Every Body Yoga: Let Go of Fear, Get on the Mat, Love Your Body

Yoga teacher Stanley shares her path to becoming a yogi and embracing looking different from the lean practitioners typically shown in the media. This mix of memoir and guide is suffused with Stanley’s enthusiasm and honesty. Part one reveals her early encounters with yoga, along with the discouragement that stemmed from being a “fat girl”; it goes back to her childhood eating habits and family life, and also includes an honest, vulnerable FAQ (“What if I’m the fattest person in the class and everyone stares at me?”). Part two includes Stanley’s witty nutshell history of modern yoga and breaks down the different styles and recommends useful clothing, mats, and props. Part three is devoted to the “ABCs of Asana,” or yoga postures, and also recommends asking “How do I feel?” rather than “How do I look?” In part four, Stanley teaches readers to do yoga on their own by sharing stories of her own triumphs. In part five, Stanley reminds readers that everyone struggles while doing yoga, including her. This touching work is a must for those new to yoga, no matter their age or body type. [em](Apr.) [/em]