Breath

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 :)

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.

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.