Downward Dog, Upward Fog Paperback – Import, 3 May 2011

Please don't buy this.

I was instantly drawn to this book by its cover, its review, and its name. I didn't have any clear expectations, but I did wish to inhance my own spirituality and learn about someone else's journey (albeit fictional).Once I started reading this book, I was a little disappointed. I felt that the writing was simplistic and I did not feel "drawn in" to the main character, Lorna. I felt disappointment rising inside. However, by staying positivie and getting throught he first couple of chapters, I was COMPLETELY hooked! It is true that the first couple of chapters don't quite lure the reader in, however, the rest of the book makes up for it.Everytime I finished reading yet another chapter, I felt more uplifted, positive and full of lessons that can be applied in daily life. I have learned about different spiritual modalities, different coping strategies, and overall how to be a better person and that everyone makes mistakes, but it is about how we persevere and learn from those life lessons and become a better person in the long run.Lorna is a simple heroine, without too much complexity. However, she is relatable and I think most women will find something that they can find in themselves that is portrayed in Lorna.I liked the uplifting tone of the novel, and even the happy ending. This is a very good read for anyone who likes simple fiction that dwelves into spirituality, self-help, and learning more about ourselves. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and was sorry that it ended. I hope the author will consider either a sequel, or even better, another similar in style novel. I feel that this type of writing is lacking in today's world.

I really enjoyed this book. I've been doing yoga for about 6 months now and I'm close in age and at a similar place in my life as Lorna. I'm really interested in improving my spiritual side in addition to the physical aspects of yoga. I found the main character and what she is going through very easy too relate too. i love hearing about the yoga retreat and plan on going with one. This is a great read for someone just starting yoga/meditation and how to slowly work it into your lifestyle. I also loved that instead of trying to change her mother, Lorna realizes she can only control how she reacts. We all have family members that great on our nerves and emotions. The ending is a little hokey but sometimes you need a little positivity. I would love to read more books by this author.

Meryl Landau's first novel speaks volumes.To members not only in the yoga community,but to women everywhere this book is a gem. Landau candidly describes the highs and lows of the journey of life,offering women the insight to a different kind of living combined in a light read running the full gamut of emotions including scenes just pouring with hilarity. This book happens not just to be a story,but is a real option in life to make these types of mindful choices and changes that the main character Lorna struggles with.Women everywhere can relate to the character in her normal daily struggles,and I bet most of us have felt/thought the same in many situations such as Lorna does.So pick this book up, its a great story with lots of beneficial learning and paths to be inspired to try.Its not just a story about yoga but a womens evolution to healthy living,yoga and meditation,which those paths in themselves are incredible ways to manage/reduce stress,gain mental/physical health,and increase love and happiness.This is a great starter read to anyone who is looking for "something more" than there current experience or reaching for a change,ESPECIALLY if you dont know where to start.

After reading some very deep and thought provoking books, I thought I needed a chick-lit fix and was drawn to this one because of it's yoga theme. However, I'm afraid it was all a bit too simple and fluffy for me - a bit like a drive-in fast food outlet for ready made spirituality. There are some good messages contained in this novel - the importance of living in the moment, for example, which Lorna struggles with continuously (as do many of us, no doubt). But these were overshadowed by things which simply annoyed me (such as Lorna's born-again condescending answers to everything)... so I'm afraid a 2 star rating is being generous. I think I just got bored with having spirituality served on a platter, pre-digested and simplified to a point where it took away the challenge to think things through for yourself. Which made me struggle to even finish the book .... and some scenes towards the end, like Lorna performing yoga in ICU instead of holding her loved one's hand, were way over the top for me.I had the impression that the author tried too hard to pack in as much new age spirituality as possible into this story, which in the end made it preachy and unbelievable. For example, I have never met anyone who is able to perform perfect yoga asanas (like a 15-minute headstand) after just a few months of practice, especially someone made out to be as unfit as Lorna ... and whilst Lorna has some pitfalls on her journey (which made her appear human for a little while), her almost obsessive embracing of anything new-age seems unhealthy and unsustainable to me. All in all, theanswers all seemed too simple and contrived, and the preachy overtones spoiled a story which could have potentially been fun and entertaining as well as thought-provoking.