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Remembering Isaac #1
Remembering Isaac: The Wise and Joyful Potter of Niederbipp
Jake Kimball is afraid he agreed too hastily to spend the summer working his way through the mess Isaac Bingham, the old potter-God rest his soul-left behing. As Jake begins his work in the old studio, he becomes aware of a unique collection of mugs hanging from an overhead beam. When friends of the old potter stop by to sip peppermint tea from these mugs and tell their stories, Jake begins to understand the remarkable man he has come to replace. With the help of his new friend Amy, Jake pieces together the secrets of life Isaac lived by and shared with all who knew him. Remembering Isaac celebrates the art of creation, the ancient wisdom of a humble craftsman, the euphoria of love, and the joys found through understanding and making the most of reality.
455 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
67 people are currently reading
864 people want to read
About the author
Ben Behunin
20 books47 followersIt has long been my feeling that biographical sketches should be written in first person because almost all of them are written by the person they're about anyway, pretending to be someone else so as to make themselves look cool or important enough that someone would care to write something about them. I am neither a great pretender, nor good at writing in third person, but I'll do what I can to make you feel like reading this was worthwhile.
I was born at a very early age in Provo, Utah, the first child of seven children that joined the family over the next 14 years. I was raised in primarily in Utah, but also lived in Ohio and Florida. From the time I was very young, I enjoyed making art, drawing, carving, making up games and stories. Through grade school and junior high, I lived in a neighborhood that was nearly exclusively occupied by old people. Having no one to play with beyond my own siblings, I made friends with the old folks and would often sit with them on their porches and listen to their stories as they fed me lemon drops and moon pies.
I was first exposed to pottery in a freshman ceramics class. I took the class thinking it would be an "easy A". In reality, it was neither easy or an A. I was terrible, my experience being much like Jake's in the book. I kept working at it though and earned myself a small scholarship to Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho where I continued my studies.
A mission for my church took me to Switzerland, Germany and Austria for two years beginning in 1993. While living in Tiengen, Germany, I met Irene Adeler, a German potter who invited me to return and work for her in her Pottery in 1995. I spent four months as her apprentice before returning home to continue my education in Hawaii. The experience in Germany was instrumental in my education and my decision to become a potter. I continued to study art and business in Hawaii before transferring to the University of Utah.
After making a few semesters worth of landfill art, I changed majors a couple of times and with sixteen credits left to graduate, I decided I would rather die than give any more money or creativity to the school, so I dropped out and have never looked back. Since 1996, I have been a full-time potter. I married Lynnette Scott in 1997. Our son Isaac was born four years later and Eve joined the family three years after that. After borrowing a neighbors studio, and sharing one with a partner, I built a studio in my backyard. This is also where I do most of my writing.
I first visited Niederbipp in 1994 and thought it would be a great name for my first born. Fortunately for my son, he has a very practical mother.
When I'm not making pots or pretending to be a writer, I like to eat strong cheese, listen to bluegrass music and hike in the mountains near my home, not necessarily all at the same time, but it wouldn't be a bad idea. I wear bow ties whenever I have to dress up. We don't have any pets, but sometimes we pretend we do. I often dream I can fly, but that is another story.
I was born at a very early age in Provo, Utah, the first child of seven children that joined the family over the next 14 years. I was raised in primarily in Utah, but also lived in Ohio and Florida. From the time I was very young, I enjoyed making art, drawing, carving, making up games and stories. Through grade school and junior high, I lived in a neighborhood that was nearly exclusively occupied by old people. Having no one to play with beyond my own siblings, I made friends with the old folks and would often sit with them on their porches and listen to their stories as they fed me lemon drops and moon pies.
I was first exposed to pottery in a freshman ceramics class. I took the class thinking it would be an "easy A". In reality, it was neither easy or an A. I was terrible, my experience being much like Jake's in the book. I kept working at it though and earned myself a small scholarship to Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho where I continued my studies.
A mission for my church took me to Switzerland, Germany and Austria for two years beginning in 1993. While living in Tiengen, Germany, I met Irene Adeler, a German potter who invited me to return and work for her in her Pottery in 1995. I spent four months as her apprentice before returning home to continue my education in Hawaii. The experience in Germany was instrumental in my education and my decision to become a potter. I continued to study art and business in Hawaii before transferring to the University of Utah.
After making a few semesters worth of landfill art, I changed majors a couple of times and with sixteen credits left to graduate, I decided I would rather die than give any more money or creativity to the school, so I dropped out and have never looked back. Since 1996, I have been a full-time potter. I married Lynnette Scott in 1997. Our son Isaac was born four years later and Eve joined the family three years after that. After borrowing a neighbors studio, and sharing one with a partner, I built a studio in my backyard. This is also where I do most of my writing.
