Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 31 votes)
5 stars
12(39%)
4 stars
10(32%)
3 stars
9(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
31 reviews
July 14,2025
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I'm not a big fan of memoirs in general. However, I have to admit that I really enjoyed the yoga aspects of this particular book.

It was quite interesting to read about the different yoga poses and the author's experiences with them. I think I actually finished reading this book before New Year's, but somehow I forgot to update my status. Oh well, better late than never, I guess.

The book provided some valuable insights into the world of yoga and its benefits. It made me want to explore yoga further and incorporate it into my own life.

Even though the memoir part didn't really grab my attention, the yoga content was enough to make this book a worthwhile read for me. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in yoga or looking for a new perspective on this ancient practice.
July 14,2025
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This book is truly remarkable. It is not only extremely simple in its presentation but also deeply personal.

As I delved into its pages, I found myself relating to Mariel on multiple levels. Her experiences, emotions, and thoughts seemed to mirror my own in many ways.

The book has a touching quality that tugs at the heartstrings. It manages to convey profound messages and evoke strong emotions with its simple yet powerful narrative.

Moreover, it is a quick read, which makes it even more accessible and engaging. You can easily lose yourself in the story and finish it in a short period of time.

Overall, this book is a gem that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a meaningful and enjoyable read. It has the ability to touch your soul and leave a lasting impression.
July 14,2025
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I didn't have great hopes for this book when I saw it on the $1 table at Bradley's Books a couple of months ago. I am usually not a big fan of memoirs. I often find them poorly written and self-serving. (One thing that did "bother" me was Hemingway's frequent use of "To this day...") However, perhaps because of the yoga tie-in, I did enjoy this book. Each chapter starts with a yoga asana, which then leads into a story from Hemingway's life. It was an easy read. I finished it in one day, and it wasn't even a day when I did nothing but read! And although I was familiar with most of the yoga postures, I will still keep this book as a yoga reference. It offers a unique perspective on yoga and Hemingway's life, and I think it could be useful for others who are interested in either or both of these topics. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this book and would recommend it to others.

July 14,2025
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Mariel Hemingway has a unique way of sharing her life story. She intertwines it with her yoga practice, creating a fascinating narrative.

Each chapter of her story begins with a detailed description of how she enters into a particular yoga posture. This not only provides a vivid image of the physical act but also serves as a starting point for her to link the pose to a significant chapter of her life.

Her yoga practice has been a source of great strength and stability for her. Through daily meditation, she has been able to "find balance" in her life. It has helped her to cope with the challenges and difficulties that she has faced, and has given her the inner peace and calm that she needs to navigate through life's ups and downs.

Mariel Hemingway's story is an inspiration to us all, showing us that with dedication and commitment, we too can find balance and harmony in our lives through the practice of yoga and meditation.
July 14,2025
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I have a deep love for yoga. I have been engaging in yoga practice intermittently for more than three years. However, it is only within the past six months that I have wholeheartedly committed to it as a way of life and joyfully welcomed the alterations it has brought about in both my mental state and daily habits.

I am also a big fan of a great memoir. Therefore, I was thrilled when I came across this book in UT's library. I eagerly read the first few chapters, expecting to find some thoughts that I could adopt as new mantras. Nevertheless, as a literary work, I was disappointed. Mariel shares stories about a difficult childhood and the self-destructive coping mechanisms she developed as she grew up. But frequently, the stories are not presented in chronological order; she jumps around randomly. Moreover, the book concludes rather abruptly.

It was a simple read, but I suppose it just wasn't what I was seeking.
July 14,2025
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This is a truly wonderful story! It contains great information and details about yoga.

Yoga is not just a physical exercise but a holistic practice that combines body, mind, and spirit. It offers numerous benefits, such as improving flexibility, strength, and balance.

The story might have described different yoga poses and their specific effects on the body. It could have also touched upon the importance of breathing techniques in yoga, which help to calm the mind and increase focus.

Moreover, the details about yoga might have included information about its history, philosophy, and different styles. This would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of the practice.

Overall, the story seems to be a great source of inspiration and knowledge for those interested in yoga. It encourages readers to explore this ancient practice and discover its many benefits for themselves.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, there is always something new to learn and discover in the world of yoga. So, take the time to read this wonderful story and let it inspire you on your own yoga journey.

July 14,2025
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Yoga is not only beneficial for those who practice it regularly but also for others who are seeking a better life balance.

Mariel's life is a great example of this. She has faced many challenges and struggles in her attempts to meet the expectations of others.

However, through her experiences, she has learned an important lesson about the need to take care of oneself.

We often get so caught up in trying to please others and meet their demands that we forget about our own well-being.

Mariel's story serves as a good reminder that we need to make time for ourselves, do the things that make us happy, and take care of our physical and mental health.

