A Different Kind of Garden

By: Ansul Noor

Narrated by: Kat Heiser

Length: 1 hr and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

An original unique collection of mystical stories, fables and verse to nurture the inner child in us.

©2014 Ansul Noor Khan (P)2014 Ansul Noor Khan

A Mystical Garden Captures the Imagination

What made the experience of listening to A Different Kind of Garden the most enjoyable?

Listening to A Different Kind of Garden drew me into a mystical realm that encouraged me to abandon mundane reality and let my imagination soar. Quickly, I was captured by the dilemmas faced by the Garden's small creatures, among them, the Mouse, the Ant, the Wood Gnome, the Beetle and Spider Queen. Tiny as they are, Ms. Noor’s characters nurture ambition, harbor discontent, and execute heroic rescues. In their own way, they grow and mature, ultimately changing their world for the better.

I soon recognized that these tiny creatures exhibited very human tendencies. The stories in A Different Kind of Garden are metaphorical, but their answers to age old problems are timely and relevant to modern humans.

I also enjoyed the sound effects, interspersed throughout the book. The sounds of rain, wind and thunder, added dimension and texture to the drama of the reading.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Different Kind of Garden?

In the chapter, Rebirth, Ms. Noor writes, “What started out as a rustling of leaves became a thunderous bellow." In this chapter, A Different Kind of Garden warns that sometimes everything must die to make way for something new. There are times when “a moving stillness” creeps into one’s consciousness, the stillness that may be the “premonition of chaos.” Sometimes destruction is “the only way that Mother Nature can heal the wounds of an unkempt and careless life.” The parallels between this chapter’s lessons and humanity’s ongoing destruction of Mother Earth were clear and ominous. Messages such as this deepened my conviction that modern humanity must rethink its relationship with Mother Earth.

What about Kat Heiser’s performance did you like?

I enjoyed her soothing and expressive voice, always enhancing the mood of the stories. Depending on the content of the text, her performance added the drama, seriousness or buoyancy to support it. Her measured cadence gave every word its full value, so every passage was clear.

If you could rename A Different Kind of Garden, what would you call it?

I would not change its title.

Any additional comments?

As one who admires Ansul Noor’s work, I suggest that everyone should take timeout to listen to this audio book. Put aside your never-ending To-Do list, sit back, and let Ansul Noor's unique vision transport your imagination. I highly recommend this new audio version of A Different Kind of Garden.