers the wellness-industrial complex, right-wing Trad-wives, and Miami's glamorous excess with razor-sharp wit and enough suspense to keep the pages flipping. I almost couldn't decide who I was rooting for and who I was side-eyeing.
A sharply funny page-turner where prestige meets peril—and the wild critters might just steal the spotlight.
What to listen to while reading...
FloriDada by Animal Collective
Survivor by Destiny's Child
Lush Life by Zara Larsson
If I Rise by Dido
Hazey by Glass Animals
Shake it Out by Florence + the Machine
Breathe by Telepopmusik
July 12, 2025
Yup so if Asha Elias writes it, safe to say I’ll read it!
Pink Glass Houses was a favorite of mine in 2024 so I was very excited to dive into The Namaste Club. I listened to this book on audio and admittedly it took a bit for most of the narrators to grow on me. Ultimately, the audio played out well for me and even the despicable characters really grew on me (in their own ways!).
When the novel shifted to the remote retreat and included a murder I had a sinking feeling that this book was going to devolve into a locked room mystery which is so not my speed. And maybe some readers will categorize it that way but it read so differently for me. The book was more about the growth and evolution of the characters and their relationships and the murder was almost an afterthought. I just loved the journey to getting there and figuring out what ultimately happened!
This book was humorous, occasionally shocking, and oh so fun. I do recommend the audio though again, some narrators were much better than others (I did appreciate the full cast!).
Elias has done it again and I can’t wait to see what this creative mind comes out with next. Thank you to William Morrow and Harper Audio for the copy.
Pink Glass Houses was a favorite of mine in 2024 so I was very excited to dive into The Namaste Club. I listened to this book on audio and admittedly it took a bit for most of the narrators to grow on me. Ultimately, the audio played out well for me and even the despicable characters really grew on me (in their own ways!).
When the novel shifted to the remote retreat and included a murder I had a sinking feeling that this book was going to devolve into a locked room mystery which is so not my speed. And maybe some readers will categorize it that way but it read so differently for me. The book was more about the growth and evolution of the characters and their relationships and the murder was almost an afterthought. I just loved the journey to getting there and figuring out what ultimately happened!
This book was humorous, occasionally shocking, and oh so fun. I do recommend the audio though again, some narrators were much better than others (I did appreciate the full cast!).
Elias has done it again and I can’t wait to see what this creative mind comes out with next. Thank you to William Morrow and Harper Audio for the copy.
July 25, 2025
I knew this book would be a wild ride after that first line! This book caught me in from the beginning and I can only describe it as unhinged from the start. A bunch of bougie, self absorbed yogis go on a yoga retreat in Florida except there’s some secrets, sinful behavior, and a hungry alligator waiting for a treat.
The audio was fantastic with a team of narrators! I loved listening to this book. The time jumping, multiple POVs, and different characters made it a fun listen.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this audiobook!
The audio was fantastic with a team of narrators! I loved listening to this book. The time jumping, multiple POVs, and different characters made it a fun listen.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this audiobook!
August 27, 2025
The opening of this book was hilarious and drew me in. The characters are definitely quirky and a bit of a stereotype, but once I got to the end I absolutely saw what the author was doing by using them. I'm so sad about Bubba though!
loved the multiple narrators, I always think that is a great way to get character differentiation across in an audio format. The woman who voiced Carol Ann was my favorite!
thank you to NetGalley, the author Asha Elias, and HarperAudio for my copy of this audiobook.
loved the multiple narrators, I always think that is a great way to get character differentiation across in an audio format. The woman who voiced Carol Ann was my favorite!
thank you to NetGalley, the author Asha Elias, and HarperAudio for my copy of this audiobook.
