Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

I was initially excited about Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor because the topic genuinely fascinated me. However, I found the book to be weighed down by overly detailed and often boring anecdotes, which made it difficult to stay engaged. I stopped reading after part 1 of 3, as it felt like a slog to get through. Instead, I read a summary online, which I found to be a much better use of my time. Since I didn't finish the book, I can't give it a score, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a concise exploration of the subject.

Wasn't enjoying the story-like style of writing. I was hoping for more science focussed. 

some books should get 6 stars. anyway, super interesting exploration of breathing and the the history. you're doing it wrong, and you're ugly because of it

This felt a bit too hippie for me with not enough scientific research backing the bold statements, but it still had parts that were interesting.

Worth the read, but not the community rating imo

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = loved it & already plan to reread
⭐⭐⭐⭐ = great book that I recommend
⭐⭐⭐ = pretty solid book
⭐⭐ = I finished it, barely
⭐ = I had to let this one go

I picked this book up because Dr Andrew Hubermann recommended it.

I'm currently halfway through, and tbh, sorely disappointed.
Any book with SCIENCE in the title will have to do better than the formula of “personal, non-verifiable anecdotal story about how using X protocol revolutionised the life of a patient who had Y chronic condition”.

The science of breathing has the relevant clinical literature to support it, and the author does not need to resort to rhetorical fabrications to make this case compellingly. I understand that some degree of this is inevitable in a book geared toward the general reader, and I'm likely not the intended target audience.

What an underrated topic is breathing. So much to learn, so much to apply from this book. Started putting tape on my lips while sleeping to prevent mouth breathing. Applied nose breathing and hypoventilation while running to increase blood CO2. Will revisit in due course to make sure I implement more!

What I liked most about this book is that the author was also the investigator & experimental subject. Should be subject material that we are all taught at school.

This is a book that reminds how important one if the most basic things we do is. And what happens when you do a lot of mouth-breathing.

I suggest the audiobook version because there are some nice, guided breathing exercises at the end.

I liked it, but there's not too much to it. I read it after seeing James Nestor on Joe Rogan's podcast, because I wanted more information on the subject, but aside from a few additional anecdotes, there's not much there. But I appreciate James work and want to support it, so don't regret buying the book

Well, I'll be damned. Turned out I didn't realize how far this rabbit hole goes.

Some interesting ideas. I would've like it better if it wasn't written so anecdotally with such a focus on the author's own story.

Whew! (Sorry).

Uncomfortable mixed feelings about this one: although it seems to be intended as science journalism, and there's much in it that's accurate to the best of my understanding, there's also a good deal of anecdote, reliance on questionable sources, cherrypicking, and mysticism. This sets off my BS alarms and it pains me to say that because, as a yoga and breath practitioner for almost half my life, I am confident that his principal message — investing in our breathing leads to a much better life — is a crucial one that more of us need to explore.

After much inner turmoil I'm going with four stars: it's well written, informative in ways that I plan to pursue, and I really did like it. I recommend the book and its material, and I don't think any of my GR friends are the type to develop unrealistic expectations — and besides, the author responsibly addresses many of those. Despite occasional (IMO) hyperbole, he does try hard to cite serious research... there's just not as much of that as we'd like. Further study is needed; and, as it seems, some of it is happening right now. Let's keep our eyes open (and mouths shut) for results over the next many years. Until then, breathe — and remain open to better ways of doing so.

Good summary about breath throughout the ages

I had no idea you could do so much with your breath. From increasing body temperature to inducing hallucinations. In this fascinating read, you go through the journey with the author on how we've changed our breathing, and what are some of the breathing techniques you can do. This last part is however poorly written, the appendix has a list of exercises but they don't explain why should you do this particular exercise and what are the benefits. For that, you have to dig back into the text. But this is a great “gateway” book into the subject and to discover some very interesting people like Wim Hoff etc along the way.

I waited for a time to read this book after hearing an interview with the author.

The book is in three parts - and it absolutely had me fascinated and listening closely. It's a nice addition to the popular science literature, and the science is described well by James. Because he is conveying his experience, he makes it easy to follow along. I think some of the breathing techniques would have been very dry or confusing on their own, but the compelling narrative helps.

There are exercises at the end of the book - I'd recommend listening to them - you can listen and follow along. However, I think all of part 3 would require more information before trying - like, don't go holding your breath or breathing out until you are uncomfortable or passing out.

Overall, interesting and compelling. I'd recommend only to adults.

** I listened to the audible version - while running. I'd not recommend doing that because it is hard to play with the breath tricks while also trying to run :)

James Nestor explores all the ways breathing, in its various forms, has been used through the ages to improve our physical and mental health. Nestor tries out many of the techniques, and reports on the results he finds, using equipment to document the physical changes he experiences. He focuses on two general groups of breathing forms: forms that are accessible to everyone, everywhere and those that are not. The last chapter of the book nicely summarizes the four ideas that are accessible to everyone, everywhere, and I'll summarize his summary by listing the ideas here:
1. Shut your mouth.
2. Breathe through your nose.
3. Exhale fully.
4. Chew the kinds of foods that require an hour or two of hard chewing a day.
The author also includes a helpful appendix with a link to video and audio tutorials of many specific breathing techniques cited in the book.

I'm trying the four general ideas myself. I'll let you know in a month or two how that's working out for me.

“Why we sleep” but for breathing. Absolutely breathtaking. No pun intended. I think everyone should read it and start paying attention to how they breathe.

TL;DR Unlike sleep, we breathe too much. Breathe through nose, breathe less, practice breathing.