If you've read any of George Reisch's famous series of books on "Pop Culture and Philosophy", (and chances are you have) then this will be familiar to you. A number of leading experts in the field of Yoga, as well as its many sub-fields, collaborate under a single editor to provide information along with a lovable sense of off-beat humor to the masses. While mainly these essays are geared toward a new recruits with a budding knowledge of how Yoga can help them experience a fuller, fresher life, there is plenty of information here for seasoned practitioners as well.

If you're an expert, or only familiar with, a single tradition of Yoga (say, Kundalini, a more spiritual based form of Yoga) then Bernstein's book is going to round out your knowledge with tidbits from several other forms (Bikram, Ashtanga, Kripalu, and Iyengar) which will lend to your overall understanding as a whole. Think of it as taking one large step back to look at the broader picture. Alternatively, if you're like me and didn't have any understanding of Yoga or its traditions before reading Bernstein's book, then you are in a unique position to take a sampling of each in the form of these entertaining, quick-paced parables and anecdotes.

Book's suggested for further reading find themselves throughout the essays which are likely to send you running to the library for further information. I, for instance, have been captivated by Ashtanga Yoga since reading some of these essays which feature an intense focus on detoxifying muscles and improving circulation.

"Yoga in America" is step one to exploring the idea of changing to a more active, healthier lifestyle. (Although I have to give a nod to my 'Wii Fit' as an optional step two.) It proves that Yoga isn't simply a form of exercise, but an entire transformation of both body and spirit from caterpillar to butterfly.