I first visited Niederbipp in 1994 and thought it would be a great name for my first born. Fortunately for my son, he has a very practical mother.
When I'm not making pots or pretending to be a writer, I like to eat strong cheese, listen to bluegrass music and hike in the mountains near my home, not necessarily all at the same time, but it wouldn't be a bad idea. I wear bow ties whenever I have to dress up. We don't have any pets, but sometimes we pretend we do. I often dream I can fly, but that is another story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 525 reviews
January 5, 2011
I started off enjoying the book. The writing was not remarkable, but I enjoyed the sketches and layout of the book. I enjoyed reading about a potter. I enjoyed reading about making life choices. I did not enjoy how repetitive the book became, how preachy the book was, and how flat most of the characters come off as. The book could have used a good editor -- it did not need over 400 pages to say what it did.
April 2, 2010
I have struggled to choose how many stars for this book. There were so many things that I liked about it, but there were many others that I didn't like. I'd probably give it 3 1/2 stars, but I think I liked the story enough to go ahead and give it 4.
Things I didn't like: He really could have used a better editor (since it's self published, I can see how this would be a challenge! :-) His writing was too sappy at times, choppy in places, and the dialogue drove me crazy because it just didn't sound like things that people would actually say.
That said, the story is interesting, I loved learning about being a potter, the little romance was lovely, the descriptions of the town and the people were just delightful. Behunin is quite creative and I really loved the drawings and doodles throughout, and the flip-a-page movie of bowl being made.
This book is extremely clean. It is the first in a trilogy, and the second book is already published. I will definitely read more.
Things I didn't like: He really could have used a better editor (since it's self published, I can see how this would be a challenge! :-) His writing was too sappy at times, choppy in places, and the dialogue drove me crazy because it just didn't sound like things that people would actually say.
That said, the story is interesting, I loved learning about being a potter, the little romance was lovely, the descriptions of the town and the people were just delightful. Behunin is quite creative and I really loved the drawings and doodles throughout, and the flip-a-page movie of bowl being made.
This book is extremely clean. It is the first in a trilogy, and the second book is already published. I will definitely read more.
December 7, 2009
I made accidental eye contact with the author of this book a few weeks ago as he was doing a signing in Costco :) After listening to his pitch, I bought the book. I laughed as I checked out - thinking about how I hoped people would do the same for Roxy or Karyn when their first books are published.
I found out a week or so later that the author's brother is married to my cousin.
I haven't been able to read a thing for over a month (which has been killing me). However, today I started and finished this, which is why it gets four stars. I really enjoyed it and now am anxious to buy some of his pottery and read the sequel (which I think came out this week).
It is not the quality of writing you find in classics, but it was clean, uplifting and gave me a new appreciation for pottery and artists in general.
I found out a week or so later that the author's brother is married to my cousin.
I haven't been able to read a thing for over a month (which has been killing me). However, today I started and finished this, which is why it gets four stars. I really enjoyed it and now am anxious to buy some of his pottery and read the sequel (which I think came out this week).
It is not the quality of writing you find in classics, but it was clean, uplifting and gave me a new appreciation for pottery and artists in general.
March 16, 2010
I got to about 110 pages and said, no thanks. Not that this book isn't cute, or can be inspiring, etc...but it wasn't my type of book. It was too cheesy, the characters were two dimensional and it looks like Isaac was a modern-day Jesus, he could do no wrong...ugh. I want depth and substance, this was just sugary sweet, too black and white in philosophy, and overall just poor writing.
September 10, 2009
*update: our book club meeting was great, and after reading through my review again, I realized that I left out a lot of my positive thoughts about the book. First, the book is supposed to like Jake's sketchbook, so it has random doodling and splatters and notes throughout which really lend a personal and charming feeling to the book. Also, there are so many endearing characters with such interesting stories that they really feel like real, instead of fictional, people. I wish I knew some of them. Finally, the book is clean and enlightening, and it's just so nice to read a book without worrying about what's going to be on the next page. Also...just a note from the book club...the second book, "Discovering Isaac," was briefly discussed, and after hearing about some of the differences and improvements between it and this book, I am definitely putting it on my "to read" list.
This book was selected for our book club for September. We obviously haven't met to discuss it yet, but I'll record a few of my thoughts now.
8/30/09: The story itself is charming and heartwarming: a young potter lands an amazing job replacing the recently deceased potter of Niederbipp, a small fictional village in Pennsylvania. Throughout the book, he meets some endearing characters who help him get to know Isaac, the old potter, and help him find and discover himself.
The book is badly in need of an editor. It is almost 450 pages long, and I'm POSITIVE that with the help of a good editor, at least 100 pages could be cut out. At least. I love books with lots of details, but this book had so many pointless details that did nothing to develop the plot or the characters. Also, many conversations felt like they were just repeats of previous conversations. This was ESPECIALLY true when talking about the developing friendship between Jake and Amy. I felt like the last 100 pages were just one date after another, and they were ALL THE SAME. They had the same conversation over and over again about staying true to their art, and then Jake would go home and think about how Amy was the most wonderful friend he'd ever had...over and over and over again.
