Book Club

I recently read Plain and Simple: A woman's Journey to the Amish by Sue Bender.

It's not something I would recommend for anyone to read.  It did have some interesting insights.  There was nothing earth shattering about the description of an artist living with the Amish for a short period of time.  The artist mostly described them as unbelievable kind and selfless people.  She then dealt with her own struggle on how to incorporate these simple values into her own life in Berkley.  I found the ending to be a little surprising.  She gave up her studio and art space and found her happiness in a simpler life.  She found joy in keeping a clean home for her family.  Instead of making crazy art quilts she turned to pottery and started making useful objects instead.

Finished my Listening Library

I just finished listening to Count Karlstein by Phillip Pullman.  The audiobook had a full cast, as well as, sound effects and music to go with it.  It was a well produced and entertaining audiobook.  I would recommend that you listen to it over read it.
In reality the story was good.  It had an intriguingly dark plot but it does get all wrapped up with a pretty bow in the end.  It would be ideal to listen to with your kids right before bed.  I should warn you though some parts are rather scary.   It was over all a very British story and I believed that I enjoyed it so much because I loved the thrill of the well produced audiobook.