December 15, 2025
Super fun, funny and Florida-y
April 22, 2025
!The Namaste Club by Asha Elias, the book is set in Miami at a wellness retreat being held by a local yoga teacher name Shokti, and her apprentice the only man Daniel. The attendees are going to be first Indira and Jesse both divorced both single mothers but where in Deira has embraced her singleness in sexuality Jesse is very tentative about getting back in a sexual lifestyle. they also both gave up their religions to marry they’re now ex-husband’s. For Jesse it was Judaism and for Indira it was Hinduism next up is married mother of two Caroline who is an obey your husband personified typ. She is a gun toting racist who also claims to be religious and is there because her husband told her to go. Barbara is the stereotypical yoga hippie hold out who can say without saying that she is in to yoga. she’s the type of person who you can’t tell if she is 40 or 70. As far as Shakti goes she is beautiful truly believes in what she preaches and is very devout to her spirituality. Daniel is a hot 20 something man bun wearing douche bag who believes he is a gift to women and Jesse sadly has a little crush. Caroline immediately doesn’t like Jesse and Indira for different and sometimes the same reasons. Then again Jesse isn’t a big fan of hers especially after she shoots a python and tries to go on a gun toting boar hunt. Barbara has taken the week at the retreat to be a silent non-talking participant and mainly stands around and smiles at least in the beginning. Eventually someone will be found in the swamp with the alligators but why is he there and who did it? Shakti tries so hard to keep the retreat on task but it seems slowly but surely the train is leaving the track and she slowly loses all control. this was a pretty good book they do have some political opinions in the book and there’s a lot of things I have opinions about but this review is about the overall book and it’s entertainment factor and it is very very entertaining. I love a funny book and this made me laugh more than once with a clever story and although there wasn’t big twist in the book I still absolutely recommended it is a solid read not as long as most novels but so worth the time. #NetGalley, #WilliamMorrow, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,#AshaElias, #TheNamasteClub,
June 26, 2025
If you want a book that leans heavily into over-the-top antics of Floridians, this is it!
Five guests head to the Namaste Club for a week-long yoga retreat, and not all of them get out alive. A pair of middle-aged divorcee best friends, a gun-toting MAGA mom, an older spiritualist taking a vow of silence for the week, and a yoga bro make up our group, and conflict arises when they are put in close quarters for the week.
Elias' prior book was a masterful satire about PTA moms in a ritzy area, so I knew to expect plenty of sass and wild moments from this one. The characters are deliciously exaggerated, though authentic enough that you can see strands of real people in them. Their conflicting world views and lifestyles cause them to butt heads multiple times over the week, a week when they feel free to act differently than they might at home.
The muggy FL heat and alligators lurking in the background definitely added to the atmosphere here, and it was a perfect escapist read that I flew through.
Thanks to William Morrow for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Five guests head to the Namaste Club for a week-long yoga retreat, and not all of them get out alive. A pair of middle-aged divorcee best friends, a gun-toting MAGA mom, an older spiritualist taking a vow of silence for the week, and a yoga bro make up our group, and conflict arises when they are put in close quarters for the week.
Elias' prior book was a masterful satire about PTA moms in a ritzy area, so I knew to expect plenty of sass and wild moments from this one. The characters are deliciously exaggerated, though authentic enough that you can see strands of real people in them. Their conflicting world views and lifestyles cause them to butt heads multiple times over the week, a week when they feel free to act differently than they might at home.
The muggy FL heat and alligators lurking in the background definitely added to the atmosphere here, and it was a perfect escapist read that I flew through.
Thanks to William Morrow for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
January 14, 2026
Over the top characters? Yes. On the edge of satire? For sure. This one was much like the author’s first book, Pink Glass Houses. And just like that book, this one was not my typical type of read. But, gosh did I laugh out loud through much of it.
The women in this book might seem over the top and perhaps not quite believable, but I’m pretty sure there really are people that shallow, desperate and unhinged in real life. All you need to do is scroll social media and you’ll be sure to find some!
The women in this book might seem over the top and perhaps not quite believable, but I’m pretty sure there really are people that shallow, desperate and unhinged in real life. All you need to do is scroll social media and you’ll be sure to find some!
January 4, 2026
I love Asha Elias writing style and her books are such good fun short reads, a palette cleanser if you will. Loved it
August 21, 2025
Perfect Florida book! I enjoyed Pink Glass Houses, so I was thrilled by this release.
Not quite Pink Glass Houses level, but still an enjoyable read. The author really nailed the multiple POVs, giving each character a unique voice. The alternating timelines were also really well done!
