Remembering Isaac: The Wise And Joyful Potter Of Niederbipp (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
Linda, one of my mothers-in-law gave this to our family and recommended it repeatedly. I was a little leary, as it was listed as "LDS fiction". I think "Christian fiction" would be a better label. The author references the bible frequently, and the characters model sweet, spiritual, innocent lifestyles. Nothing about it screams 'Mormon' to me. It is a romance in many ways. Jake and Amy grow a friendship that turns into love, both learn to accept and love their passions, both nurture a love of Christianity, and Jake learns to love his new town. We meet characters through Jake who have struggled to overcome different challenges and find acceptance and joy. Overcoming alcohol dependence, loss of loved ones, parental judgement, money addiction, and acceptance of personal internal motivators over external ones are all challenges addressed in the personal vignettes Jake hears. It's encouraging and empowering. The timing was perfect for me, as I am casting about trying to discover, nurture, and accept new passions as the active, daily parenting phase of my life nears its close. I found it somewhat redundant and heavy handed in its preaching. Jesus, God, and bible are the real answer according to this book.....no doubt about that. There is little subtlety, the constant dialogue could have been replaced strategically to shorten the book, and some of Jake's navel-gazing could have been omitted altogether. But once I got over those little issues and let the Christian references be general spiritual encouragements, I found the book rather dear and uplifting. I have recommended it to a few friends who might benefit from its messages as I did. Thank you, Linda. I'm glad to have read this sweet book. It made me think of and understand you and your loving, generous ways and your incredible success through following what makes you happy. You are like Isaac in many people's lives, and we all appreciate you. I loved much of this book and would have easily given it 4 stars except I felt the writing dragged a bit. Repetition and long drawn out thoughts that repeated themselves. I loved reading the stories of the people who loved Isaac and how Isaac influenced their lives. I loved the wisdom Isaac imparted. His love for the Bible and his knowledge that God is in our lives. The relationship with Amy was good - I liked how they began by being friends,but it was too much of the same thing. All in all, It was an enjoyable read but at times I had to take a break.
What do You think about Remembering Isaac: The Wise And Joyful Potter Of Niederbipp (2009)?
I have met Ben Behunin and I do pottery as a hobby so I enjoyed this book.
—Wab
Editing/flow needed a little work, but overall very enjoyable.
—Evita
Met the author-great guy. Good insights in book.
—tiffers93
