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Honest Book Reviews & Recommendations

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James Nestor, author portrait

James Nestor

American
James Nestor is an author and journalist who has written for Outside, Scientific American, Dwell, National Public Radio, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Men's Journal, the San Francisco Chronicle Magazine, and others. His 2020 nonfiction book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, was an international bestseller, debuting on the Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times bestseller lists and spending 18 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers in its first year of release. Breath won the award for Best General Nonfiction Book of 2020 by the American Society of Journalists and Authors and was a finalist for the Royal Society Science Book Prize. Breath was translated into more than 35 languages in 2022.
On LuvemBooks, we've reviewed Breath.
1
Books Reviewed

Ask LuvemBooks about James Nestor

James Nestor is an insightful writer who explores the intersection of science and human performance. Based on our review of one title, his work has achieved an average rating of 3.8/5 stars on LuvemBooks. Readers are drawn to his ability to make complex scientific topics feel personally relevant and actionable.
Where should I start?
We highly recommend starting with Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. It is his most popular and comprehensive work, providing actionable insights into improving daily health through breathing techniques. This book sets the stage for understanding how simple biological changes can profoundly impact life.
What's their writing style?
Nestor’s style is authoritative yet deeply empathetic. He blends rigorous scientific research with compelling, anecdotal storytelling, often using personal experiments to validate his theories. His tone is always encouraging, urging the reader toward practical self-improvement.
Books we've reviewed
We have covered one title in our hub. Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art is an essential read that fundamentally changes how you view basic human functions, particularly respiration.
How do their books compare?
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art is the foundational text in his bibliography. It establishes his core thesis on breathing, and any future works would likely build upon these concepts or explore related biological systems.
What genre do they write?
James Nestor writes in the Popular Science and Health & Wellness genres. His books blend investigative journalism with deep scientific principles, making them highly readable for non-specialist readers.
What should I read after *Breath*?
Since Breath is currently his most covered work, readers who enjoyed it might benefit from reading books on general human physiology or epigenetics. Look for titles that encourage behavioral change based on science.
Who is James Nestor?

Who is James Nestor?

James Nestor is a writer and researcher known for translating complex scientific findings into accessible narratives. He focuses heavily on the body, human biology, and ancient practices that can improve modern health. His work often encourages readers to rethink common habits.

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What is his area of expertise?
Does he write non-fiction or fiction?

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Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor

/5

James Nestor's Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art is a popular science book that blends history, science, and personal investigation to make the case that modern humans have forgotten how to breathe — and are paying a steep physiological price. First published by Riverhead Books on May 26, 2020, the book became an international phenomenon, debuting at number seven on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list and spending 18 weeks on that list in its first year. It has since sold over two million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 35 languages. Kirkus Reviews named it "a welcome, invigorating user's manual for the respiratory system," and it won Best General Nonfiction Book of 2020 from the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

Reviewed Feb 16, 2026

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