"Bonnet Fiction"
Yes, "bonnet fiction" is the the label many people have been using for novels about the Amish!
Publisher's Weekly interviewed leading editors of Christian fiction (www.PublishersWeekly.com) and they used the label to describe fictional stories about the Amish that have been incredibly popular for the past few years. Everyone agreed that there's no sign of the trend letting up. One of the editors pointed out that 1/3 of a recent Christian bestseller list was Amish fiction. So these books aren't going away anytime soon.
I'm not fond of the bonnet fiction label because, like usual, a label tends to be too narrow, too shallow for me. The books are much more than that description and have dealt with some big, real life issues within the Amish community. And prayer kapps tend to be featured on book covers much more often than bonnets, so why isn't it "Prayer Kapp Fiction" instead? (Okay, I'm being silly now!)
The label is at least nicer than the one I heard in the college class I teach. I've been having my Freshman English students write essays about the homeless. In one, the homeless middle-aged man who stands on a corner of a busy street, asking for money, is referred to as a "bum" by the student. I was so upset at the label. I explained to the student that once someone judged the man on this basis then he ceased to be another human being worthy of being considered as a real person. I reminded him to look again at the essay we read on how people distance themselves from the homeless for a number of reasons so that they do not have to care about the problem.
I don't think that these two examples of labels coming so close together is coincidence. I'm reminded again of how the Amish don't struggle with some of the same social issues that we do. The fact that the Amish don't live in a city environment is one reason why you wouldn't see a homeless person in their community. But it's more than that --the Amish take care of their own. There are not people roaming around trying to find a place to sleep under a bridge or a piece of cardboard. The elderly are kept close in a built-on addition to the main house (called a daudi or dawdi haus) and the community pays for medical bills. The Amish are, in fact, such a self-contained unit that takes care of its own that they have permission not to pay Social Security because they won't accept it.
Take a look at the article if you have a few minutes. I think it's interesting how the editors are listening to what readers want. Here at AmishHearts.com, we love hearing from you about what you like and don't like about Amish fiction. Keep those comments coming!
Have a blessed weekend!
Barbara
Publisher's Weekly interviewed leading editors of Christian fiction (www.PublishersWeekly.com) and they used the label to describe fictional stories about the Amish that have been incredibly popular for the past few years. Everyone agreed that there's no sign of the trend letting up. One of the editors pointed out that 1/3 of a recent Christian bestseller list was Amish fiction. So these books aren't going away anytime soon.
I'm not fond of the bonnet fiction label because, like usual, a label tends to be too narrow, too shallow for me. The books are much more than that description and have dealt with some big, real life issues within the Amish community. And prayer kapps tend to be featured on book covers much more often than bonnets, so why isn't it "Prayer Kapp Fiction" instead? (Okay, I'm being silly now!)
The label is at least nicer than the one I heard in the college class I teach. I've been having my Freshman English students write essays about the homeless. In one, the homeless middle-aged man who stands on a corner of a busy street, asking for money, is referred to as a "bum" by the student. I was so upset at the label. I explained to the student that once someone judged the man on this basis then he ceased to be another human being worthy of being considered as a real person. I reminded him to look again at the essay we read on how people distance themselves from the homeless for a number of reasons so that they do not have to care about the problem.
I don't think that these two examples of labels coming so close together is coincidence. I'm reminded again of how the Amish don't struggle with some of the same social issues that we do. The fact that the Amish don't live in a city environment is one reason why you wouldn't see a homeless person in their community. But it's more than that --the Amish take care of their own. There are not people roaming around trying to find a place to sleep under a bridge or a piece of cardboard. The elderly are kept close in a built-on addition to the main house (called a daudi or dawdi haus) and the community pays for medical bills. The Amish are, in fact, such a self-contained unit that takes care of its own that they have permission not to pay Social Security because they won't accept it.
Take a look at the article if you have a few minutes. I think it's interesting how the editors are listening to what readers want. Here at AmishHearts.com, we love hearing from you about what you like and don't like about Amish fiction. Keep those comments coming!
Have a blessed weekend!
Barbara
Posted by Barbara Cameron at 3/11/2010 10:48 PM 
Categories: bestsellers, Amish fiction
Tags: Amish fiction Barbara Cameron
Categories: bestsellers, Amish fiction
Tags: Amish fiction Barbara Cameron
I agree with you on the use of labels. People do tend to distance themselves from something at times because of the use of them. It becomes less personal to them that way. I also agree that this genre of books is going away no time soon. Personally I can't get enough of them! The stories are wonderful and well written, and they speak to me spiritually. Can't go wrong there!
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I hope along with you that the genre isn't going away, Suzanna! I love writing them and reading them!
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Dear Barbara,
I agree with you about labels and tried to get my college students to stop using them or at least see beyond them. Whatever some 'easy readers' or critics call the genre you're writing in, yours is some of the best fiction writing I've read in yours for its clarity, purpose, and new voice. Keep up the good work and keep 'em coming, girl!
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You are so sweet, Judith! Thank you! Hope you enjoy my next book!
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I am sure glad that the Amish fiction is not going to be going away any too soon..
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