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Bent: How Yoga Saved My Ass
“It was nothing at first. Just a little twitch. My left ring finger was twitching, slowly, almost languidly, the way fishing line does when you’ve hooked something without any strength. Like a baby perch. I hadn’t even gotten out of bed yet.
My first thought: Stress?
(Nope, think again)”
And here begins a journey that Anne Clendening never saw coming, tried to deny, avoid, postpone and otherwise reject. After all, how does a dark L.A. hippie chick who swore off booze at 22 fit an early onset Parkinson's diagnosis into a life of bartending in Hollywood rock clubs and yoga?
“The stories in this book are my experience. They're about life and yoga and illness and love and disaster and happiness. And since you're holding it, I’m hoping you relate in some way because A) That's the whole point, and B) We all need someone to relate to. And maybe a hand up. (But with words.) Because sometimes you just need to hear it’s all going to work out, even though life may have whammied you and half the time everything might seem like a big fat mess and not at all what it’s supposed to look like, which makes no sense in the first place since none of us really know what’s going to happen and you can’t change fate. If I could, I wouldn’t have Parkinson’s and Prince would still be alive. These stories are for you.”
My first thought: Stress?
(Nope, think again)”
And here begins a journey that Anne Clendening never saw coming, tried to deny, avoid, postpone and otherwise reject. After all, how does a dark L.A. hippie chick who swore off booze at 22 fit an early onset Parkinson's diagnosis into a life of bartending in Hollywood rock clubs and yoga?
“The stories in this book are my experience. They're about life and yoga and illness and love and disaster and happiness. And since you're holding it, I’m hoping you relate in some way because A) That's the whole point, and B) We all need someone to relate to. And maybe a hand up. (But with words.) Because sometimes you just need to hear it’s all going to work out, even though life may have whammied you and half the time everything might seem like a big fat mess and not at all what it’s supposed to look like, which makes no sense in the first place since none of us really know what’s going to happen and you can’t change fate. If I could, I wouldn’t have Parkinson’s and Prince would still be alive. These stories are for you.”
- GenresMemoir
256 pages, Paperback
Published January 9, 2018
6 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Anne Clendening
1 book7 followersAnne Clendening is a yoga teacher, creative nonfiction writer, and columnist for Elephant Journal. She spent more than two decades working in the fashion business designing, styling music videos, producing fashion shows, and bartending in Hollywood nightclubs. She currently lives in L.A. with her Australian husband and their boxer dog Sabina, where she’s probably listening to Abbey Road right now with flowers in her hair.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Living inside Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. I could have my own chocolate river and lickable wallpaper. (Which I've read you can order, but for some odd reason my husband said no).
What is your greatest fear?
Flying. Also being trapped or suffocated. Or drowning. Coming home and finding a stranger in the house. Strangers.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I don’t take things seriously enough.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Dishonesty.
What is your most treasured possession?
My dog Shamus' silver name tag. I’ve been wearing it around my neck ever since he was put to sleep four years ago.
Which living person do you most admire?
The guy who did something nice today for someone he didn’t know and told no one, whoever that is.
What is your current state of mind?
Free spirited.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Quitting stuff.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
My short legs.
What is the quality you like most in a man?
An open heart. And a dazzling smile.
What is the quality you like most in a woman?
The ability of a chick to be a true friend to another chick.
What words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Go f*ck yourself.” I can't help it. It always fits.
What talent would you most like to have?
Musical talent. I would love to be able to play my guitar, but I suck.
If you could change one thing about your self what would it be?
I wish I was tougher, like a New Yorker.
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
Writing a book. Hardest thing I ever did.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
Hopefully someone European. I'd like to grow up in a 200 year old house speaking seven languages.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
The man I married. At first it was Shamus, but my husband edged him out. Just slightly.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Addiction.
What is your favorite occupation?
Reading.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Probably my giggle. Someone told me once it sounds like a pebble rattling around in an empty Coke can.
Who are your favorite writers?
F Scott Fitzgerald, for The Great Gatsby. And Henry Rollins, for everything.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Ellen Ripley.
What is it that you most dislike?
Hospitals.
What is your greatest regret?
Getting older.
How would you like to die?
Happy.
What is your motto?
Sometimes you just gotta say “what the f*ck.”
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Living inside Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. I could have my own chocolate river and lickable wallpaper. (Which I've read you can order, but for some odd reason my husband said no).
What is your greatest fear?
Flying. Also being trapped or suffocated. Or drowning. Coming home and finding a stranger in the house. Strangers.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I don’t take things seriously enough.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Dishonesty.
What is your most treasured possession?
My dog Shamus' silver name tag. I’ve been wearing it around my neck ever since he was put to sleep four years ago.
Which living person do you most admire?
The guy who did something nice today for someone he didn’t know and told no one, whoever that is.
What is your current state of mind?
