Publishers Weekly
10/14/2024
Bestseller Rawat (Hear Yourself) offers a series of thin and repetitive reflections on utilizing the “gift of breath.” In spare text interspersed with line drawings, he frames breath as an “anchor” in moments of instability; as a reminder to remain present; and as a source of gratitude that “flow all the time” (“Without this breath... there is nothing”). Breath, according to Rawat, is also a force that connects humanity (“When I look at people, I feel love for them because they are human beings.... The breath is coming into them. The breath is coming into me”) and a source of individual peace that can heal a hectic world beset by violence and disconnection (“It is not governments, not big institutions... but each human being taking responsibility for this peace that is going to make a difference”). Unfortunately, the author’s uplifting message is delivered in metaphors that feel more tired than revelatory (“The song of life is played on an instrument called breath”), and his suggested solutions to global problems come across as hazy and naive (“When you are in love with your life... that’s when you begin to respect other people’s existence. This is not the case in the world today. This needs to change”). It’s a disappointment. Illus. (Jan.)
From the Publisher
"Breath is a transformative guide that reconnects us to the fundamental essence of our existence—our breath. In a world filled with distractions, this book serves as a gentle reminder of the profound beauty and simplicity found in each inhalation and exhalation. Rawat eloquently illustrates how 'every breath holds the key to your happiness,' inviting readers to appreciate the miracle of life itself. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to rediscover joy, peace, and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be alive. Embrace this journey and let every breath awaken your heart to the boundless possibilities of happiness." -Dr. Bradley Nelson, bestselling author of The Body Code and The Emotion Code
"Lovely book!! Simple, deep, rich, and profound." -Udo Erasmus
“Prem’s book is the most influential book I have read since it teaches me that my breath, not my ego, is the constant reminder of who I really am.” -Gabriel Gonzalez-Molina, Amazon bestselling author of Switchers
"From the fascinating reminder of the importance of human breath, to its surprising practicality of human purpose, I highly recommend reading this book from beginning to end with all the seriousness of intent you can muster. I advise any future reader to fully enjoy this simple and sweet journey." -Tim Gallwey, bestselling author of The Inner Life of Tennis
“As a cancer-focused surgeon, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of the first breath a patient takes when awakening from anesthesia, and I’ve seen many last breaths from those at the end of their journey. Through his book, Prem sheds light on the hidden joy found in each breath between the first and the last - a doorway to experience the divine spark within us all.” -Debraj “Raj” Mukherjee, MD, MPH, Director of Neurosurgical Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