Whether it's through yoga, meditation, or simply taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, we all need to find ways to recharge and rejuvenate.

By doing so, we can better handle the challenges that come our way and lead a more fulfilling and balanced life.
July 14,2025
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It is an intense biography. Mariel Hemingway is a brilliant author, just like a vision of her grandfather. Her work represents harmony and peace, but at the same time excitement and humor. She has managed to capture the essence of her life and experiences in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.



If you are a fan of biographies, then this is definitely the book for you. It offers a unique perspective on the life of a remarkable individual and provides insights into the challenges and triumphs that she has faced along the way. The writing is vivid and descriptive, making it easy to imagine yourself in the midst of the story.



Mariel Hemingway's biography is a must-read for anyone who is interested in learning more about her life and work. It is a powerful and inspiring account that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this talented author.

July 14,2025
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I truly, deeply love Mariel. She is an amazing person who has brought so much joy and happiness into my life. Her presence makes everything seem brighter and more wonderful. I cherish every moment spent with her and look forward to many more in the future.


However, my only complaint is that I wish this had been written more. There is so much more to say about my love for Mariel, about the special moments we've shared, and the feelings she evokes in me. I feel like there aren't enough words in the world to fully express how I feel about her.


Despite this, I will continue to show my love for Mariel in every way I can. I will hold her hand, listen to her, and be there for her through thick and thin. Because she is the most important person in my life, and I will do everything in my power to make her happy.

July 14,2025
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I was on jury duty, and it was a rather arduous experience that lasted for a whole week.

During this time, I happened to read something that truly made a significant difference.

It was like a ray of light in the midst of the chaos and stress.

This reading material managed to keep me sane throughout this long and trying ordeal.

It provided me with a much-needed escape from the intense courtroom environment and the weighty decisions that we, as jurors, had to make.

Thanks to this wonderful find, I was able to maintain my composure and approach each day of jury duty with a relatively clear mind.

It was truly a blessing in disguise during that otherwise challenging week.

I will always remember the role that this reading played in helping me get through the jury duty experience.
July 14,2025
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(3.5 stars)

This memoir is a unique exploration as it utilizes yoga poses to vividly depict different stages in the author, Mariel Hemmingway's life.

She delves deep into her career, sharing both the highs and lows. Her family life is also a significant part of the narrative, with discussions about the struggles they faced regarding finances and illness. Despite having a famous ancestor, her immediate family was far from wealthy and had to deal with various difficulties.

Mariel also opens up about her own problems with diet and food, as well as her family's history of mental illness. She doesn't shy away from discussing the challenges she encountered in her life, including those in her marriage and with her children.

However, she credits yoga with helping her find balance. Each chapter commences with detailed instructions on a particular pose, and the book even features an appendix that provides a full yoga flow.

Overall, this memoir offers a fascinating glimpse into Mariel Hemmingway's life and the role that yoga has played in her journey.
July 14,2025
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Visit JetBlackDragonfly (The Man Who Read Too Much) at www.edenthompson.ca/blog


"Out Came The Sun - Overcoming The Legacy of Mental Illness, Addiction, and Suicide In My Family" is a 2015 autobiography by Mariel Hemingway. The title might give the wrong impression, making it seem more like a recovery book than a memoir. In fact, Mariel is a strong and resilient person. It's also closely related to her 2003 memoir "Finding My Balance", so it's hard not to review them together.


Mariel became famous at seventeen when she received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Woody Allen's "Manhattan". Before that, she appeared in "Lipstick" opposite her supermodel sister Margaux. After "Manhattan", she had starring roles in "Personal Best" and "Star 80", while her sister's acting career declined. She details these roles and the struggles of her famous family. Her grandfather, Ernest Hemingway, committed suicide, as did her older sister Margaux. Her parents had a troubled marriage filled with alcoholic fights, and she talks about dealing with their deaths. Her other sister Joan had a lifetime of mental illness, leading many to refer to the "Hemingway family curse". Despite this, Mariel has overcome the odds, marrying a restaurateur and businessman, raising two girls, and maintaining an acting career.


This memoir didn't change my perception of Mariel, but if you're a fan, you'll enjoy learning more about her. It's an honest look at her family and life. "Finding My Balance", written twelve years earlier, covers similar ground. Structured around her love for yoga, each chapter describes a pose and then branches off into her life story. It contains the same stories as "Out Came The Sun", in the same order, and even uses the same family pictures! Instead of writing a new memoir from the first book to the present, she simply expands on the same material with a few more anecdotes and affairs. It's heavy on the yoga, ending with 33 pages of exercises.


If you're interested in reading a Mariel Hemingway memoir, "Out Came The Sun" is the better choice. It has more to say and offers a clearer reflection. She has become a mental health advocate and includes a 10-page appendix of resources at the end. Interesting indeed.
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