| Series: | Volume 2 (1993-2022) |
| Genre: | Amish, nonfiction |
| Pub. Date: | 10 Jan 2023 |
| Pages: | 216 |
| Publisher: | Herald Press |
| Cover: | Excellent, easily read |
| Rating: | 5 stars |
“The story of the Amish—told by the Amish.”
Family Life is a monthly Amish magazine that has letters, history lessons, questions, challenges, and parables covering all sorts of topics like clothing, shunning, humor, old age, nonresistance, etc.
Brad Igou in this second volume consisting of 14 chapters is compiled from the last 3 decades, 1993-2020.
My review…
Should be REQUIRED READING for ALL AMISH AUTHORS!
I received a complimentary DRC (digital review copy) of “Amish Voices: In Their Own Words 1993-2020” via NetGalley from the publisher, Herald Press. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I had not read the complete book when I added Volume 1 to my wishlist. I found Volume 2 fascinating. And educational. We tend to stereotype the Amish by assuming they all are the same and very different from you and me, the English (non-Amish). Reading “Amish Voices” provides a real insight into their lives and thoughts. Wait until you read “All in a Day’s Work” by an Amish Mother! I smiled, chuckled, laughed out loud, and truly was glad I never dealt with what she did. Oh to meet some of these folks … although Mr. Yutzy and I will never agree about cleaning your plate.
The English reader may disagree with the Amish reasoning. Still, there are considerable explanations of why they dress in a “simple” way, why cell phones are not given overall approval, ride in cars but do not own them, why they don’t have electricity in their homes, etc.
What was surprising? Poetry.
I loved “A Place in the Sun” which begins “Who will take Grandma? Who will it be?” Another titled “Lament of a Senior Citizen” resonated with this senior citizen along with “A Widow’s Life”. One doesn’t think of the Amish writing poetry but some of the most poignant thoughts shared were done via poetry. I think poetry was my favorite.
So yes, I recommend volume 2 of “Amish Voices”. And yes, both volumes should be required reading for all Amish authors.
Rating: 5 stars
#AmishVoicesVolume2 #NetGalley #BradIgou
