Customer Reviews

Siesta Lane: One Cabin, No Running Water, and a Year Living Green

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I agree with the other reviewers that this is a very nice read, poetic and compelling. But what stayed with me were the good questions the author asks about how all of us are living. Her experiment took her far enough off the beaten path for an interesting perspective, but not so far that the questions (and occasional answers) don't apply to the lives that we all -- including the author at the end of the experiment -- lead. The book is honest, but not self-righteous, exploring relationships, not proclaiming absolutes. I found myself thinking that Siesta Lane sounded like Walden would have if it had been written by a woman.

This is a delightful and thought-provoking book. It is a reflection of the urge many of us have to simplify our lives. Minato's artist's eye and writing skills make this book not only readable, but also worth reading again. Her narrative explores her experiences connecting with herself as well as discovering the beauty and sanctity of nature.

What a beautiful story. The author has such talent in relating what could be seen as mundane with poetic imagery while pulling me along with an engrossing narrative. I hope there is more to come!

Siesta Lane: A Year Unplugged, or, The Good Intentions of Ten People, Two Cats, One Old Dog, Eight Acres, One Telephone, Three Cars, and Twenty Miles to the Nearest Town

I so enjoyed Amy's telling of her story. Poetic yet succinct she kept me with her from the beginning and made me wish that I had had the insight and courage to live so close to the earth. She has a great knack for relating the everyday mundane things that occupy us and a sensitivity in sharing some intimate thoughts. I really loved this book

An enjoyable read which addresses life decisions, our relationship with the planet and our necessary links to civilization that with we all must resolve at some point, with some fun lighter moments - like the explanation of how dancing was invented.

This book is difficult to read. The thoughts are disjointed and this combined with the poorest use of verb tenses makes for a read that is too much work for what you get out of it. That being an exercise in narcissism masquerading an a search for all things good.

If you are truly a fan of co housing and shedding real world responsibilities entirely you might enjoy the book more. Perhaps I am too left brain.

By the way the author describes her cabin as a 10 sq ft cabin. She must have slept standing up. That is slightly larger than the foot print of a phone booth. oh well so much for math and liberal arts majors (just kidding on that one!)