Free spirited.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Quitting stuff.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
My short legs.
What is the quality you like most in a man?
An open heart. And a dazzling smile.
What is the quality you like most in a woman?
The ability of a chick to be a true friend to another chick.
What words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Go f*ck yourself.” I can't help it. It always fits.
What talent would you most like to have?
Musical talent. I would love to be able to play my guitar, but I suck.
If you could change one thing about your self what would it be?
I wish I was tougher, like a New Yorker.
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
Writing a book. Hardest thing I ever did.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
Hopefully someone European. I'd like to grow up in a 200 year old house speaking seven languages.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
The man I married. At first it was Shamus, but my husband edged him out. Just slightly.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Addiction.
What is your favorite occupation?
Reading.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Probably my giggle. Someone told me once it sounds like a pebble rattling around in an empty Coke can.
Who are your favorite writers?
F Scott Fitzgerald, for The Great Gatsby. And Henry Rollins, for everything.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Ellen Ripley.
What is it that you most dislike?
Hospitals.
What is your greatest regret?
Getting older.
How would you like to die?
Happy.
What is your motto?
Sometimes you just gotta say “what the f*ck.”
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 14, 2018
Oh, dear . . . here I go being a curmudgeon.
I love yoga. I love memoirs. I like to read nonfiction books related to ability/disability/otherness of various types. I love blogs where people talk about real and important things.
I did not like this book.
All I know about this author after reading this book is that she has Parkinson's and she loves yoga. I did not learn how yoga "saved her ass" because she didn't tell us. She told us about a tremor in her left hand, being diagnosed with Parkinson's, and how she was already a yoga instructor. She told us about a number of treatments she tried (but not anything about whether they worked) and she told us about going to a healing retreat (but not whether it actually relieved her Parkinson's symptoms or not). She told us a lot about yoga (not the poses but the whole system). She did not, in fact, tell us how yoga saved her ass.
The back of the book informs us that the author is a columnist, spent more than 20 years working in the fashion business, and has designed music videos and produced fashion shows. Oh really? I only know that from the blurb on the back--she doesn't mention any of that. She only tells us about her bartending gig at night and teaching yoga during the day (and had started yoga years ago--which she finally tells us quite late in the book). Not how her ass was saved, rescued, or otherwise released, delivered, or salvaged by yoga.
I mean, I guess I can infer something about ass-saving from this book, but it's so slight, so mannered, and so forgettable that it barely seemed worth finding how the saving was accomplished. I was mad at myself for once again dragging myself through a book I didn't like. It is a blessedly short book.
Two stars because I liked how she talked about the loved ones in her life. She seems like a nice person and her parents and husband sound like great people.
Add a star if you liked "Furiously Happy"-- you'll probably like this book. It's exactly the same style (but Lawson does it better).
I see that blog-y style a lot lately. I'm getting a bit tired of it.
Add a star if you can tolerate chapters that consist of lists of sentences like: "15. So it's the same thing. But not."
Add another star if you're not a curmudgeon. Sorry, everyone.
I love yoga. I love memoirs. I like to read nonfiction books related to ability/disability/otherness of various types. I love blogs where people talk about real and important things.
I did not like this book.
All I know about this author after reading this book is that she has Parkinson's and she loves yoga. I did not learn how yoga "saved her ass" because she didn't tell us. She told us about a tremor in her left hand, being diagnosed with Parkinson's, and how she was already a yoga instructor. She told us about a number of treatments she tried (but not anything about whether they worked) and she told us about going to a healing retreat (but not whether it actually relieved her Parkinson's symptoms or not). She told us a lot about yoga (not the poses but the whole system). She did not, in fact, tell us how yoga saved her ass.
The back of the book informs us that the author is a columnist, spent more than 20 years working in the fashion business, and has designed music videos and produced fashion shows. Oh really? I only know that from the blurb on the back--she doesn't mention any of that. She only tells us about her bartending gig at night and teaching yoga during the day (and had started yoga years ago--which she finally tells us quite late in the book). Not how her ass was saved, rescued, or otherwise released, delivered, or salvaged by yoga.
I mean, I guess I can infer something about ass-saving from this book, but it's so slight, so mannered, and so forgettable that it barely seemed worth finding how the saving was accomplished. I was mad at myself for once again dragging myself through a book I didn't like. It is a blessedly short book.
Two stars because I liked how she talked about the loved ones in her life. She seems like a nice person and her parents and husband sound like great people.
Add a star if you liked "Furiously Happy"-- you'll probably like this book. It's exactly the same style (but Lawson does it better).
I see that blog-y style a lot lately. I'm getting a bit tired of it.
Add a star if you can tolerate chapters that consist of lists of sentences like: "15. So it's the same thing. But not."
Add another star if you're not a curmudgeon. Sorry, everyone.
January 25, 2018
If you like Yoga read this book.