Then there were the little editing problems that just annoyed me. For example, on p. 286, the birth and death dates were given for Lily Bingham. First they were given as 1924-1949, and then below that, in a picture, they're given as 1929-1954.
I know it sounds like I'm being overly critical, but there were other things that I really liked about the book...like learning more about pottery and learning from the example of Isaac (albeit a fictional character).
The book is supposedly the first of a trilogy, so almost nothing is resolved by the end. This really frustrated me because I really don't have a desire to read the second or third books, unless the quality in editing increases dramatically.
This book was selected for our book club for September. We obviously haven't met to discuss it yet, but I'll record a few of my thoughts now.
8/30/09: The story itself is charming and heartwarming: a young potter lands an amazing job replacing the recently deceased potter of Niederbipp, a small fictional village in Pennsylvania. Throughout the book, he meets some endearing characters who help him get to know Isaac, the old potter, and help him find and discover himself.
The book is badly in need of an editor. It is almost 450 pages long, and I'm POSITIVE that with the help of a good editor, at least 100 pages could be cut out. At least. I love books with lots of details, but this book had so many pointless details that did nothing to develop the plot or the characters. Also, many conversations felt like they were just repeats of previous conversations. This was ESPECIALLY true when talking about the developing friendship between Jake and Amy. I felt like the last 100 pages were just one date after another, and they were ALL THE SAME. They had the same conversation over and over again about staying true to their art, and then Jake would go home and think about how Amy was the most wonderful friend he'd ever had...over and over and over again.
Then there were the little editing problems that just annoyed me. For example, on p. 286, the birth and death dates were given for Lily Bingham. First they were given as 1924-1949, and then below that, in a picture, they're given as 1929-1954.
I know it sounds like I'm being overly critical, but there were other things that I really liked about the book...like learning more about pottery and learning from the example of Isaac (albeit a fictional character).
The book is supposedly the first of a trilogy, so almost nothing is resolved by the end. This really frustrated me because I really don't have a desire to read the second or third books, unless the quality in editing increases dramatically.
April 8, 2011
As a teen librarian, most of my reading concentrates on young adult literature. The "edginess" of most teen books wearies me at times. As a teenager I did not drink, swear, take drugs, or have sex with my boyfriend. (Hey, I still don't do those things!!) So I rarely get to read a book with which I identify.
Thus I was pleased to have a friend loan me this book with obvious Christian themes. It was a breath of fresh air to read about Jake, a potter and new college graduate. Jake becomes the village potter in the small town of Niederbipp PA. He quickly discovers his deceased predecessor, Isaac, was beloved for his wisdom, kindness, and faith. As the townspeople visit the pottery and talk of their relationship with Isaac, Jake finds a new direction and philosophy for his own life.
The book's author is also a potter, with an active studio in Salt Lake City. He lovingly weaves the potter's techniques into the storyline. The book is delightfully designed to resemble Jake's sketchbook, with doodles and notes and splatters adorning the pages.
So why did I give this book just three stars? It was too long -- over 420 pages. I believe this book is self-published. A good editor would have trimmed and tightened the story. Sometimes the account sounded preachy. Surprisingly (considering my faith) I read very little Christian fiction, so I don't know if "preachiness" is par for the course with this genre. Perhaps if the book were shorter I wouldn't have minded the frequent not-so-subtle reminders about the importance of faith, the Bible, and the Golden Rule.
This book has two sequels, which I probably will not read. I loved "spending time" in the village of Niederbipp, and I wish I had known Isaac the joyful potter, but I am ready to move on down the road. Thank you, Mary Jo, for loaning me the book. The break from edgy teen literature was much needed.
Thus I was pleased to have a friend loan me this book with obvious Christian themes. It was a breath of fresh air to read about Jake, a potter and new college graduate. Jake becomes the village potter in the small town of Niederbipp PA. He quickly discovers his deceased predecessor, Isaac, was beloved for his wisdom, kindness, and faith. As the townspeople visit the pottery and talk of their relationship with Isaac, Jake finds a new direction and philosophy for his own life.
The book's author is also a potter, with an active studio in Salt Lake City. He lovingly weaves the potter's techniques into the storyline. The book is delightfully designed to resemble Jake's sketchbook, with doodles and notes and splatters adorning the pages.
So why did I give this book just three stars? It was too long -- over 420 pages. I believe this book is self-published. A good editor would have trimmed and tightened the story. Sometimes the account sounded preachy. Surprisingly (considering my faith) I read very little Christian fiction, so I don't know if "preachiness" is par for the course with this genre. Perhaps if the book were shorter I wouldn't have minded the frequent not-so-subtle reminders about the importance of faith, the Bible, and the Golden Rule.
