Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

by James Nestor

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

368 pages, Paperback

Published December 30, 2025

About the author

James Nestor is a journalist who has written for Outside magazine, Men's Journal, Scientific American, Dwell, National Public Radio, The New York Times, The Atlantic, the San Francisco Chronicle, and others.

Reviews

[Zachary Ringel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nestor is a good writer and the book was an enjoyable read with a good narrative flow. I can see how it won awards. However, the actual content of the book feels lacking. Most of his evidence seems to be anecdotal or discredited by the broader scientific community. Additionally, Nestor often labels symptom management strategies as ‘cures,’ which feels like a misrepresentation of the information. While reducing symptoms of any ailment can greatly improve quality of life, the patient still has the underlying condition. Therefore, Nestor’s claim that breathing techniques can cure conditions like depression and ADHD feels disingenuous when in reality these techniques only help to manage symptoms.

[Bozho Dimitrov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well-put story about the history of human breath and why modern Western society has such challenging times with it.

One of the most remarkable things is how we are losing the basics of such a profound and fundamental function as breathing. And the reasons behind 'why' are so trivial and typical for our human nature. It's just the sad reality of our 'advanced/developed/modern' world.

[Avi Parrack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anecdotes and research on the importance of breathing properly, why humans struggle with it, and how to practice

[Autumn Arenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be the most important book I've read