I recently stumbled upon a review I wrote about a year ago on this little book, enLIGHTened: How I Lost 40 Pounds with a Yoga Mat, Fresh Pineapples, and a Beagle-Pointer (SkyHorse Publishing, 2009) by Jessica Berger Gross.

I found it in the library at the time (and, I tell ya, my library has slim pickings – anyone else? – ugh).

Anyways, to be perfectly honest, it was really just the endearing drawing of the cartoon girl on the cover that drew my eye to it What? I know, I know…I shouldn’t judge books by covers. Duly noted.

enLIGHTened is an easy-to-read, engaging and witty memoir of the author, Gross’, own personal struggles with diet, weight and unhappiness in life. Gross discusses her difficult journal with weight from years of comfort eating and poor self-confidence to losing 40 pounds while becoming a dedicated yoga follower and philosopher. However, she does this not only by simply engaging in the physical practice of yoga, but rather with an exploration and following of its core principles and ideas.

Each chapter highlights a yogic teaching, or sutra, and its relation to living a healthy life, both physically and spiritually. They focus on being truthful, compassionate, moderate, and disciplined in life – towards yourselves and others. These steps are meant to help you achieve self-enlightenment, self-acceptance and balance.

What I Liked: I liked that this book focused on the yogic principles, and that becoming a “human pretzel” or following fad diets is not what will help you acheive a slim body or happiness in life. Gross acknowledges that you must have discipline in life, and that if you have weight to lose (in her case, post-baby weight), you will not lose it by simply doing yoga everyday…you have to be realistic!!

What I Didn’t Like:  I did feel that the author did get somewhat “preachy” at times with her experiences and beliefs, and that it focused a little too much on extremes. Particularly when they were about vegetarianism and diet. I don’t think life is meant to be lived in extremes! Personally, I think what people choose to eat should be based on what they feel works best for them. I am not vegetarian and don’t feel it’s right for me, so I kind of felt like I was an “outsider” because of that.

I did appreciate that she did acknowledge however (later in the book though) that not everyone will follow her way of life – for instance, if you choose to eat meat/fish – that is okay! The point is to simply be more mindful perhaps of where it’s coming from (i.e CSA, local, etc.) and also you don’t have to follow these high-protein fad diets. Beans and rice can be your friends!

So final VERDICT?: I simply took it as a “light read” and as the author’s own personal journey. I feel like anything, it should be read with an open mind.

Take from it a few things that you like – and leave what you are not comfortable with on the back-burner!

But, then again, isn’t that the beauty of books and individual experiences? One person’s journey/life is not someone else’. But there are often lessons to be learned or contemplated.

Any thoughts or comments are appreciated!

Have you read many books that you find you simply enjoy reading but with conflicting feelings at times? And not with the intention of taking it fully to heart or feel that you “must adhere” to its followings?!