This book has two sequels, which I probably will not read. I loved "spending time" in the village of Niederbipp, and I wish I had known Isaac the joyful potter, but I am ready to move on down the road. Thank you, Mary Jo, for loaning me the book. The break from edgy teen literature was much needed.
February 23, 2010
The first in a series. I really loved the simplicity and peaceful feeling of this book. It is a wonderful analogy of how God molds us into our best selves.
January 5, 2024
One of my new favorites. Still Love it
March 19, 2020
For a self-published book this is decent. But that’s not an extremely high bar! The problem with self-publishing authors isn’t necessarily that they aren’t any good (although that is often the case). It’s that there isn’t anyone with the guts to tell them when they’re being self-indulgent. So too often you feel like you’re being forced to listen to your kid’s dream where it goes on and on and on. This book draaaaaaaaaaags. It took me three months to finish it because the author didn’t have anyone to keep him humble. Obviously his friends aren’t going to do it! Only an editor can do that. It really doesn’t have a very complex plot but it is over 400 flipping pages long!
Basically, all that happens is a young recently-graduated potter is lucky to have a paid-off, thriving business handed to him on a platter. He spends a lot of time looking the gift horse in the mouth while also listening to a lot of people tell him long, winding stories that show how awesome the previous potter was and how masterfully yet humbly he completely turned their lives around. There is also a cute girl who overlooks how inept and insecure he is. They eat a lot of sandwiches with weird ingredients.
I think Behunin kind of wanted to achieve a Paulo Coelho/Richard Bach flavor here, but what he forgot is those authors’ philosophical-words-of-wisdom books are mercifully short. (Actually, I liked this a lot more than The Alchemist.) Their editors knew that books like that are like a really rich dessert. You only want so much before you’ve had as much as you can stomach. Behunin just keeps saying “Eat! Eat!” and shoving more and more in your face.
BUT, if this book would have been half as long, it would have been pretty good. One huge pet peeve: why does Amy keep punching him? That’s not cute or charming!
Basically, all that happens is a young recently-graduated potter is lucky to have a paid-off, thriving business handed to him on a platter. He spends a lot of time looking the gift horse in the mouth while also listening to a lot of people tell him long, winding stories that show how awesome the previous potter was and how masterfully yet humbly he completely turned their lives around. There is also a cute girl who overlooks how inept and insecure he is. They eat a lot of sandwiches with weird ingredients.
I think Behunin kind of wanted to achieve a Paulo Coelho/Richard Bach flavor here, but what he forgot is those authors’ philosophical-words-of-wisdom books are mercifully short. (Actually, I liked this a lot more than The Alchemist.) Their editors knew that books like that are like a really rich dessert. You only want so much before you’ve had as much as you can stomach. Behunin just keeps saying “Eat! Eat!” and shoving more and more in your face.
BUT, if this book would have been half as long, it would have been pretty good. One huge pet peeve: why does Amy keep punching him? That’s not cute or charming!
January 8, 2018
I absolutely loved this book!! I can’t wait to read the other two books in this series.
December 30, 2023
This is one I’d 100% recommend reading the physical book instead of the audiobook. The sketchbook feel of the book is just fun and charming and adds a lot to the story.
April 22, 2019
I loved this book! Not an exciting adventure but a sweet, well-crafted tale about a town and their beloved potter. The stories the townspeople share touched my heart and I learned a little something from each one. Already have the next 2 books on hold!
May 14, 2010
** spoiler alert ** "Remembering Isaac" is a refreshing, easy-to-read (but knowing a little bit of German helps) debut of a closet writer/ professional potter. Something about this narrative without fancy words found in other good books (which require some of us English-as-a-fourth-language readers to keep dictionaries on hand) makes you want to throw in the towel from whatever you're doing, leave your life as you know it behind, and re-discover your suppressed creativity that lives in all of us. Illustra...more "Remembering Isaac" is a refreshing, easy-to-read (but knowing a little bit of German helps) debut of a closet writer/ professional potter. Something about this narrative without fancy words found in other good books (which require some of us English-as-a-fourth-language readers to keep dictionaries on hand) makes you want to throw in the towel from whatever you're doing, leave your life as you know it behind, and re-discover your suppressed creativity that lives in all of us. Illustrations and sketches, even a thumb movie, throughout the book present additional inspiration.
