Plain and Simple: A Woman's Journey to the Amish

By Sue Bender

Bender, a career driven wife and mother from Berkeley, sees an Amish quilt in a store.  She is taken with its simplicity, and becomes obsessed with finding a way to live with the people that create such timeless, uncomplicated designs.  It takes some effort, and a little luck, for Bender to find an Amish family willing to take her in for a few weeks.  During that time, she learns that there's nothing wrong with living day to day, finding joy in ordinary tasks.  While some modern conveniences are creeping in to Amish society,  community spirit and joy in just "being" may be more important than recognition and notoriety.

I don't think I could be friends with a person like the author and her friends -- their whole life is built around accomplishments and self-congratulation.  For example, even though she is An Artist, she creates for recognition, not the love of the craft.  Everything has to Mean Something, and every person has to Be Somebody.  She even struggles with how to introduce herself at a party, and whether to describe herself as a therapist, an artist, etc.  After she returns home, she wants to bake bread, quilt, and be domestic, but where she lives won't allow it -- no one has time.  When she scrubs her vacation home top to bottom, a friend mocks her for becoming too submissive and homey.  Sheesh people, it's not all about you!

God Never Blinks: 50 Lessons For Life's Little Detours

By Regina Brett

When Regina Brett turned 50, the newspaper columnist decided to write about her most important 50 life lessons.  As a cancer survivor and a single mom, Brett's life has been full of challenges.  These tough times have helped her remember the gifts of gratitude, laughter, and God's love for His children.

Although Brett doesn't say a lot that's new, she does say it in a refreshing, thoughtful way.  Then again, as always, people need to be reminded of the basic blessings in our lives. Long Live Common Sense!

Three Came Home

By Agnes Newton Keith

Published in 1947, Keith tells the story of her family's captivity by the Japanese during World War Two.  She followed her husband, Harry, to Borneo just a few years before the war broke, and decided not to leave him even though it meant that she and her young son would be prisoners.

This book not only tells about the prisoners' deprivation and suffering, it also demonstrates what happens to a human being as a captive and as a captor.  Keith does not hate the Japanese; she understands that their actions are a result of the war.  There are some soldiers that are kind, and some that smuggle food to the children.  But then there are others who enjoy hurting and demoralizing their captives; they believe death is more honorable than captivity.

I had no idea that women and children were taken prisoner during the war.  Keith explains that shouldn't bear leaving her husband behind.  But Harry is sent to the mens camp, so it is up to Agnes to keep herself and her son George alive for over 2 years. 

Agnes is very realistic in her writing, without being too graphic - she doesn't paint herself as a saint.  One part that I thought rang true was when she said that the women she liked before, she grew to love.  The women she felt indifferent to, she grew to hate. And the things she thought were useless - fine clothes and makeup - were lifesavers.  She could trade her clothes for food, and makeup made her feel more human.  I found myself thinking, "What would I do in the same situation?"  Then hoped I would never have to face it.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

By Mindy Kaling

A series of comic essays about Kaling's life, including growing up as the studious child of Indian-American professionals, through her stint as a writer/actor for the television series The Office.  She even included how to conduct her funeral.   I didn't expect too much, since the book is only 240 pages and she's in her early thirties.  Then, I was pleasantly surprised.  I could relate to a childhood of being the shy, awkward, embarrassment for her brother.  But I could laugh and learn about the joy of three girls living is a third floor walkup studio in NYC.  Good, light read... I wish she would have written a longer book.

Home

Home by Julie Andrews

An intriguing autobiography of Julie Andrews' early life and career.  Andrews begins with her grandparents family history, through her parents, then on to her own childhood.  For as upbeat, kind, and talented as she appears to the public, it is amazing to read about her roots.  Alcoholism, syphilis, infidelity... her ancestors had it all.  Yet they also had musical & theatrical talent, and gave every opportunity to this daughter with the amazing voice.  Also, since she basically supported her mother, stepfather, and half-brothers, she grew up quickly, which I believe added to her stage presence.  Andrews ends her story after giving birth to her oldest daughter and just before flying to Los Angeles to star in Mary Poppins.

There is still so much ahead in her story that I was frustrated by the end of the book.  The main complaint I have is how she deals with her emotions & the people around her.  It seemed like she married her first husband just because he was a reliable friend... her trusted manager messes her over in a contract, she says she's hurt, but does nothing about it... her mother likes the money she brings in, but can't past her jealousy and love her own child.  I wish she would act instead of always feeling responsible for everyone's happiness.