Inquiring Minds Want to Know
There are a number of reasons why Amish fiction has become so popular.
Readers have written this blog to say that they enjoy reading about the Amish because they live a simple, faith-filled life.
Readers also write that they enjoy learning about the Amish. They buy novels and non-fiction books about the Amish and many travel to visit the various communities throughout the country to learn more. "Be careful to do your research because some readers know as much about the Amish as those who write about them," an editor cautioned a writer I know.
So it occurred to me to ask you, gentle reader, to tell us something you find interesting about the Amish. Or, if you prefer, ask a question you've always wanted answered about the Amish.
I'm looking forward to your telling us that interesting fact or asking that question you've always wanted answered.
Blessings!
Barbara
Readers have written this blog to say that they enjoy reading about the Amish because they live a simple, faith-filled life.
Readers also write that they enjoy learning about the Amish. They buy novels and non-fiction books about the Amish and many travel to visit the various communities throughout the country to learn more. "Be careful to do your research because some readers know as much about the Amish as those who write about them," an editor cautioned a writer I know.
So it occurred to me to ask you, gentle reader, to tell us something you find interesting about the Amish. Or, if you prefer, ask a question you've always wanted answered about the Amish.
I'm looking forward to your telling us that interesting fact or asking that question you've always wanted answered.
Blessings!
Barbara
Posted by Barbara Cameron at 6/11/2009 11:07 PM 
Categories: the Amish, cultural differences
Tags: Amish
Categories: the Amish, cultural differences
Tags: Amish
I enjoy reading about the Amish because of their simple life. I envy ( I know I'm not supposed to) them for being able to live this way. Maybe its easier if you're raised that way. I know they work hard but their lives are not so cluttered as we have made ours.
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Hi Beverly,
The answer I wrote you went to the place after Karla's note. : )
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I love reading the Amish fiction books because of the way their faith shows how to trust in the Lord; this helps me to let my trust in the Lord grow. I only read Amish Fiction, love all of them.
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I like reading anything that helps me trust God, too. I think Amish fiction is especially good at guiding me to do so because the example of the Amish is so clear.
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I love the peacefulness that overcomes me when we are staying in the Amish countryside. The clip clopping of the horses as they pull the buggies down the lanes early in the a.m., the quiet smiles and above all their faith in the Lord and willingness to serve and help others in times of need. I admire the Amish faith and their dedication.
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I can't wait to feel that peacefulness again soon, too. Am planning a trip to Lancaster in the next two months to see a relative.
I think the way the Amish help others in time of need is a great example to the rest of us. Their steadfast faith and dedication is as well.
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I admire the simpler way of life, too. I think many people do. Life can just get so complicated, noisy, and stressful sometimes, can't it?
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An interesting fact about some of the Amish is that not all of them fit the description of the way we would think Amish would act. Not this year - but other years - my husband and I at the Lancaster Public Library's used book sale in Lancaster, PA, have seen Amish ladies practically laying (lying??) across tables of books so no one else can have easy access to look at the books. This year it amused me to see Amish ladies at the general paperback novels section (not the Christian books!!) I don't know if they bought any, but I'd think they wouldn't be allowed to read those non-Christian items. And I am fascinated with myself because I have always lived not far from the Amish community in Smicksburg, PA and even go to Amish bent and dent stores around here but still love to read as much Amish fiction and non fiction as I can get my hands on. And I'm not sure, but I think the Amish in this area just have outhouses.
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We visited Amish country once and got to have dinner with a family once. It was part of how they earned extra money. At the end of the meal they allowed us to ask questions. When asked why they did some of the things they do (no electricity, no car to own but yes to ride,you can go to the doctors but you can't become a doctor, etc.) the man said he did not have a reason other than that if you want to be Amish, that is how you do it. Their belief in Jesus seemed a little fuzzy to them as well. They did not feel you can know if you are saved until you die and go to one place or the other. I just wondered if they live the way they do out of Amish policy or some true conviction that separates them from another religion.
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Hi Barbara, I have asthma and years ago it was hard to find food without additives. So my parent went to Lancaster to get food that I could eat. I loved their simple way of life as a child. It looked hard too. But when that is all you know it's ok. We may have all run into that. We thought everyone had dinner around the dinner table and talked...but some of us didn't have that family life.
I hope to go back after many years and see how much has changed.
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As I stated in a comment to a previous post here, I just finished reading the book "Amish Grace". I highly recommend that book to anyone wanting to better understand the Amish & some of their beliefs. I think alot of what continues to "draw" me to the Amish fiction books is my longing to live a much simpler life. When I lived in Ohio we lived right outside of a large Amish community. I was forever amazed by them. Sometimes I feel like one of my greatest fears is that I am going to read every single book about them (talking about the fiction books) & suddenly find myself without anything to read! LOL! So...Beth, Amy, Barbara & Kathleen....get busy!! LOL!
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You won't be running out of Amish books from the four of us anytime soon...I have some exciting news I can't share just yet. Stay tuned! : )
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I am interested in the Amish because I use to live about 20 miles from then in Indiana, a little town called Berne, and they are devoted to God and work so hard, but always together and I love the way they help each other out and care for their elders.. they are very kind and generous people, there is a wonderful tour they give for anyone and a bed and breakfast to stay in with them and their cooking is so good, I love the friendship bread and have the recipes of lots of their things.. I live in Morristown,Tn and they opened an Amish store just outside my county that sells jams, jellies, cheeses and breads and gift items and quilts.. it is so wonderful.. thank you
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I like to read about the amish because one of the things that sticks out to me is their relationships with their family and especially with their siblings. I envy that because my family just won't get along except for me and my oldest sis.
Debbie
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I wonder if the Amish are put off by our fascination with them. Maybe they are all basically annoyed and feel we make them feel like a sideshow.What do you know about that? Once when passing an Amish cemetary on my one and only visit to Lancaster, PA, at my request,my husband stopped the car and let me get out to get a closer look. I merely stood at the fence attempting to read what was inscribed on the tombstones. Along came a horse-drawn black buggy around the bend. I was frightened they would be more than displeased finding me there so, as not to "get caught" and cause upset to any of them,I shot back to our car and we quickly left before the buggy arrived. Now that I think about it,due to my quick exit, they may have thought I was was up to more than I was! I am smitten with them all, but I feel nervous around them. I'd like to know what the majority of them think, really think, about "us". I wonder how they take to novels written about them. I wish I could have a chance to get in their heads. An hour drive north for me, in Daviess County Indiana there is an Amish and Mennonite community. Shop the WalMart on a Saturday and they will be there. I have come upon a pair of Amish ladies in an aisle occassionally. They seem to just be in a bubble as if unware I am near them. I've learned not to expect any eye contact or even a nod or smile from any. Society in general is friendly,but not them. Oh and if it's a gent...he is stoic, totally zoned as an island. They almost fit the definition as snobs. They are of the human race but sure don't act like it.Do they feel we are "wicked" or "tainted"?
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