If you've just tried a little Yoga read this book.
If you haven't tried Yoga read this book.
If you're just a little curious read this book.
If you hate Yoga go eat some chocolate cake and then maybe read this book.
it's funny, it's smart, it's real, it's beautiful.
I'm pretty sure Anne Clendening is one of those voices in everyone's head that we don't listen to enough of.
the book (it's author) doesn't ask you to do anything, it's just telling you a story. One woman's story about how this was the thing that the helped her and she's telling it to whoever is willing to hear it.
so even if you have no interest in Yoga at all well then maybe just go have some chocolate cake and think about it. then read this book.
If you've just tried a little Yoga read this book.
If you haven't tried Yoga read this book.
If you're just a little curious read this book.
If you hate Yoga go eat some chocolate cake and then maybe read this book.
it's funny, it's smart, it's real, it's beautiful.
I'm pretty sure Anne Clendening is one of those voices in everyone's head that we don't listen to enough of.
the book (it's author) doesn't ask you to do anything, it's just telling you a story. One woman's story about how this was the thing that the helped her and she's telling it to whoever is willing to hear it.
so even if you have no interest in Yoga at all well then maybe just go have some chocolate cake and think about it. then read this book.
April 24, 2018
I can't recommend this book highly enough. Not only is it ABOUT yoga, but it reads like a yoga practice—totally real, soul-searching, and flowing with the sometimes wonky rhythm of the universe. I thought I'd be distracted by the sutra sections woven into the memoir, but I adored those integrated lessons on the bedrock of yogic philosophy. I have studied yoga and the sutras for decades, and I have never understand them better than when reading them in Anne Clendening's irreverent, truth-infused voice. This book is a joy, and it reminds me why I love yoga so and how it helps me through the parts of life that suck. Also, it gives you permission (in case you needed it) to admit that your life is not all rainbows and unicorns and then to acknowledge that it's still pretty damn good.
June 14, 2018
I read this book for a book club and only got half-way through. I had trouble following the story as the narrative jumps around a lot. And while I have great compassion for what the author is going through, I had a lot of trouble connecting with her story. I think this is probably a great book for a lot of people, just not for me.
January 30, 2018
I loved this book. The use of the Yoga teachings in each chapter was so interesting. Anne’s life is an inspiring tale of how one overcomes the difficulties that life can bring us and still love, laugh, and enjoy each day.
May 19, 2018
LOVED this book! Really funny, emotional and inspirational. Anne has a wonderful way with words and had me both laughing and crying - out loud. Sometimes together!
May 15, 2024
It doesn't explicitly speak about how yoga saved author's ass, so the title is a little misleading.
In this book, the author recounts her initial discovery of having Parkinson's and that yoga helps her cope with her illness.
As someone who isn't into yoga, the book also made me more curious about its practice. Now I have learnt that there's more to yoga than just stretching and postures.
It's an easy read. It is not an action-oriented book, the author is simply sharing her experiences.
In this book, the author recounts her initial discovery of having Parkinson's and that yoga helps her cope with her illness.
As someone who isn't into yoga, the book also made me more curious about its practice. Now I have learnt that there's more to yoga than just stretching and postures.
It's an easy read. It is not an action-oriented book, the author is simply sharing her experiences.
March 10, 2024
I agree with criticisms of the ending, but her tone and story introduction were fun enough for me to finish it. I like the lists. I like the quotes she chose. I’m pretty sure I went in to this thinking she couldn’t cure Parkinson’s with yoga, so I wasn’t expecting that.
It’s probably a strong 3.5
It’s probably a strong 3.5
August 17, 2018
Anne is my teacher and since I love her class I wanted to read her book. Just like her class! Authentic, structured and free at the same time. Knowledgeable, not preachy - invites the reader to her journey. Well told. Namaste!
March 23, 2021
If you like stream of consciousness writing, this book will delight you and uplift you at the same time. It's the equivalent of ten minutes of yoga. A good read that I found at the dollar store! Bravo!
March 22, 2018
I like how she ended the book
December 6, 2018
I was expecting more on how yoga saved her butt. We all have life happen and I wanted to hear less on that and more on yoga. I was disappointed and had to make myself finish it.
April 5, 2020
I didnt really like the writing style. However, I think this book found me at a time in my life when I needed it.
February 15, 2022
Yes, as someone who practices yoga I’m aware of the danger of expectations. However, as a reader expecting the book to reflect the title is totally acceptable. This just missed the mark for me.
May 6, 2018
Interesting read. I got a bit lost on the age of author and her telling of her journey which normally would not bother me, but she talks about her life and diagnosis of MS through age stages. Some parts of the book are deep and interesting and other parts are light and missing the depth of the experience. I loved the quotes she used at the beginning of each chapter and she brought the yoga sutras into the book in a creative way.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews