When I got offered an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of The Yoga of Max’s Discontent to review, I was unsure if I should take it up, as it was way out of my comfort zone (so far out that I couldn’t even see my comfort zone from there!).
Books on spirituality and spiritual journeys are not my thing. Not because I don’t believe in a higher spirit. I do. It’s just that most books written on this topic are either immensely dull and boring, or I find them hard to relate to.
So I was extremely wary of this one, but I went for it nonetheless. Best. Decision. Ever.
The Yoga of Max’s Discontent – Plot
You can check out the detailed plot summary or blurb over here , but I don’t think it’s necessary (I went in blind, and preferred it that way).
The tale is simple and timeless – it essentially revolves around a man’s search for meaning.
So if there is birth, age, suffering, sorrow, and death, then there must be something that is un-born, un-aging, un-ailing, sorrow-less, and death-less, immortal as it were.
Yet, it’s very difficult to accurately summarize. Mostly because, it’s a journey that can be interpreted in many many ways.
I don’t teach anything, Mahadeva. I just live here. So you alone decide what you want, and understand what you get.
The Yoga of Max’s Discontent – Book Review
When I started reading this book – I had little to no knowledge of yoga, and had little to no interest in acquiring that knowledge.
Also, like I said before, while I do believe in a superior spirit, I was never interested in reading about spiritual journeys, because I used to find them dull, repetitive, predictable, and extremely hard to relate to. But this book has made me do a complete re-think of my stance on this.
Firstly, I have a much better understanding of the concept and practice of yoga, and I can’t thank the author enough for this. It was instructive, yet entertaining, and that is such a difficult balance to achieve! It was also easy to follow (even for someone like me, who has very little understanding of this science).
Moreover, every single step that Max took, I could understand, and relate to. Which in itself is saying a lot, because I, and the character Max from this book, couldn’t have possibly come from more diverse backgrounds.
His family migrated from Greece to US, and he grew up in the projects in NYC amidst gang wars and drug addiction issues among his peers. I was born and brought up in Mumbai, India (and eventually moved to US), where I have lived a relatively sheltered/protected life. So you see!
And here I also need to mention that while I spent the first 25 years of my life in India, the India that the author took me to, seemed to be another place altogether.
I lived in the metropolis of Mumbai; whereas this book took me on a journey across India – from the fleeting sights of Mumbai and Delhi, to a drought prone village in South India, and finally to the majestic Himalayan ranges.
It was like seeing a familiar scene through different lenses. And such beautiful lenses they were!
The author’s writing has this quality that breaks through barriers of time and place. It’s like you have apparated (harry potter allusion, yes) over there, and are actually living through the experience.
Books are a uniquely portable magic – Stephen King once said. Karan Bajaj has reaffirmed it through his writing.
Final Thoughts
The Yoga of Max’s Discontent is a contemporary take on man’s classic quest for transcendence.
It might look like one of those others – westerners looking for Nirvana type things- but it’s not that at all. It has a very authentic feel to it, and that’s pretty difficult to achieve.
I can’t fully express how deeply this book has affected me, but I will say this – it has certainly compelled me to look into yoga as a way of life ( for health and fitness), and for that alone, I am eternally grateful that the author chose to write this book.
Needless to say – I highly recommend it. To everyone. Yes, everyone. Whether you practice yoga, or are only remotely aware of it (like me) – this is one enriching experience you will treasure for a long time.
GET A COPY AND READ IT NOW!
Amazon One Link: Hardcover | Paperback | Kindle | Audiobook
Amazon India: Hardcover | Paperback | Audiobook
This book has made me extremely curious about the practice of yoga, but I am lost as to where to begin. I do have some idea (very superficial), and I am aware of the phenomena that is Youtube, but I am looking for some kind of structured program – preferably online, but even a DVD that I can follow, will work.
If you guys know of any such channel on Youtube, or a DVD that you have tried and found effective, please do share. It will really help me out.
Disclaimer: I was sent an ARC by the author to read and review (But this is a book that I am going to buy several copies of to gift to some of my friends and family.)
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Hi,
I have read the same book, but with a different title.This book is also titled “The Seeker”. So so glad to know that it has affected you deeply too. I too do not consider myself a deeply spiritual or religious person, but this book changed me profoundly! In a fit of enthusiasm, I ended up reading the other two books penned by Karan Bajaj, and they did not live up to this one:(.
You know, now that you mention it, I looked up The Seeker – the plot, blurb, everything. It seems to be the exact same book, in a new wrap. There are possibly some improvisations, but I find it peculiar, have not seen this kind of re-release happening much.
Nonetheless, I did love the book. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…What is the impact of a movie like Sairat?
So glad to see that you loved this one. I still have to read it. I loved the author’s previous (Keep off the grass), which I read during my college years so I had a big connection with it. This one sounds just ideal for my current phase of life.
I haven’t read anything else by this author, yet. But now I surely will look up more by him.
I was considering The Seeker, but will check out Keep Off The Grass too.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…June Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #WeekendReads
I’ve this books on my sights since May!
So happy to see you glowing review. I’m also not very fond of books about spirituality because they can be boring, but you’ve convinced me to read this book.
Thanks!
Naz @ Read Diverse Books recently posted…The Ultimate Diverse Reading List: Over 300 Book Recommendations!
This one, I do hope you are able to check out. Would love to hear your thoughts.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…June Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #WeekendReads
I’m not into spirituality or seeking but definitely love doing yoga (when I can) so may be this is a good book for me to read right now. Currently I don’t have much time to read and only read what is worthwhile…..Incidentally have you started standing on your head???
BellyBytes recently posted…Making Rainbows Day2 FTOW #5
Standing on my head? Nope, not yet. I thought that was a more advanced pose. I started with the basic breathing exercises and the downward facing dog – adho mukha svanasana.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…June Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #WeekendReads
hey, that’s a good review. You have done a good job. You have induced in the reader a need to get the book. Trust, it is as enticing as you have mentioned. But then, since you have read it and reviewed it , am sure, the book is very enticing.
Ajay pai recently posted…Chaos of Life
Yeah, it’s a pretty great read. If you like the genre, it will not disappoint. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Yoga of Max’s Discontent by Karan Bajaj | Book Review (New Release and New Favorite)
5 stars from you? I have to check this book out, Shantala. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Parul recently posted…Two elements
You are very welcome, Parul. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…June Wrap Up (Books and Movies) #WeekendReads
That good? I should get it then. I am wary of such books after I didn’t quite like Eat Pray Love – that idea of a westerner coming to India in search of nirvana. Is it anything like that? But yoga is something I would like to have a go at. Recently I tried it and it turned out all wrong for me – too crowded and too impersonal. I have been already contemplating giving it yet another try – this one is for me, then. Thanks Shantala.
Whether you read this book or not – do give Yoga another shot. I believe there is serious merit there. It just takes dedication and patience to learn, very much like anything else that is worth learning.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Yoga of Max’s Discontent by Karan Bajaj | Book Review (New Release and New Favorite)
Sure will. I did it once for over a year and found it really really good. But then I did it with just another friend and an instructor who came home. I’m not comfortable with the idea of yoga in a room packed with people. It’s a more solitary endeavour than maybe something like zumba where the crowd gets you going. So I’ll probably look out for a small batch if not a personal instructor.
Beat About the Book recently posted…Do you judge a person by the books he reads?
Wow:) Loved the review and I just might buy it on amazon. You have done a great job and am sure the author has too.
Sunila Vig recently posted…The monkey that spoke English- short story
Thank you so much, Sunila. I am glad you liked the review. The author has done a fab job with this one. If you like the genre, this book will not disappoint.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Yoga of Max’s Discontent by Karan Bajaj | Book Review (New Release and New Favorite)
Wow, 5 stars coming from you Shantala, is a big deal! Even I am personally not a big fan of spiritual books, but looks like I will have to make an exception and try this one. Btw, I am starting yoga classes today, so this book will hopefully reinforce my decision to stick to the new routine 😉
Kala Ravi recently posted…Musings at Intermission 2016
Oh that’s awesome. Which class? Where?
