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Summary: A beautiful and inspiring book for reflection .
Review: A beautiful book, not to instruct one in hatha yoga but to inspire the path of the yogi with shared words and beauty.
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Summary: No instruction here
Review: I bought this book thinking it instructional in nature; it's actually a new-age sort of inspirational book. I expected an in-depth review of postures that might strengthen my computer-messed-up back; what I got was a bunch of photos of flowers and people doing several postures. What I expected was something like Iyengar's 'Light on Yoga', with maybe a couple more in-depth reviews of programs that would do something for my back. The synopsis is misleading, to put it mildly.
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Summary: A Peculiarly Useless Book Only Sort Of About Yoga.
Review: Ms. Scaravelli sure is flexible. She's over ninety now, and going strong. One gathers that she is still teaching yoga. She may be doing that at her luxurious Italian castle, but she is certainly not doing so in this book. It's disappointing, really. This woman has obviously led a fascinating life that brought her into contact with some of the central characters of eastern thought in this century, and it transformed her life. But all we get in this book are a scattershot of aphorisms and eastern style anecdotes. These mini-essays, little more than fast food philosophy, are paired to good effect with some cleverly chosen images. But it doesn't make the whole package worthwhile. Moreover, if you buy the book as I did, based on the pretty cover (oh when will I learn?) and the encouraging title, you will be particularly disappointed to find that Ms. Scaravelli's practical advice for the yoga practitioner is almost totally worthless. In the first place it assumes that the reader has been doing yoga for some time: it is not a program of yoga, but rather a further collection of essaylets about some of her favorite asanas. Interesting if you are already comfortable with yoga. It might change your perspective on the practice or purpose of some of the positions. It might add a previously unconsidered dimension to the union of breath and shape. But it is not an instructional book. Ms. Scaravelli admits as much in a few places throughout the text, claiming that to learn yoga one must have a teacher. Since it is useless as an instructional book and rather light on substance for the advanced reader, there are few people who will really find this book worth the money.
Rating: 
Summary: Depends what you are looking for..........
Review: There have been a number of reviews of this book already. Why add one more? Well, the existing reviews seem to fall into the "love it or hate it" category. I read just about the whole of this book in a very understanding bookshop in Sydney. I did not buy it then; I was looking for more "instructional" books. But I remember more of the content than I would have believed possible on so short an acquaintance, in fact I was quite sure I had bought a copy until I had gone through everything we shipped back from Australia. Alas it is not currently available, otherwise I would certainly be buying a copy right now. The book is valuable for its reflection of a life inspired by yoga, and as a demonstration of what can be achieved by someone who came to yoga relatively late in life. Her anecdotes of meetings with the 'giants' of modern yoga underpin the theme that finding the correct teacher is crucial to a student's development. And none of this is presented with the self-serving egotism which, I'm afraid, disgraces many well-known writers on yoga (even some of the best). Not a book to buy if you are short of cash, but certainly one to read - and to lend to your friends.
Rating:
Summary: Depends what you are looking for..........
Review: There have been a number of reviews of this book already. Why add one more? Well, the existing reviews seem to fall into the "love it or hate it" category. I read just about the whole of this book in a very understanding bookshop in Sydney. I did not buy it then; I was looking for more "instructional" books. But I remember more of the content than I would have believed possible on so short an acquaintance, in fact I was quite sure I had bought a copy until I had gone through everything we shipped back from Australia. Alas it is not currently available, otherwise I would certainly be buying a copy right now. The book is valuable for its reflection of a life inspired by yoga, and as a demonstration of what can be achieved by someone who came to yoga relatively late in life. Her anecdotes of meetings with the 'giants' of modern yoga underpin the theme that finding the correct teacher is crucial to a student's development. And none of this is presented with the self-serving egotism which, I'm afraid, disgraces many well-known writers on yoga (even some of the best). Not a book to buy if you are short of cash, but certainly one to read - and to lend to your friends.
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Summary: Yoga's Star Teacher
Review: This book is the only one Vanda Scaravelli has written. Her work has been appreciated as well as influenced by Iyengar and Desikarchar. Although few asana illustrations are included, it is a masterpiece in understanding how the breath and gravity and the spine are centerplace to our work in yoga. We have lost Vanda but this book is a fine connection to her brillance. Bravo!
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Summary: Beautiful, inspired book
Review: This book looks upon yoga as a way of life. Its beautiful reflections on nature and life experiences make it a treasure to have in ones library.
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Summary: if i could i would give it zero stars
Review: This book offers nothing in the way of practical information. It may be inspirational to some, but it should not be advertised as a yoga book if it hardly deals with the subject. A more appropriate title you ask? A Book of Boring Pictures And Useless Sayings or How to Waste $25.
Rating:
Summary: A book to inspire new exploration of body and mind.
Review: This is a beautiful and thoughtful book inspiring to those of us that are looking for more in life and realize that being happy and healthy usually does not just happen -- but must come from within ourselves. Ms. Scaravelli physical condition is amazing. She binds together the physical, mental and spiritual pursuit of yoga in a concise, readable text with photographs to connect us to the ever present outside world. A must for those asking themselves if yoga might be the thing for them
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Summary: I love this insightful book
Review: This is a wonderful book. I've read it cover to cover and also open it up occasionally for reflection and guidance. I've never met Vanda, but I take yoga instruction from one of her students. Vanda was a wise woman and it shows in her writing and through her students. Some of the customer reviews posted here are rather negative, but I realize where they are coming from. The editor's note implies that this is a book on yoga instruction. It is not. Vanda even says in her book (not a direct quote) that it seems to be a fad now to write yoga instruction books, and she didn't want to do that. But she had many people press her into sharing her wisdom in writing. I'm so glad that Vanda shared her gentle wisdom in this book before she passed on. This book is an excellent addition to one's current yoga practice, as well as a primer for someone who wants to get started with yoga. Really, any person of any age or gender will benefit from this easy to read, inspired, wise, and thoughtful book!
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