Cory's December Staff Pick

BETTER OFF
By Eric Brende
HM 846 .B74
2004

How many science fiction novels are there about time travel? This one is non-fiction! Brende and his wife lived among a sect of people similar to the Amish (he calls them “Minimites”) for over a year, during which time they eschewed just about all technology. Brende honestly examines both the changes in himself and his wife and their relationship without the tools of the modern age. He provides great insight into the relationships among those in their adopted community. He shows us that yes, there is more manual labor, but there are more people doing it and they are happy for the tasks. Furthermore, working takes pressure off social interactions and builds appreciation of one another. The Brende family planned to stay for just a year, but didn’t want to leave. The last chapter is “Recipe for a leisurely, laborsaving life.” Did I mention they also had a baby while they were there (then)?


Coralina Daly
Director of Library Services
Central Wyoming College
2660 Peck Ave
Riverton, WY 82501
(307) 855-2332
fax: (307) 855-2094
http://www.cwc.edu/library