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Yoga of Max’s Discontent by Karan Bajaj | Book Review (New Release and New Favorite)
Wow! I must pick this book right away. Like you l am wary of spiritual books. I love Yoga and it has impacted my life in a very positive way as you may already know. My suggestion for a beginner is that you must learn it from a learned teacher. I learned from my dad initially. Once you get the right way of breathing, doing the asanas, understand the mind-body harmony then you can do it at home with videos. The best ones lMO are Baba Ramdev’s. I actually do the routine out of memory now. But no matter what do get Yoga into your life. 🙂
Rachna Parmar recently posted…Small Things with Great Love — How June Went By #Gratitude
I will, I will, Rachna. Thank you so much. I too found Baba Ramdev’s videos on this very good. I am just starting out, but I am sure this will stick. I will ensure it.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Yoga of Max’s Discontent by Karan Bajaj | Book Review (New Release and New Favorite)
This is going on my TBR. I’m really interested in the yoga bit, having been a student of BKS IYengar , but the spiritual bit, eehhh, we’ll see. YOur review, as always is fantastic, Shantala! I trust you completely after Bossypants 🙂
Hema recently posted…I’m on The Huffington Post!!
Wow, you were a student of BKS Iyengar! I now before thee. ?
Rachna Parmar recently posted…Small Things with Great Love — How June Went By #Gratitude
I am joining in Rachna’s bow. #inawe
P.S. The yoga bit and the spiritual bit are pretty entwined in this one, so I am curious to know what you will think of it, if and when you read it. Let me know.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Yoga of Max’s Discontent by Karan Bajaj | Book Review (New Release and New Favorite)
I usually keep myself away from such themes (haven’t even read The Alchemist! I know, right?). However, since you have mentioned that it is not dull or boring, I’ll keep it in my TBR list 🙂
Anmol Rawat recently posted…A Letter to my Family
Nope, not dull at all. This one kept me hooked. Having said that, sometimes it is about timing too. While I was wary about the genre, I think at this stage of life, I was more receptive to it.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Yoga of Max’s Discontent by Karan Bajaj | Book Review (New Release and New Favorite)
Beautiful review Shantala!!! You might just want to start with the very basics like surya namaskar, kapal bhati, anulom vilom and simple breathing techniques. These will make it easier when u move on to the advanced stuff.
Nidhi recently posted…Paani Wali Mirchi Ka Achaar
Oh…I thought Surya Namaskar was the advanced stuff. :/ But anyway, I have started with the basic breathing exercises. Will take on more as I get a hang of these. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Yoga of Max’s Discontent by Karan Bajaj | Book Review (New Release and New Favorite)
Awaiting the gift! 🙂
What a nice review! You could start learning Yoga through a Guru (trained) who’d help you in every step – mental and physical.
Also, I am a huge fan of your writing. I hope you come out with a book soon 😀
Aiyyoo..I don’t see me publishing a book in the near or distant future. Time management issues. 😛
But I can see a gift in your really-really-distant future, so worry not. *wink wink* 😛
Speaking of Gurus – I don’t know how to distinguish between the real ones and the fakers. Sigh.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Yoga of Max’s Discontent by Karan Bajaj | Book Review (New Release and New Favorite)
You haven’t spared anything, have you? I can actually hear you gushing right now 🙂 What a lovely review and a dream one for any author. Sigh. Spirituality is actually a genre that greatly fascinates me so this may go very soon on my TBR.
Now I KNOW I shouldn’t publish my book 😛 Quaking in my boots, as it were.
Shailaja Vishwanath recently posted…Are you attached to your writing?
Yes, yes, I AM gushing! 😀 But wait,why shouldn’t you publish a book?! :O What am I missing here? :/
Shanaya Tales recently posted…The Yoga of Max’s Discontent by Karan Bajaj | Book Review (New Release and New Favorite)