clementinereads's review against another edition
5.0
I bought this book because I'd heard Dani Shapiro's name tossed around at a gathering of a whole lot of writers I respect. From the first scene I was in love. The language is perfect. Dare I say, delicious? But I had expected that. What I hadn't expected was insight into my own exploration of spirituality. Just before I finished Devotion I had a day that turned out to be the absolute antithesis of what I'd wanted and expected. As I started to melt down I thought of Dani Shapiro and her teachers. I thought of Sylvia Boorstein and the nature of impermanence. And I felt better. Much better. I made peace with how not okay everything was. I thank Dani Shapiro and Devotion for that.
jenleecat's review against another edition
2.0
On the 4th page, and already tears are welling up with the words..and understanding of what Dani Shapiro is conveying. I hope it continues to break me open......
It didn't continue. Sort of petered out and I felt like the author was going round and round in circles saying the same thing over and over. There were bits and pieces that sparkled but very few. Glad I'm done reading it so I can move on to something else.
It didn't continue. Sort of petered out and I felt like the author was going round and round in circles saying the same thing over and over. There were bits and pieces that sparkled but very few. Glad I'm done reading it so I can move on to something else.
raven_morgan's review against another edition
3.0
I really want to give this three and a half stars, but GR doesn't allow half stars.
Some stuff in her that really resonated, some that irritated. Like most memoirs, ymmv.
Some stuff in her that really resonated, some that irritated. Like most memoirs, ymmv.
kbratten's review against another edition
3.0
Exploring the neuroses of what, to me, seems like a very stereotypical New York Jew. Dani navigates her complicated family and faith history and her personal crises with a mindfulness of figuring it out. I was moved, but not enthralled with the book, but I appreciate most of all her willingness to delve into her own weaknesses and confusion and figure herself out.
asanford's review against another edition
5.0
I loved listening to this book. Hearing her journey and how she handled trials and changes and belief and love. She is someone I’d like to be friends with, to practice yoga with, and chat about who we are and what we believe.
inkstainedlife's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
kjboldon's review against another edition
5.0
Love this book about writing, yoga, seeking, fearing, and more.
Feb 2017: still love this book, perhaps even more for a slow read to examine how it was put together.
Feb 2017: still love this book, perhaps even more for a slow read to examine how it was put together.
honeydewfelon's review against another edition
3.0
Some interesting meditations on religion and spirituality. The author’s journey from Orthodox Judaism was insightful, and I have noted some books she quoted from for future reading. A lot of emphasis on yoga and meditation retreats and the purchase of a large house and property in the countryside of Connecticut. Hard to relate to. Some references have not aged well since first publication. I loved Inheritance, which is a far more profound and provocative book than this one.
lauraa06's review against another edition
4.0
Shapiro's quest to reconcile her Orthodox Jewish upbringing with her yogi/Buddhist mindset and lifestyle. Gorgeous, lyrical writing.