Book review: Growing Up Amish

     Amish fiction is a big market lately. I have enjoyed a few novels that would fit into that category. This book, however, is written by an author about his own life experiences. It is a candid look into the Old Order Amish lifestyle that is almost foreign to most of us. The story starts out with the author sharing about his past. Though not devoid of emotion, it is presented in a matter of fact almost detached manner.
     Toward the middle of the book he shares of his teenage years, even of secretly getting back at his father for burning his hidden music. The tone changes a little as he shares about his exit from the Amish life and trying to settle into his new life while focused on "tomorrow." His attempt at returning to the Amish life is shared again with little emotion.
     At the very end the tone changes to hopeful and he shares about his joy when a friend shared about Christ's love. The end of the book is beautiful.

from the publisher:
One fateful starless night, 17-year-old Ira Wagler got up at 2 AM, left a scribbled note under his pillow, packed all of his earthly belongings into in a little black duffel bag, and walked away from his home in the Amish settlement of Bloomfield, Iowa. Now, in this heartwarming memoir, Ira paints a vivid portrait of Amish life—from his childhood days on the family farm, his Rumspringa rite of passage at age 16, to his ultimate decision to leave the Amish Church for good at age 26. Growing Up Amish is the true story of one man’s quest to discover who he is and where he belongs. Readers will laugh, cry, and be inspired by this charming yet poignant coming of age story set amidst the backdrop of one of the most enigmatic cultures in America today—the Old Order Amish.


about the author:

Ira Wagler was born in the small Old Order Amish community of Aylmer, Ontario. At 17, frustrated by the rules and restrictions of Amish life, Ira got up at 2 am, left a note under his pillow, packed his duffel bag and left. Over the course of the next 5 years, Ira would leave and return home numerous times, torn between the ingrained message that abandoning one's Amish heritage results in eternal damnation, and the freedom and possibilities offered by the "English" world. Upon becoming a Christian at age 26, Ira left the Amish for good. He is currently general manager of Graber Supply, LLC and Pole Building Co. in Lancaster County, PA.


Disclaimer:  Per FTC guidelines, Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”