“We only really love someone else to the degree that we know and love ourselves” MacGregor (Get Your Yoga On) writes in this inspirational guide on the whys and hows of mastering unconditional love. Through intense self-reflection, paired with case studies from her work as a spiritual practitioner, MacGregor offers readers insight on reprogramming their thought patterns and actions, primarily through redefining their conceptions of love and learning how to incorporate it into everyday living. She pairs the pragmatic—such as practical steps to manage the immense influence of social media—with the philosophical, nudging followers toward an inner awakening, which she declares is “crucial to the evolution of the human race and the health of the planet.”

Readers who enjoy deep contemplation will find much to appreciate here. MacGregor, whose belief system draws from Eastern philosophies while also drawing from Christian principles, paints a holistic picture of how to achieve self-love, although she identifies that term as somewhat of a catchphrase and cautions readers to differentiate it from an ego-based, false sense of self. She frankly addresses how to avoid self-centeredness, writing “There is simply no way that an open heart can turn a blind eye to injustice,” and she urges readers to acknowledge their own biases in order to be more effective activists. MacGregor’s passion for yoga and meditation thread throughout, as she offers original meditation prompts and breaks down steps to use yoga to discover personal and spiritual truths.

Along with this outline of a path to happiness, MacGregor continually emphasizes personal accountability—we are responsible for our emotional reactions and our impact on the world, she writes, and no real change can occur without first uncovering the root to our behaviors. A brief discussion on the science behind emotional regulation and healthy self-love practices rounds out this inviting, transformation-minded read.

Takeaway: A transformative guide to understanding, practicing, and mastering unconditional love.

Great for fans of: Thich Nhat Hanh’s True Love, David R. Hawkins’s Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender.

Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: B-