Tales from the Yoga Studio

September 20, 2010
Yoga pants are optional for this slow series setup revolving around L.A. yoga teacher Lee and four devoted students in her orbit—Hollywood deal maker Stephanie, dancer Graciela, ex-druggie Katherine, and actress Imani. Each comes with her own personal career and romantic melodramas, but fear not: yoga will bring them together, and though it doesn't get full credit for straightening out their jumbled lives—the friendships forged by this diverse gaggle of L.A. gals does that—it helps sculpt great bods and peaceful souls. Mitchell's debut is straight out of the hobby-as-salve-for-the-soul playbook, but with yoga mats instead of knitting needles. If sweet tales of friendship, bonding, and downward facing dog are your thing, this should be an agreeable diversion.

October 1, 2010

Mitchell's debut novel, and first of a new series, focuses on five women whose lives are all centered around yoga and the studio they've grown to love. Lee, the owner and wonderful instructor, has a magical way of connecting with some of her fellow practitioners--Katherine, Stephanie, Graciela, and Imani--and they in turn bond and connect with one another. All of these women use yoga to heal their minds and their bodies; however, they still struggle to prevent their experiences from influencing their futures or shaping their internal doubts and fears. VERDICT Mitchell's strong beginning is entertaining and hard to put down, but her weak ending feels rushed and a little confusing. Novices and veterans of yoga alike will appreciate the rejuvenation these women begin to undergo and will be intrigued by what will happen next in the series.--Anne M. Miskewitch, Chicago P.L.

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