Finding My Balance: A Memoir with Yoga

By Mariel Hemingway

Book Overview

A searingly honesty, entertaining, and deeply moving memoir from a legendary film star with a larger-than-life story told through the lessons and practices of yoga that have kept her grounded.

Mariel Hemingway was the third daughter of Jack Hemingway, Ernest Hemingway's son, and Byra Whittlesey. Raised in a deeply unstable household--marked by troubled siblings, a volatile mother, and an emotionally distant father--she was pushed early into the role of family stabilizer. As a result, she had little chance at a normal childhood, a loss intensified when her early film roles in her older sister Margaux's film Lipstick and Woody Allen's Manhattan abruptly made her a movie star.

Mariel turned to yoga and its meditative practice in an effort to maintain her center when her life threatened to spin out of control. Having experienced family tragedy, sudden stardom, and the continuing challenges of a full and demanding life, Mariel learned through practice how to find her balance in emotionally disorienting situations. Throughout her powerful memoir, Mariel uses her yoga training as a starting point for each chapter, carefully describing a particular position, then letting her mind wander into thoughts of the past and of her tumultuous life.

Mariel Hemingway has weathered some of the worst storms that life can bring. Certainly, she has found her balance. And in this deeply inspiring, thoroughly fascinating memoir, she shares for the first time the story of that journey.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743264320
• ISBN13: 9780743264327
• Release Date: July 2004
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Well worth reading

Heartwarming insight into the experiences of one cool lady. I admit to following Mariel's (and Margaux') career since before "Lipstick" and I read the book in one session. Very touching, and Mariel really lays a lot of personal pain and joy bare for us to see. A great book for anyone juggling family problems, a difficult adolescence, food demons, and facing adversity. I sure hope the future is kind to Mariel and her family.

Mariel opens her heart

In this touching, informative, truthful story about Mariel's own life is a compelling story I couldn't put down. For any fans of hers, you are going to love this book and won't be ab le to put it down.

Wonderful!

I loved this book! Mariel opens her heart to her readers and lays it all on the line. I identified with her and was able to learn some new methods for handling some areas of my life that parallel hers. This is a wonderful and sincere book! I hope that in the future she writes a book on yoga and that she writes another book where this one left off.

An inspiring & candid memoir of a fine yogini.

Mariel Hemingway has done much good with her yoga work and writing.I love this type of candid writing from such a clear and peaceful soul.It may not be a profound or complex work.But memoirs are not meant to be. She is sharing intimate experiences of her ownand her families lives. This is profound enough.She does know how to share her true life adventures with us with feeling, ideas that are a light on our own paths of life. She keeps on track and there is no fluff in this book.Also recommended; Autobiography of a Yogi,by Paramahansa Yogananda.

Hemingway shares both her passion and her soul

Being a fan of Ms. Hemingway's film work for several years I was pleased to learn that she had written her memoir. Ms. Hemingway's story of survival and discovery was both a thought provoking and moving read. She openly shares the blessing and the curse of her famous family ties and the lessons gained by years of living in emotional upheaval. The yoga metaphor used throughout the book works well and ties each chapter neatly together. All in all an inspiring autobiography by a very talented and strong woman.