I first started following Nikita Desai in 2020 on TikTok because of her authentic approach to yoga. I appreciated her calling out the modern sexualization of yoga and was humbled as a western practitioner and inspired to learn more and do better in my practice. I was overjoyed when I found out she was writing a book and she did not disappoint. Everything I loved about her social media presence is captured in her book A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga.
If you’re looking for an overview of the tenets of an authentic yoga practice then this is the book for you. As well as the asanas (physical poses) aspect, Nikita recounts the spiritual aspect and history of yoga in a digestible way for those new to these concepts. Some parts are very repetitive, but I found that helpful as I wasn’t always familiar with the Sanskrit words used.
I haven’t read a book like this in my 5+ years of practicing yoga and this was exactly what I never knew I needed to assess my foundation of knowledge. I am looking forward to exploring the reference books mentioned in A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga as a way to deepen my own practice.
My sincerest thanks to NetGalley, Bloomsbury USA | Green Tree, and Nikita Desai for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga will be available on May 6, 2025.

I appreciate the author's passion for yoga and describing all the various yoga styles. I am still a beginner and have no idea which type of yoga suits me and this it even more confusing for me. I did learn that anyone and any level benefits from yoga...

This read like more of a textbook than a narrative. Still informative.

Recommded for more advanced yoga enthusiasts wanting to do different styles.

Thanks to Nikita Desai, Netgalley and Blooomsbury USA Green Tree for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Available: 5/6/25

I’ve followed Nikita Desai on social media for a while now; her posts have inspired so much thought and introspection, that I was thrilled to see she was putting out a book. No surprise that this book delivers - so much content on the history and deeper meanings of the yoga practice. It was so impressive to see a small text hold so much knowledge!

I will say that I’ve been studying yoga deeper for a while and I’m not sure if this is necessarily a “beginner’s” guide. There are a lot of concepts that could be quite overwhelming, I almost wish she had broken this down into multiple volumes. That being said, I could very easily see this being a required reading in yoga teacher training programs, for those wanting that initial deeper dive.

So grateful for the opportunity to read and review this!

Anyone who has ever been curious about yoga, what it's for and where it comes from should read this book. Well written and insightful, everyone who reads this will get something from it.

I am so grateful for this author’s perspective and thankful she addresses some very important concerns in modern yoga, including accessibility, diversity, marginalization, authenticity and inclusivity. The discussion and introspection on gurus was definitely appreciated. Although I’ve taken many in-depth yoga teacher trainings in the West, I’m always looking for books to keep learning and keep growing and to remind myself of the roots of yoga. This one is incredibly well done! Yoga, mantra, Mudra, Pranayama and meditation have enriched my life more in more ways than I can count, so if you are new to yoga practices and you are looking to gain some insight and deepen your connection, jump in, practice, read this book and enjoy the journey. Nikita Desai’s book is an excellent resource. ✨

This gives you everything you could ever want and then some about the spiritual practice of yoga. Many people in the West pick up yoga because it's trendy or for the fashion, but it has its roots in Hinduism and other religions as a form of worship, and there are many different types of yoga. The different types are discussed at length along with a few exercises within the book for you to try yourself.

I really liked that the author recommended reading some of the important central texts in Hinduism like The Bhagavad Gita and explained that you don't have to be a Hindu to apply the wisdom gained from yoga, the spiritual texts, or the meditation practice.

I think this is a must buy for anyone interested in yoga or Indian religions because this book is so interested in making a yoga practice that is sustainable, real, spiritually wholesome, and right for you. There are many different types of yoga (it's not just poses though that is a big part of many different types/schools), and finding the one that suits your soul is so healing. This book will help you find it.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this early copy in exchange for an honest review!