That said, the cover design is killing me. The cover is so futuristic and cold, neither of which were a vibe that I got from the book. This book would be so much better represented by something vibrant and colorful, not so desaturated.
Not quite Pink Glass Houses level, but still an enjoyable read. The author really nailed the multiple POVs, giving each character a unique voice. The alternating timelines were also really well done!
That said, the cover design is killing me. The cover is so futuristic and cold, neither of which were a vibe that I got from the book. This book would be so much better represented by something vibrant and colorful, not so desaturated.
June 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for inviting me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
2.5 stars.
It is written well so that is not my issue. I loved her first book and I would be willing to give another one of her books a chance! This just wasn’t as good to me.
It still had that catty unlikeable people, housewives feel which was fun at first, but it didn’t hit like the first book did.
Maybe it’s because I don’t do yoga often that I had a hard time getting into it. I’m not hard core about it like some people are, and this book had a lot of those people, so it was harder to me to relate to it. Not that I need to directly relate to a book to enjoy it, but I didn’t really care for or get attached to any of the characters, so that didn’t help either.
I was tempted to give it 3 stars for the ending because I loved it! I love seeing women coming together, and at the end of the day this is a feminist story, which is great.
It was pretty political heavy as well, so if you’re not a fan of that in books I would skip out on this.
Jessica I think was my favorite, just because I related to her in some ways, but I also really liked Indira, even though she could be very mean sometimes.
The Shakti and Barbara were fine, but I wasn’t all that interested in them either. The staff members were barely mentioned so I didn’t really see a need for their POV to be in the novel to be honest, but they were short chapters so it wasn’t all that bad.
Carol Ann was insufferable, which was the point, but it was still so annoying to read.
Daniel disgusted me the whole entire time, which was also the point, but I could barely handle it.
Slight spoiler: but I am very sad animals died in this, pretty needlessly at that most of the cases. It does happen it real life sadly, but that didn’t make it any easier to read.
I honestly would say if this seems up your alley to give it a shot! It wasn’t a horrible read and it was very quick to get through, I just got bored sometimes.
2.5 stars.
It is written well so that is not my issue. I loved her first book and I would be willing to give another one of her books a chance! This just wasn’t as good to me.
It still had that catty unlikeable people, housewives feel which was fun at first, but it didn’t hit like the first book did.
Maybe it’s because I don’t do yoga often that I had a hard time getting into it. I’m not hard core about it like some people are, and this book had a lot of those people, so it was harder to me to relate to it. Not that I need to directly relate to a book to enjoy it, but I didn’t really care for or get attached to any of the characters, so that didn’t help either.
I was tempted to give it 3 stars for the ending because I loved it! I love seeing women coming together, and at the end of the day this is a feminist story, which is great.
It was pretty political heavy as well, so if you’re not a fan of that in books I would skip out on this.
Jessica I think was my favorite, just because I related to her in some ways, but I also really liked Indira, even though she could be very mean sometimes.
The Shakti and Barbara were fine, but I wasn’t all that interested in them either. The staff members were barely mentioned so I didn’t really see a need for their POV to be in the novel to be honest, but they were short chapters so it wasn’t all that bad.
Carol Ann was insufferable, which was the point, but it was still so annoying to read.
Daniel disgusted me the whole entire time, which was also the point, but I could barely handle it.
Slight spoiler: but I am very sad animals died in this, pretty needlessly at that most of the cases. It does happen it real life sadly, but that didn’t make it any easier to read.
I honestly would say if this seems up your alley to give it a shot! It wasn’t a horrible read and it was very quick to get through, I just got bored sometimes.
March 6, 2025
Elias has done it again! Another crazy, surreal satire featuring so many unique characters that you love to hate.
We've got the best friend duo—both divorced Miami moms who formed a trauma bond first from being rejected by their families and then their husbands. There's the follower of Jesus (who probably makes most followers look bad) who is the self-proclaimed perfect wife and mother, and ironically looking to be less judgmental. Then the privileged yogini looking for enlightenment. The token male yogi who is a bit too touchy, giving off bad vibes. And finally the yoga teacher and leader of the week-long yoga retreat the whole group finds themselves a part of.