Welcome to Niederbipp, PA, where the crime rate is low, the church bell tolls the hours, and small businesses thrive. By all means, the picturesque little town seems to defy the laws of capitalism. The smell of fresh bread fills the air, farmers have rosy cheeks, cobblestones line the streets, and you can walk or ride your bike anywhere. As an added bonus, the only Internet access appears to be in the town library, which minimizes distractions. But, isn't that what they call Utopia? All that’s missing is the Bahnhof. Anyway, this book tells the (autobiographically inspired?) story of a young ambitious potter, Jake, stumbling upon the opportunity to run this little town's pottery shop. I liked the idea of trading some work on a floor mosaic for three years' worth of fresh bread - like Jake I would have no problem living on THAT kind of bread alone... Jake comes to find out soon that he has big shoes to fill, as the recently deceased potter, Isaac, had acted as something like the village counselor for the townfolk. By means of peppermint tea, unshakeable faith, and active listening skills, this remarkable man was able to help the fallen, the weary, and the misled to change their lives, and, in several cases, find God.
The religious theme weighs heavily over the story, as does the personal story of the young potter's romantic involvement (G-rated) with a fellow artist. There are some nice parallels such as Isaac having shaped the lives of many people as he shaped the clay making ceramic ware, but unfortunately the oportunity of weaving creativity with spirituality literarily is not exhausted to its full potential. The craft of pottery is an ancient and multicultural one, and one could dig so much deeper, but it doesn't happen in this book. More so, the only references made are with regards to Christian scripture. The bible quotes are well chosen; however, digressing somewhat from the literal bible/Christian theme would leave room for attracting a wider audience to this lovely story.
The anectode about the forget-me-nots touched me on a personal note: After years of futile attempts, the Alaska state flower has finally established itself in my garden. Not where I originally planted it, nota bene...
Even without a plot, simply reading about the beautiful craft of pottery and REAL bread kept me turning the pages. The book is number one in a series of three, so I'm curious to see what things DO lay deeper and what more is there to be discovered about Isaac.
Welcome to Niederbipp, PA, where the crime rate is low, the church bell tolls the hours, and small businesses thrive. By all means, the picturesque little town seems to defy the laws of capitalism. The smell of fresh bread fills the air, farmers have rosy cheeks, cobblestones line the streets, and you can walk or ride your bike anywhere. As an added bonus, the only Internet access appears to be in the town library, which minimizes distractions. But, isn't that what they call Utopia? All that’s missing is the Bahnhof. Anyway, this book tells the (autobiographically inspired?) story of a young ambitious potter, Jake, stumbling upon the opportunity to run this little town's pottery shop. I liked the idea of trading some work on a floor mosaic for three years' worth of fresh bread - like Jake I would have no problem living on THAT kind of bread alone... Jake comes to find out soon that he has big shoes to fill, as the recently deceased potter, Isaac, had acted as something like the village counselor for the townfolk. By means of peppermint tea, unshakeable faith, and active listening skills, this remarkable man was able to help the fallen, the weary, and the misled to change their lives, and, in several cases, find God.
The religious theme weighs heavily over the story, as does the personal story of the young potter's romantic involvement (G-rated) with a fellow artist. There are some nice parallels such as Isaac having shaped the lives of many people as he shaped the clay making ceramic ware, but unfortunately the oportunity of weaving creativity with spirituality literarily is not exhausted to its full potential. The craft of pottery is an ancient and multicultural one, and one could dig so much deeper, but it doesn't happen in this book. More so, the only references made are with regards to Christian scripture. The bible quotes are well chosen; however, digressing somewhat from the literal bible/Christian theme would leave room for attracting a wider audience to this lovely story.
The anectode about the forget-me-nots touched me on a personal note: After years of futile attempts, the Alaska state flower has finally established itself in my garden. Not where I originally planted it, nota bene...
Even without a plot, simply reading about the beautiful craft of pottery and REAL bread kept me turning the pages. The book is number one in a series of three, so I'm curious to see what things DO lay deeper and what more is there to be discovered about Isaac.
June 22, 2011
I vacillated between giving this book two or three stars. Then I realized I was caught up by the story enough that I want to read the next in the series, so...three stars it is. This book was enthusiastically recommended by my darling brother-in-law Gerry. He was so passionate about the fact that hubby and I HAD to read this book...even waving his copy in my face...that I succumbed.
Here's the deal. Ben Behunin (author) has a story to tell, but it's more like an allegory...a spiritual quest. It's about a young potter who is trying to decide which path to take in life. He ends up in the town of Niederbipp, Pennsylvania. Yvonne on Amazon.com says it better:
"Welcome to Niederbipp, PA, where the crime rate is low, the church bell tolls the hours, and small businesses thrive... The smell of fresh bread fills the air, farmers have rosy cheeks, cobblestones line the streets, and you can walk or ride your bike anywhere."
There is nary a Walmart nor a McDonald's to sully the landscape. Who wouldn't want to live there? Jake (our hero) can't decide.
I was irritated at this book at first. It seemed way too cheesy and pretty much conflict-free. Behunin needed to be reined in by an astute editor. He does far too much explaining when we got it the first time (much like ME!). The book could have been cut by a third and been the better for it.
