Um, Like... OM: A Girl Goddess's Guide to Yoga

by Evan Cooper, Stacy Peterson (Illustrator)

The perfect primer for yoga enthusiasts, Um, Like... OM goes above and beyond teaching the technique of it reveals how yoga can help teenage girls face any challenge that comes their way, from dealing with difficult parents to break-ups to the pressure to conform. Written in a hip and empathetic voice by a yoga practitioner who knows all about the ups and downs of the teenage years, this book also provides tips and tricks on how girls can tell their inner critic to take a hike and embrace the girl goddess within. Packed with illustrated yoga poses, real-life teen stories, inspiring quotations, sidebars with FYIs (``Fun Yoga Information''), book and music recommendations, and a glossary, Um, Like... OM is the ultimate guide to yoga-and life-for teens.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 13, 2005

Reviews

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book with one of my best friends on a quick trip to the library and at first we were just laughing about the title, but I ended up checking it out and probably kept it for like two months! It's a teenage girl's guide to yoga and it's my favorite! With tons of poses, mantras, and breathing excercises, some specified for focus (like while doing homework) energy (before a night out) or cramp relief during your period. It's also packed with tons of great life advice about boys, stress, family, friends, etc. and since it's written by a young, fun yoga instructor from Santa Monica she knows a lot about each. Yoga is so good for your body and mind and I now try to do it everyday!

[Arminzerella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a trying to be hip book that will appeal to some teen girls on the benefits of yoga. It’s very introductory and contains some illustrations of poses and flows grouped under different chapters and guidelines for what you can do yoga-wise to feel stronger, more adventurous, healthier, confident, etc. The overall message is that yoga will make you feel better about most things. It gives one a natural high and this affects all aspects of your life. It’s a little heavy on the words and lighter on the actual asanas, but it does contain some real life stories from teens and their thoughts on the benefits they’ve received from their practices of yoga. It’s got a few pop culture references that will probably not stand the test of time, and some of the language was a bit hokey, but on the whole it isn't bad. It could and should be paired with more instructional books that focus on the actual postures.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meant for teenage girls, but I ate it up. Great quotes and mantras for women of all ages. A few contradictory statements by the author, but I understand that she's trying to appeal to the ever fussy, ever judgemental, ever insecure teenage girl. So she references miniskirts as the ideal outfit for when you're feeling "hot," but meanwhile rallies about loving your body no matter what it's size. I guess it makes sense to a 16 year old whose hormones are racing. Either way, the goal is the same--to encourage self love and holistic health through the healing power of yoga. Amen.

[Kimm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up at the public library's used book sale. Even though I am much older than the target audience, this book is going to be one I use frequently as a beginners dabbler in yoga. It's the best intro-to-yoga book I've seen. Very easy to understand, nicely illustrated, and doesn't bog down into the history/spirituality behind the practices. I'm not made to feel stupid (as I was in a beginner yoga class some years ago) and as a result, my interest in yoga is now renewed and I'll be practicing with joy and confidence.

[Jacqueline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I use this book often when teaching youth yoga (ages 9-12). I read excerpts from the book either to open or close our practice and modify as needed. I have some boys in class too so I change words to include both genders.
This book is great for young yogi's.
I especially like the "I Rock" meditation/mantra.

[Bree Cheese21 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives stress relieving insight to living a powerful life as a woman. It gives tips and guides on how to deal with things from stress to overlooking self consciousness. It is a great fast and easy read that can benifit any woman of any age.

[Alie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginning yoga book, especially for teen girls. It was my first yoga book and I still refer to it (six years later) during my practice. Makes yoga very accessible, with some good body-positive advice and messages.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! I constantly find myself referring back to it and gives such a great explanation of yoga and all of the ideas that go into it!

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

meant more for teenagers I think, however it did have some insight to the yoga world that I am trying to learn about.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geared for teens but still worth reading for me, new to Yoga, and loving it. This book has beautiful, inspirational quotes to jot down and most helpful Yoga advice.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Very inspiring. It has helped me and my sister a lot. It is a very interesting and and some points very funny, but it is a great book to help you through hard times in your life.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

A decent beginner's book.....

[Alexandra Arboleda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book about yoga for teens.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was pretty good.