As a yoga teacher myself, I found little tidbits here and there that were interesting to read from the students' POV. I definetly felt Elias knew her stuff and when it came to poses, chants, and the limbs of yoga (for the most part).
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!
We've got the best friend duo—both divorced Miami moms who formed a trauma bond first from being rejected by their families and then their husbands. There's the follower of Jesus (who probably makes most followers look bad) who is the self-proclaimed perfect wife and mother, and ironically looking to be less judgmental. Then the privileged yogini looking for enlightenment. The token male yogi who is a bit too touchy, giving off bad vibes. And finally the yoga teacher and leader of the week-long yoga retreat the whole group finds themselves a part of.
As a yoga teacher myself, I found little tidbits here and there that were interesting to read from the students' POV. I definetly felt Elias knew her stuff and when it came to poses, chants, and the limbs of yoga (for the most part).
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book!
July 19, 2025
Last year I raved about this author’s debut, Pink Glass Houses, and now she’s back with just as juicy and captivating of a story about Miami’s elite on a lavish yoga retreat!
It’s told from multiple POVs, which intricately comes together to tell the full story of what exactly happened on this retreat, all leading to the death of one of the retreat members. This is a cast of messy female characters that you can’t decide whether to love or hate, but each has an important message for the reader. We get to know an extremist-trad wife mom, a yogi desperate to escape her past, business partner moms with a scandal on their hands, and several other colorful characters that deliciously adds to this eclectic cast.
I love a book that can bring social and cultural issues to the forefront in such a creative manner and Elias knows how to do just that. Not only is she able to do so with each individual character but also while dissecting health & wellness culture and what it means to be on a journey of self discovery. This is a delicious, juicy, and unputdownable read. It’s laugh out loud satire perfectly balanced with jaw dropping drama. The audiobook was a must and I binged this in practically one sitting. I’m such a sucker for books where you get to be a fly on the wall of the wealthy behaving badly. So, if you also loved her previous book, or enjoyed The White Lotus, 9 Perfect Strangers, The Real Housewives, or Pineapple Street, then make this your next bingey beach read!
•𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 •
+ examines health & wellness culture
+ satire with laugh out loud moments
+ an alligator named Bubba
+ Florida setting at a luxurious wellness yoga retreat
+ eclectic cast of messy female characters
+ juicy drama
+ characters you love to hate
+ all things yoga
+ perfect beach read & A+ audiobook experience
+ multiple POV
+ wealthy elite behaving badly
+ read if you like white lotus, real housewives, pineapple street
+ short chapters
+ TW: animal death (happens on page), exploitation of minor (through flashback), sexual scenarios
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: July 1, 2025
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Women’s Fiction • Satire
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: Audiobook
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: Jaime Lamchick
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★★★★★ 𝟓
𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭: I loved it!
Thank you @harperaudio @williammorrowbooks @netgalley for my #gifted ALC!
It’s told from multiple POVs, which intricately comes together to tell the full story of what exactly happened on this retreat, all leading to the death of one of the retreat members. This is a cast of messy female characters that you can’t decide whether to love or hate, but each has an important message for the reader. We get to know an extremist-trad wife mom, a yogi desperate to escape her past, business partner moms with a scandal on their hands, and several other colorful characters that deliciously adds to this eclectic cast.
I love a book that can bring social and cultural issues to the forefront in such a creative manner and Elias knows how to do just that. Not only is she able to do so with each individual character but also while dissecting health & wellness culture and what it means to be on a journey of self discovery. This is a delicious, juicy, and unputdownable read. It’s laugh out loud satire perfectly balanced with jaw dropping drama. The audiobook was a must and I binged this in practically one sitting. I’m such a sucker for books where you get to be a fly on the wall of the wealthy behaving badly. So, if you also loved her previous book, or enjoyed The White Lotus, 9 Perfect Strangers, The Real Housewives, or Pineapple Street, then make this your next bingey beach read!
•𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 •
+ examines health & wellness culture
+ satire with laugh out loud moments
+ an alligator named Bubba
+ Florida setting at a luxurious wellness yoga retreat
+ eclectic cast of messy female characters
+ juicy drama
+ characters you love to hate
+ all things yoga
+ perfect beach read & A+ audiobook experience
+ multiple POV
+ wealthy elite behaving badly
+ read if you like white lotus, real housewives, pineapple street
+ short chapters
+ TW: animal death (happens on page), exploitation of minor (through flashback), sexual scenarios
𝐏𝐮𝐛 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: July 1, 2025
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Women’s Fiction • Satire
𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭: Audiobook
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: Jaime Lamchick
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★★★★★ 𝟓
𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭: I loved it!
Thank you @harperaudio @williammorrowbooks @netgalley for my #gifted ALC!
June 11, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
A deliciously devious and witty satirical read!
Similar to Asha Elias’s debut novel, Pink Glass Houses, The Namaste Club brought a mix of trendy and toxic women with deeper issues related to honesty, loyalty, parenting, and mental health, that went beyond the superficial drama. Elias not only brought a witty and humorous dialogue, she also created an intriguing cast of characters who marveled at a dangerously diabolical yoga retreat. I loved the luxurious spa like landscape. It was ideal for the premise of this story. And the set up was glamorous. It was easy to become obsessed with these wealthy self absorbed and highly dysfunctional women as it was to become obsessed with the yoga retreat and its promise to provide its guests with a personal transformation in their week long getaway from reality.
Elias expertly wove multiple points of view and timelines while giving a glimpse of each character’s motivations and secrets. Although I initially thought I’d not like the abhorrently wealthy characters, I was surprised by how likable they became. I couldn’t help but love their unique personas. And even more, the narration was absolutely satisfying. Each character had a different narrator and each of the narrators’ voices perfectly portrayed their character’s personality. It was an enjoyable listen.
The Namaste Club vividly deconstructed the absurdities of modern wellness culture and what goes on behind closed doors at luxury spas and resorts. Overall, this was a sharply written and distinctly refreshing novel. The Namaste Club was reminiscent of White Lotus and Nine Perfect Strangers. It is a perfect read for those that attract to delicious drama, quirky wealthy women, and a glamorous resort landscape.
Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Audio for the advance audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
A deliciously devious and witty satirical read!
Similar to Asha Elias’s debut novel, Pink Glass Houses, The Namaste Club brought a mix of trendy and toxic women with deeper issues related to honesty, loyalty, parenting, and mental health, that went beyond the superficial drama. Elias not only brought a witty and humorous dialogue, she also created an intriguing cast of characters who marveled at a dangerously diabolical yoga retreat. I loved the luxurious spa like landscape. It was ideal for the premise of this story. And the set up was glamorous. It was easy to become obsessed with these wealthy self absorbed and highly dysfunctional women as it was to become obsessed with the yoga retreat and its promise to provide its guests with a personal transformation in their week long getaway from reality.
Elias expertly wove multiple points of view and timelines while giving a glimpse of each character’s motivations and secrets. Although I initially thought I’d not like the abhorrently wealthy characters, I was surprised by how likable they became. I couldn’t help but love their unique personas. And even more, the narration was absolutely satisfying. Each character had a different narrator and each of the narrators’ voices perfectly portrayed their character’s personality. It was an enjoyable listen.
The Namaste Club vividly deconstructed the absurdities of modern wellness culture and what goes on behind closed doors at luxury spas and resorts. Overall, this was a sharply written and distinctly refreshing novel. The Namaste Club was reminiscent of White Lotus and Nine Perfect Strangers. It is a perfect read for those that attract to delicious drama, quirky wealthy women, and a glamorous resort landscape.
Thanks to Net Galley and Harper Audio for the advance audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
June 30, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of this book; all thoughts are my own!
📖 Book Review 📖 Pink Glass Houses by Asha Elias was one of the stand-out novels for me last year (and I read a lot of books). So The Namaste Club was certainly on my radar and I was hopeful that her sophomore novel would live up to my high hopes. Spoiler alert: it sure did! In a very timely warning for us all, Elias, warns us all of the dangers lurking in the heat of Florida. Sure, a week-long yoga retreat sounds refreshing and relaxing but for this amalgamation of ladies that come together at the Namaste Club, Transcendence Week is anything but a spiritually uplifting awakening of their inner self. Elias delivers a novel that balances a gripping storyline with a satirical look at our current milieu, creating a juicy summer read!
📖 Book Review 📖 Pink Glass Houses by Asha Elias was one of the stand-out novels for me last year (and I read a lot of books). So The Namaste Club was certainly on my radar and I was hopeful that her sophomore novel would live up to my high hopes. Spoiler alert: it sure did! In a very timely warning for us all, Elias, warns us all of the dangers lurking in the heat of Florida. Sure, a week-long yoga retreat sounds refreshing and relaxing but for this amalgamation of ladies that come together at the Namaste Club, Transcendence Week is anything but a spiritually uplifting awakening of their inner self. Elias delivers a novel that balances a gripping storyline with a satirical look at our current milieu, creating a juicy summer read!
July 1, 2025
This was a fun read about what happens at a yoga retreat at a Florida wellness center. There was a good mix of Florida sterotypes, real emotions, and drama. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and was thankful for an advanced copy through William Morrow.
The premise is that a dead body shows up at the yoga retreat. The story is told from several women's perspective. Four of the women are participants in the yoga retreat, one is the yoga instructor, and one is the woman who lives and works at the wellness center, which used to be a kind of preserve. The story unfolds as you get to know the characters the week before the retreat and the week of the retreat. All the while, you meet the significant others, or some ex-husbands, and interesting wildlife that can only be found in Florida.
All in all this was a pretty campy book but I enjoyed the lead up to the climax of who killed Daniel.
The premise is that a dead body shows up at the yoga retreat. The story is told from several women's perspective. Four of the women are participants in the yoga retreat, one is the yoga instructor, and one is the woman who lives and works at the wellness center, which used to be a kind of preserve. The story unfolds as you get to know the characters the week before the retreat and the week of the retreat. All the while, you meet the significant others, or some ex-husbands, and interesting wildlife that can only be found in Florida.
All in all this was a pretty campy book but I enjoyed the lead up to the climax of who killed Daniel.
April 10, 2025
Namaste Club could have been so much more with the luxurious drama allure and White Lotus feel. The wellness retreat that promised a complete reawakening had a lot of potential but unfortunately was not for me.
Story went back and forth between 5-6 different perspectives that didn’t allow me to truly capture all the character development within the book. There were some quirky personalities so I wish I could have experienced that more and have more of a connection of what was going on.
Overall, it could be a good read if you’re looking for a light read with a whimsy drama and “Florida man” story but this was not memorable for me.
Story went back and forth between 5-6 different perspectives that didn’t allow me to truly capture all the character development within the book. There were some quirky personalities so I wish I could have experienced that more and have more of a connection of what was going on.
Overall, it could be a good read if you’re looking for a light read with a whimsy drama and “Florida man” story but this was not memorable for me.
June 7, 2025
4.25 stars for me. Grab your popcorn.
This was such a fun ride. Set in Florida, the Namaste Club is one part murder mystery, one part Gossip Girl.
Most of the characters are middle aged and having a cast of women with opposing world views made for some mesmerizing drama. The characters are all vibrant and slightly crazy. I love how Elias allows to watch all their worlds unravel and I couldn’t stop reading like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
If you are looking to satisfy an itch after you’ve binged White Lotus, this book is for you.
This would be great for a women’s book club.
There is some brief on page intimacy & a handful of f bombs for those who avoid that.
This was such a fun ride. Set in Florida, the Namaste Club is one part murder mystery, one part Gossip Girl.
Most of the characters are middle aged and having a cast of women with opposing world views made for some mesmerizing drama. The characters are all vibrant and slightly crazy. I love how Elias allows to watch all their worlds unravel and I couldn’t stop reading like watching a train wreck in slow motion.
If you are looking to satisfy an itch after you’ve binged White Lotus, this book is for you.
This would be great for a women’s book club.
