Life's Not Yoga: or is it . . .? Finding Love in the Chaos of Life

This memoir is raw and at times hard to put down. On the path to find meaning of her life after being raised in a toxic environment with dysfunctional parents, Jacqui Burnett knows deep in her soul she is not where she was meant to be – like so many of us. But unlike so many of us, she was courageous enough and had the means to walk away, leave it all behind to travel from South Africa to Colorado to find herself and to come to terms with her life.I felt the author’s pain as I, too, grew up in a toxic environment in the 60’s. Where children were told to leave the room when adults spoke. Where judgement of others was fed and allowed to thrive. Where laughter, drowned by silence (and after years of hindsight) the ‘knowledge and superiority’ in our home was actually ignorance and a camouflage. I, too, had a mother who chose to look the other way on what was right in front of her – making her an accomplice, even though we were front and center each Sunday at Mass. Children have a built in radar on what is right and what is wrong. It was this connection I felt immediately with Ms. Burnett’s story. I was right there with her even though I was born and raised in the U.S.Connecting with a loser (Dan) – who is also in a bad marriage, well, the writing was on the wall. Her choice of a life-line to get her through the healing process of her divorce – it’s obvious he is taking advantage of her. I was disappointed that she focused half of the book on him. Jacqui Burnett is strong. She is brave. But she crumbled and became dependent on this man. And he… well, he became an annoyance. Good riddance Dan.I read the author’s words of how much she loved (loves) her second husband, Michael, yet I feel she left out why – what was the attraction? She left out their courtship. Left out their happy times. I wish this author would have included where she was at mentally when she met and married Michael. It was a definite missing piece of her break down and recovery. I hope she one day devotes a blog or an excerpt explaining these first years with her second husband.In closing, I noticed she was able to call her mother an angel. Something I cannot do. Obviously, this author has found peace within her soul to forgive.Will I read more from this author? Definitely.

First of all, I would like to say that it takes an extraordinary amount of bravery and courage to be this raw. Reading this felt like a love story to the very soul of Miss Burnett. As a writer myself, I know how exceedingly difficult it can be to share such events, with as much clarity and unbridled honesty as is written in this novel. I could not relate to the level of family difficulties that Miss Burnett shares, but still there were things that I- a middle class white woman who grew up in a very typical white family- could relate to. Specifically, I'll note one excerpt that stood out to me; early on, when describing "the-more-the-merrier braais (barbecues) in the sunshine beside the pool with friends and family". There's a line that says, "The men stood around the fire drinking beers and the women stood inside on the vinyl kitchen floor making salad drowned in mayonnaise". This resonated so deeply with my own childhood, that it made me laugh out loud.Even though Miss Burnett's struggles are not my own, this book is written in such a relatable, and wonderful inner monologue of what she went through, that it is impossible for an empathetic person to not put yourself in her shoes, and understand. I felt like I was there, like I knew the types of people in her life and could compare them to my own. Throughout the book, I found myself evaluating my own life, my own memories, my own family and friends. This book made me think on myself more than any book I've read recently- reflecting on things I didn't want to face. It has been an incredibly healing experience to read, and for that, I owe a great thanks for Miss Burnett.I would call this book a must read in the genre of memoirs, a clarifying tale of an everyday, suburban white woman who dealt with the types of things that stays behind closed doors. The types of things that get hidden behind kind smiles, and waved over with words of faith and reputation. Everyone in life has the version they portray to the public eye, and the version of the truth- and Miss Burnett has done a wonderful job at melding the two. This is my favorite book of 2021 (when I read it), sincerely.

Jacqui Burnett's beautiful, often times poignant Life's Not Yoga: A Memoir, is an amazing biographical journey of a courageous woman who openly exposes her flaws to reveal the magnificent beautiful woman she is inside. The writing is flawless and her vivid descriptions take the reader from South Africa to the snow cap peaks of the American Rockies. Whether in New York City, San Francisco, Toronto and places in between, her adventure becomes your adventure. Throughout the journey, her resilience and her belief in love and in her own spirit is dazzling. Her journey is not easy, but its honest and true. Life’s Not Yoga, is a non-stop adventure that you simply can’t put down. I recommend this beautiful memoir, so eloquently and honestly shared with all of us, in this very well written book. I can’t wait to read about her next adventure!!! I recommend this book!!!!

This book was exactly what I needed at this time in my life. It is beautifully written and is a total page turner. Jacqui's story is such an inspiration. It was a reminder to me that the spirit is strong and, with some inner work, anything is possible. This book is for anyone who is at a crossroads in life or who wants to read an amazing true story of overcoming adversity. I highly recommend this book!!

Like Educated, a woman endures abuse but rises above and becomes a Phoenix.

The human spirit is incredible. Our ability to keep putting a foot forward no matter what, is unbelievable. This book is not just about our ability to keep moving, it is about the gift of love and living. Read it!

Brave and brutally honest. Set aside some time. You’ll want to read this in one sitting. A journey of discovery. Life and love. Always good to start with self.

I loved this book. Beautifully honest and beautifully written. It spoke to me.

Jacqui's book - is an absolute MUST read!! It is a proper page-turner and I did not want it to end. I totally loved it and and I will definitely be reading it again 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼Jacqui is truly an amazing women to have gone through all that she has, and still she has achieved so much success in her life. Truly unstoppable and a huge inspiration 🙌🏼I definitely will be taking a lot of her advice to heart.Can’t wait to read your next book Jacqui 😘🤗🥰❤️👌🏼🙌🏼

This book is a treasure!A raw and honest account of disappointment, deciept and much heartache to an inspiring transformation of forgiveness and pure love. Its a book you stay up late for as you can't put it down. Its Brilliant!

This book just resonated with me! Absolutely brilliant in every sense of the word. From the very first word to the last….a cannot put it down kinda read

I could not put this book down. What a read!

What an achievement! Well done!