I first came to know Eric Dinyer when I reviewed another book he illustrated. I raved about his work and he sent me a note. Since then we have collaborated on several projects including this one. I tell readers this so they will know I am not wholly objective!

Having said that, this is an exquiste gift book. It is not meant to convince or educate. It is an inspiration. It is beyond me how Dinyer's photographs would not reach out and touch anyone interested in yoga or anyone considering it as a path for growth.

The entire book was designed by Dinyer. The cutout in the cover is a touch that makes this a proud presentation for an inexpensive birthday or holiday gift.
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Reviewed by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, award-winning author of THIS IS THE PLACE, HARKENING, THE FRUGAL BOOK PROMOTER and now TRACINGS, a chapbook of poetry from Finishing Line Press.

Effort and Surrender is an inspirational book for yoga enthusiasts. This book contains beautifully artist photographs of the various yoga poses. These illustrations create an inspiring and artful feel to the book. Accompanying each picture is a short bit of text. The topics and authors of these texts vary. Some of the blurbs are short poems or thoughts about yoga or about inspiration for life. Other pieces include advice about life and yoga from masters, teachers, and religious gurus. Still other writings urge the student of yoga to fully experience the moment associated with each pose.

This book is not meant to teach yoga or outline the various steps within each pose. Instead, this book is meant to inspire the student of yoga to diligently continue the practice and induce deep internal reflection with each pose. Moreover, this book does not identify a right or wrong way to undertake yoga or a specific master to follow. Instead, the book aims to illustrate a variety of different views in an effort to stimulate the individual to find his or her own right way to practice yoga and to find personal surrender.