Your Next Yoga Read
Selected By Artemis Yoga Teachers
Looking for your next inspiring summer read? We asked our teachers to share their favorite yoga books. From philosophy and memoir to movement science and meditation, here’s what they recommend.
Staff Picks
Katherine McManus

Balance Your Hormones, Balance Your Life: Achieving Optimal Health and Wellness Through Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, and Western Science
by Claudia Welch
An integrative guide that blends Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, and Western science to help women understand hormonal balance, stress, and vitality through lifestyle, diet, and awareness.

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
by James Nestor
A fascinating look into the power of breath and how modern science is catching up with ancient practices. Nestor blends investigative journalism with real-life experiments to reveal how breathing better can transform health.
Danielle da Cruz

Poser: My Life in Twenty-three Yoga Poses
by Claire Dederer
“I read it just as I started my practice and Dederer’s burning zeal felt highly relatable.” – Danielle da Cruz
A funny, honest memoir chronicling the author’s life through the lens of 23 yoga poses. Dederer reflects on family, marriage, ambition, and aging in a way that’s both relatable and insightful.

When Love Comes to Light: Bringing Wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita into Modern Life
By Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor
“My favorite heavier yoga read. This is a modern day, practical interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita. I sometimes find philosophy a bit slow going, but I devoured this and feel I’ll go back to it many times more.” – Danielle da Cruz
A modern, poetic interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita that brings ancient wisdom into a relatable, present-day context. Ideal for readers who want to understand yogic philosophy through a practical, human lens.
Liz Padula

The Secret Power of Yoga: A Woman’s Guide to the Heart and Spirit of the Yoga Sutras
by Nischala Joy Devi
A feminine interpretation of the Yoga Sutras that focuses on compassion, intuition, and heart-centered wisdom. Accessible and empowering.

Bringing Yoga to Life: The Everyday Practice of Enlightened Living
By Donna Farhi
A warm and personal book on how yoga principles can be integrated into everyday life. Farhi emphasizes mindfulness, integrity, and inner transformation.
Mary Wixted

The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance
By Josh Waitzkin
“This one is not directly about yoga, but the Iyengars were great teachers and learners, and so is this guy–I am finding many interesting analogies to yoga learning and teaching concepts in this book, plus it is a great and interesting read. He is a chess master and a master of Tai Chi Chuan, and he is a consultant to the Celtics.” – Mary Wixted
A compelling memoir and guide to mastery from a chess prodigy and martial arts champion. Full of insights on the psychology of learning, it’s deeply relevant to the discipline of yoga and teaching.

Seeking the Heart of Wisdom: The Path to Insight Meditation
By Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield
“Iyengar yoga is really a training in meditation. This book has many great teachings that completely align with much of how we practice yoga in the Iyengar tradition.” – Mary Wixted
A foundational text on Vipassana meditation, this book blends Buddhist teachings with real-life applications. Perfect for those wanting to explore meditation as part of their yoga path.
Stacey Jackson-Flammia

Yoga Revolution: A Call to Transform the World Through the Power of Yoga
By Jivana Heyman
A call to action for inclusivity, accessibility, and social justice in yoga. Heyman, founder of Accessible Yoga, offers a powerful reframe of yoga as a tool for liberation for all bodies.

Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto
By Tricia Hersey
A bold, essential manifesto that reclaims rest as a spiritual and political act. Hersey, founder of The Nap Ministry, encourages radical self-care in a culture obsessed with productivity.
Victoria Kuenerz

Go In and In: Poems From the Heart of Yoga
By Danna Faulds
A heart-opening collection of poetry that speaks to the emotional and spiritual dimensions of yoga.

Light on Life: The Yoga Journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace, and Ultimate Freedom
By BKS Iyengar
A profound guide from one of yoga’s most influential teachers. Iyengar reflects on the journey of yoga beyond the mat—toward self-understanding and spiritual growth.
Einat Peled-Katz

The Truth of Yoga: A Comprehensive Guide to Yoga’s History, Texts, Philosophy, and Practices
By Daniel Simpson
A clear, concise overview of yoga history, texts, and philosophy. Simpson debunks myths and offers well-researched insights for modern practitioners.

When Things Falls Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times
By Pema Chodron
A comforting guide through life’s challenges, offering wisdom rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. Chödrön invites us to stay open even in the face of fear or grief.
Meredith Wright

Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times
By Judith Hanson Lasater
The definitive guide to restorative yoga, packed with poses, sequences, and the science behind relaxation. A must-read for those looking to de-stress and recover deeply.

Restorative Yoga: Relax. Restore. Re-energize.
By Caren Baginski
A beautifully designed book offering step-by-step guidance for restorative poses, breathwork, and affirmations to support emotional balance and deep rest.
Liz Gawel

Yoga for a World Out of Balance: Teachings on Ethics and Social Action
By Michael Stone
Stone weaves together yoga philosophy, activism, and social justice, inviting readers to engage in the world with presence and integrity.

From Punk to Monk: A Memoir
By Ray Cappo
An energetic memoir from the frontman of the hardcore band Youth of Today, chronicling his journey from punk rock to Krishna monk, with yoga as the bridge.