So why did I keep reading? I was secretly fascinated by all the pottery-talk. The whole concept of a town potter--a town who advertised for a potter on purpose--fascinated me. I want to live there among those good people and eat that fresh bread, peanut butter, and golden honey every day. I want to drink fresh peppermint tea in a hand-thrown mug and spill my troubles to the town potter, who is full of sage advice. (The old potter, Isaac, not the new potter, Jake. He's too busy finding out who Isaac was, who he is, and who the lovely red-haired girl is...).
I WILL read the next one. So...Gerry may have been right all along.
Here's the deal. Ben Behunin (author) has a story to tell, but it's more like an allegory...a spiritual quest. It's about a young potter who is trying to decide which path to take in life. He ends up in the town of Niederbipp, Pennsylvania. Yvonne on Amazon.com says it better:
"Welcome to Niederbipp, PA, where the crime rate is low, the church bell tolls the hours, and small businesses thrive... The smell of fresh bread fills the air, farmers have rosy cheeks, cobblestones line the streets, and you can walk or ride your bike anywhere."
There is nary a Walmart nor a McDonald's to sully the landscape. Who wouldn't want to live there? Jake (our hero) can't decide.
I was irritated at this book at first. It seemed way too cheesy and pretty much conflict-free. Behunin needed to be reined in by an astute editor. He does far too much explaining when we got it the first time (much like ME!). The book could have been cut by a third and been the better for it.
So why did I keep reading? I was secretly fascinated by all the pottery-talk. The whole concept of a town potter--a town who advertised for a potter on purpose--fascinated me. I want to live there among those good people and eat that fresh bread, peanut butter, and golden honey every day. I want to drink fresh peppermint tea in a hand-thrown mug and spill my troubles to the town potter, who is full of sage advice. (The old potter, Isaac, not the new potter, Jake. He's too busy finding out who Isaac was, who he is, and who the lovely red-haired girl is...).
I WILL read the next one. So...Gerry may have been right all along.
April 25, 2025
The basic story line - Jake, a new college graduate, gets a job interview to fill the position as town potter since the previous one, Isaac, passed away. He interviews and (obviously) gets the position. Isaac had been a central figure in the town, improving the life of everyone he came in contact with through his love, friendship, and wisdom. Through the book you learn about Isaac through the stories of people that stop by the pottery shop.
Loved loved loved it. Storyline-wise, it's not an action packed page turner, but the wisdom and life lessons shared are deep and meaningful. I want to be wise and caring like Isaac. I will definitely be returning to Niederbipp again, in this volume and the next two.
We read this for a homeschool group, and since the author lives relatively close, we took our group to go meet him and see his studio. I was as impressed by him and as I was by the book. He invited all the youth to try out the really cool slide and zip line he's got in his backyard. There was art literally everywhere - yard, patio, studio, and apparently he just finished a huge renovation on the house and it's filled with even more. He smiled the whole time, one of those people you automatically wish was your neighbor so you could soak them in all the time.
Many of the youth that read it are working on finishing the series, so it's a good one for a variety of ages.
Loved loved loved it. Storyline-wise, it's not an action packed page turner, but the wisdom and life lessons shared are deep and meaningful. I want to be wise and caring like Isaac. I will definitely be returning to Niederbipp again, in this volume and the next two.
We read this for a homeschool group, and since the author lives relatively close, we took our group to go meet him and see his studio. I was as impressed by him and as I was by the book. He invited all the youth to try out the really cool slide and zip line he's got in his backyard. There was art literally everywhere - yard, patio, studio, and apparently he just finished a huge renovation on the house and it's filled with even more. He smiled the whole time, one of those people you automatically wish was your neighbor so you could soak them in all the time.
Many of the youth that read it are working on finishing the series, so it's a good one for a variety of ages.
October 29, 2009
I thought this was a great book. I wanted to give it a higher rating like maybe 3 1/2 stars, but couldn't quite bring it up to 4 stars. (It's really hard for me to give a book 5 stars - I think it might also have something to do with my current mood.)
I was engrossed in this book from the very first. I loved the sketchbook style, and the pictures. Can one ever get too old to enjoy a book with pictures? I do, however, really dislike those cheap paper covers that curl and roll, it makes handling the book a chore.
I loved the characters: Isaac, the one we only meet through another, and Jake with his fun mix of youthful naivete and mature ability to really listen.
Yes, there were some editing errors, and a few other niggling items. But I found myself so wanting to read more and hear more of the townspeople's stories that I was able to just put those aside and immerse myself in the story. I also found myself thinking of the book and it's population when I wasn't reading, it sort of stayed with me in a positive way. I think that's a sign of a successful book.
I for one, am anxious to read the next installment.