There is some brief on page intimacy & a handful of f bombs for those who avoid that.
August 13, 2025
I had to sit with this review for a few days. I went in expecting a light, easy read—but instead, it fired me up. Honestly, I almost DNF’d it halfway through. Most of the characters felt shallow, selfish, and mindless, with the exception of the caretaker and her wife, who I actually enjoyed.
If you’re into woke themes, revenge plots, and watching people get their comeuppance, you might like this book. But if, like me, you were hoping for even a hint of a yogi vibe, skip it.
To me, it read like a bundle of outlandish stereotypes wrapped in judgment and hypocrisy. Maybe it was meant to be funny—but if so, it completely missed my funny bone.
If you’re into woke themes, revenge plots, and watching people get their comeuppance, you might like this book. But if, like me, you were hoping for even a hint of a yogi vibe, skip it.
To me, it read like a bundle of outlandish stereotypes wrapped in judgment and hypocrisy. Maybe it was meant to be funny—but if so, it completely missed my funny bone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
I requested this book not knowing what it would be about and it surprised me, I did not realize it would be a mystery.
The narrators were great. The book started out a bit slow. The introduction of each of the characters and how they stand politically was actually a bit funny. It wasn’t until the last hour of the book that the mystery part started, with a male character that wasn’t appropriate at he getaway. He was the only male, and I thought the women would get tired of him and his inappropriate actions and kick him out. Well…….this is where the mystery begins. What a surprise it was.
I like how the book ended. This book probably wouldn’t be used in any of my teaching, but it was fun to listen to.
The narrators were great. The book started out a bit slow. The introduction of each of the characters and how they stand politically was actually a bit funny. It wasn’t until the last hour of the book that the mystery part started, with a male character that wasn’t appropriate at he getaway. He was the only male, and I thought the women would get tired of him and his inappropriate actions and kick him out. Well…….this is where the mystery begins. What a surprise it was.
I like how the book ended. This book probably wouldn’t be used in any of my teaching, but it was fun to listen to.
November 3, 2025
This book was just okay for me. The setting, a fancy Florida yoga retreat where you can go for "release and redemption" was nice and the premise was good,. As a satire of the wellness industry it does it's job. It is told from multiple points of view which kept the book moving. The characters are all over the top excessive and none of them were likeable. Maybe that was the point but I wanted to smack them most of the time. Bubba the alligator was my favorite. The book does touch on some deeper themes of aging, identity, friendship, but mostly I just wanted to go home. Others may enjoy it more.
June 12, 2025
Thank you Netgalley, HarperAudio Adult and Asha Elias for the advanced copy of the Audiobook. This book was so unhinged. As a Canadian, this is exactly how I imagine people from Florida. The entire time, I kept asking myself: Am I reading fiction or non-fiction?
It was a fun, slutty and easy read! Every character had a unique and distinct personality. Carol Ann was definitely my least favourite character, for obvious reasons. I give the book a rating of 3.5/5.
The narrators were all excellent with the roles. I give the narration a 4/5
It was a fun, slutty and easy read! Every character had a unique and distinct personality. Carol Ann was definitely my least favourite character, for obvious reasons. I give the book a rating of 3.5/5.
The narrators were all excellent with the roles. I give the narration a 4/5
July 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC!
Plot: A group of wealthy and dysfunctional people women attend a wellness retreat to find happiness. We know from the prologue that someone is eaten by an alligator, but we don’t know anything about the circumstances. As the story unfolds, so does the drama.
Review: This is my second book by the author, and I loved it! I truly had a blast. I liked Pink Glass Houses a little more, but this had the same tone, smooth writing, and fun characters. Fans of the White Lotus would love this.
4.25⭐️
Plot: A group of wealthy and dysfunctional people women attend a wellness retreat to find happiness. We know from the prologue that someone is eaten by an alligator, but we don’t know anything about the circumstances. As the story unfolds, so does the drama.
Review: This is my second book by the author, and I loved it! I truly had a blast. I liked Pink Glass Houses a little more, but this had the same tone, smooth writing, and fun characters. Fans of the White Lotus would love this.
4.25⭐️
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