One of my favorite things about summer, is being able to catch up on my reading. I finally slow down and have time to dive in to a good book, and there is nothing better than a good book! I love all kinds of novels from fiction, to non-fiction, to romance, to comedy, to adventure, you name it. Last summer I read the Hunger Games Trilogy (pic of my older brother and I both reading them in Italy) while travelling through Europe. I plan on reading as much as I can while waiting for my little guy to come; and hopefully will find some time to keep reading once he’s here (although I’m sure his nap times might be mine too; or I’ll have to choose between doing yoga or reading a good book).

This summer, I’ve already started my first book (a good book much about yoga) which is newly released today! A friend of mine in the yoga world, Edward Vilga, has just published his seventh novel, Downward Dog. Edward writes books, films and theater; and his last book and DVD, Yoga in Bed, hit #1 on Amazon for all of wellness. He appeared on Regis & Kelly and was featured in People Magazine after the book came out. I love this quote of his, “I believe I am the only person to have been in bed with both Pat Sajak and Kelly Ripa (certainly at the same time, and definitely on national television.)”.

Downward Dog is a hilarious and sexy behind the scenes look about a bad boy changing his ways as he enters the yoga world. I’m mid way through it, and I often find myself smirking or laughing out loud. I  love the descriptions of his first yoga teacher, or the hot spots he visits with his best friend in NYC. It’s also refreshing to find a character that has many dimensions and to show that yoga practitioners come in all forms. You don’t have to be a vegan, celibate, only shop at whole foods type person to practice yoga!

Downward Dog has already been optioned for a film by Producer Sarah Finn, casting director of over 50 films including Crash. I’m so happy for Edward and I can’t wait to see his novel come to life on the big screen. To preview and purchase the book, you can click on this link; and make sure to watch the beautiful two minute trailer with gorgeous silhouettes of yogis moving graciously through poses to Waltz by The Balanescu Quartet.