I was engrossed in this book from the very first. I loved the sketchbook style, and the pictures. Can one ever get too old to enjoy a book with pictures? I do, however, really dislike those cheap paper covers that curl and roll, it makes handling the book a chore.
I loved the characters: Isaac, the one we only meet through another, and Jake with his fun mix of youthful naivete and mature ability to really listen.
Yes, there were some editing errors, and a few other niggling items. But I found myself so wanting to read more and hear more of the townspeople's stories that I was able to just put those aside and immerse myself in the story. I also found myself thinking of the book and it's population when I wasn't reading, it sort of stayed with me in a positive way. I think that's a sign of a successful book.
I for one, am anxious to read the next installment.
February 3, 2010
I loved this book! It totally kept my attention and I found myself thinking about it during the day. I want to be a Potter (or at least buy a lot more pottery). And I want to live in Niederbipp. Kind of. Okay, so I don't want to actually live there but I want everyone who does live there to be my friend. :) And I want to visit there. It is a really easy read and purely for entertainment, so this book might not be for some of you. It's not *smart*, if you know what I'm sayin'! I was in the mood for an easy book that would simply entertain me and allow me to *escape* every once in a while and this totally did it for me. OH! And I totally knew the area he was talking about and knew about the little towns that are mentioned in the book. I heard there really is a Niederbipp in PA. I'll have to find it on the map and see how close it is to my mission, because I knew all of the towns he talked about in the book. So fun!
PS. I can't wait to read the next one ("Discovering Isaac")!!
PS. I can't wait to read the next one ("Discovering Isaac")!!
May 14, 2009
I really admire my friend Ben for writing and publishing this novel! I've always wanted to write, but I've never had the guts.
What I liked: I loved the design of the book, the doodles and illustrations throughout. Made it more personal. Loved learning about pottery and the metaphors for life it provided--made me want to get some of Ben's pieces! The friendship/romance was sweet. I think the strongest part of the book was the stories about Isaac that the villagers told Jake. I was really inspired by the wisdom of some of the observations on life and spirituality.
What I didn't like: The book has some pretty significant editing and proofreading problems which were very distracting for me. It took way too long to get to the meat of the story, and there's a lot of repetition throughout. The plot that holds the villagers' stories together is much weaker than the stories themselves--too predictable, not enough development or surprise.
What I liked: I loved the design of the book, the doodles and illustrations throughout. Made it more personal. Loved learning about pottery and the metaphors for life it provided--made me want to get some of Ben's pieces! The friendship/romance was sweet. I think the strongest part of the book was the stories about Isaac that the villagers told Jake. I was really inspired by the wisdom of some of the observations on life and spirituality.
What I didn't like: The book has some pretty significant editing and proofreading problems which were very distracting for me. It took way too long to get to the meat of the story, and there's a lot of repetition throughout. The plot that holds the villagers' stories together is much weaker than the stories themselves--too predictable, not enough development or surprise.
July 12, 2010
A young man just out of college with a major in pottery answers an ad for a new potter for the town of Neiderbipp (which was founded by 17th century immigrants and still is a quaint, small town with a pottery, bakery, etc.). He is to take over for a wise and joyful potter, Isaac, who recently died. While he adds a sense of 21st century dash to pottery, he soon learns the beautiful tapestry Isaac has helped others weave of their lives. The book draws the reader with its warmth and wisdom, as well as the many good stories that are told about the residents of Neiderbipp. Of course, the new potter has his own challenges which wind through the stories of others. The author is a potter and therefore writes with authenticity about the art he so dearly loves. If the world has been clashing in your ears too loud and too long, it's time to escape to New Neiderbipp and its loveable, but flawed population, time to savor the loving ways and wisdom of Isaac.
August 31, 2010
The description of this book led me to believe it was a fantasy book for some reason, but that is really not true. However, if I were to read a more accurate description of this book or if someone were to tell me the plot line in detail, I'm certain I wouldn't even consider reading it... 450 pages of some guy making pots??
However, it has been a long time since a book has moved me quite like this one did. I found myself wishing I had a teacup at the Pottery and that I could have met Isaac before he died. I want to move to Niederbipp! There are life lessons in this book that frankly changed me, at least at this point I am thinking differently. I hope my thoughts will translate into my actions.
I am really looking forward to getting the sequel from the library, I am currently #39 on the hold list!
However, it has been a long time since a book has moved me quite like this one did. I found myself wishing I had a teacup at the Pottery and that I could have met Isaac before he died. I want to move to Niederbipp! There are life lessons in this book that frankly changed me, at least at this point I am thinking differently. I hope my thoughts will translate into my actions.
I am really looking forward to getting the sequel from the library, I am currently #39 on the hold list!
February 22, 2012
Super Great Book~!
