The Lean Enterprise Institute has released what is sure to be a rare entry on summer reading lists—a novel that revolves around lean manufacturing.

"The Gold Mine: A Novel of Lean Turnaround" weaves the human element of lean manufacturing into a compelling, and instructive narrative, according to its publisher. The work is a story of a curmudgeonly sensei coaxed out of retirement to help save his son's friend's ailing business. The story incorporates proven lean principles as well as introducing the reader to more peripheral business methods, such as kanban.

Authors Freddy and Michael Ballé's book is available by contacting the Lean Enterprise Institute at 617-713-2900 www.lean.org.