For me this book was so good on so many levels I don't even know where to start. It has been moved to my overall favorite book this year! my friend finished it two weeks ago and just happened to mention how good it was when we were passing in the hall at church. I was determined to get it and read it too. I found it at the library and read it in a week. I couldn't put it down (but sometimes I had to because life goes on). It not only has adventure, suspense and romance (like the holding hands type) but also a little bit of mystery. The part of the book that I loved the best was the fact that my testimony grew as I also became good friends with the old potter of Niederbipp. He was a very Christlike individual. You have got to read this so we can discuss it together! What will be your favorite parts? Who will be your favorite character from the town of Niederbipp?
For me this book was so good on so many levels I don't even know where to start. It has been moved to my overall favorite book this year! my friend finished it two weeks ago and just happened to mention how good it was when we were passing in the hall at church. I was determined to get it and read it too. I found it at the library and read it in a week. I couldn't put it down (but sometimes I had to because life goes on). It not only has adventure, suspense and romance (like the holding hands type) but also a little bit of mystery. The part of the book that I loved the best was the fact that my testimony grew as I also became good friends with the old potter of Niederbipp. He was a very Christlike individual. You have got to read this so we can discuss it together! What will be your favorite parts? Who will be your favorite character from the town of Niederbipp?
November 9, 2009
I picked this up at Costco when the author was there signing copies. He promised that it was a really clean book, and I'm always looking for something new for my eleven year old. Plus, I liked the idea of supporting a local artist and writer (only $12).
My expectations were pretty low, and confirmed in part by the weak editing and predictable plot. However, I liked learning about pottery and it's metaphors. I found myself thinking about the lessons on life and spirituality. It was clean, positive and uplifting. I enjoyed the fun sketches and doodles throughout the book. Also, it made me want to buy some pottery and visit Niederbipp (which according to my internet search, is a real town in PA). I'll be buying the sequel in December.
My expectations were pretty low, and confirmed in part by the weak editing and predictable plot. However, I liked learning about pottery and it's metaphors. I found myself thinking about the lessons on life and spirituality. It was clean, positive and uplifting. I enjoyed the fun sketches and doodles throughout the book. Also, it made me want to buy some pottery and visit Niederbipp (which according to my internet search, is a real town in PA). I'll be buying the sequel in December.
January 22, 2010
I came across this book at Costco and it looked interesting. It caught me attention first because I am married to a potter. I love the design of the book, the mini-movie especially.
This book was an easy read. It taught me more about pottery, love, life and seving others. I came away wanting to be a better person. And wanting to find out more about Isaac, Jake, Amy, and all the other people of Niederbipp. That is why I'm on to number 2.
This book was an easy read. It taught me more about pottery, love, life and seving others. I came away wanting to be a better person. And wanting to find out more about Isaac, Jake, Amy, and all the other people of Niederbipp. That is why I'm on to number 2.
December 8, 2009
This is a book written with the obvious intent to articulate a philosophy of life. The plot and characters were conjured to that end. The life philosophy is good, if bland, but the preachiness of it became tiresome and I was ready for it to end--only to find that there will be another book. The watery plot line does not induce me to anticipate the next and I doubt I will read it.
January 4, 2010
This was a refreshing book to read. It is the story of a young man who desires to be a village potter. His dream is realized in the small, picturesque town of Niederbipp Pennsylvania. It is a sweet story and one of the cleanest I have ever read! It is filled with great lessons of life that we can draw from to improve ourselves. I look forward to reading the sequel that was just released.
January 26, 2010
I just finished this book for our ward's book club, and I actually really enjoyed it. I didn't think I would, because I was expecting a cheesy, shove the moral down your throat kind of book, but it was actually really good.
It's the story of a potter and the lessons he learns from talking to other people about the old potter who preceded him. It's also a love story, and not too sappy. :)
It's the story of a potter and the lessons he learns from talking to other people about the old potter who preceded him. It's also a love story, and not too sappy. :)
March 5, 2014
I liked the random doodling and notes throughout the book, it made it seem more personal. It was an easy read with a lot of good lessons taught through the potters conversations with the people in the village. It was just a little too nice and sweet for me but it was interesting and had many insights that I needed to be reminded of. I liked it enough that I will read his other books.
December 2, 2009
This book is a fun good read. There are not too many books that I will read that will keep me up at night reading. This one kept me up most of one night. The story is unique and it is clean. We'll be reading this as a family.
January 6, 2010
I'm related to this author, so I may be a little biased, but I loved this book! Ten minutes after finishing it I bought the second one and am eagerly waiting for it to get here. Strongly recommend this one!
January 16, 2010
I really loved this book! I bought because I felt sorry for the author who was peddling it at Costco, but couldn't put it down once I started it. It was very thoughtful and refreshingly entertaining. It was definitely an easy read and one I will definitely read again.
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