The first book I read is Almost Amish by Nancy Sleeth. It is a memoir of Nancy's families quest to lead a simpler life, and grow together spiritually, with all the modern conveniences we have. Almost Amish is the story of how Nancy's family went from living the big life, in a big home, her husband was an ER physician and she an English teacher, and through her husband's new found belief in God, the family decided to downsize their home, get rid of many of their worldly possessions, and learn to live a simpler life. During this journey, they moved a few times, and studied the Bible in search of scripture about nature, and how we, as the Lord's stewards should treat it. It is the story of how a family grew spiritually, all committing their lives to the Lord, and through studying the Amish way of live, staying close to home (riding a horse and buggy), therefore the Sleeths' looked for ways to Become "Almost Amish" Some great examples she gave that I have been gradually adding in my own life are things such as buying locally (to support your community and know your community), having faith when times are tough, building a community of like-minded people you can count on and share with, spiritually and otherwise. Nancy talks about branching out when you go to a new community and making friends. The Sleeths' have made Friday night Dinner at home where sometimes twenty of more people including their now grown children get together and break bread and share food. Food brings people together. In the Amish Culture, food is a huge part of their lives. Families eat together mostly 3 meals a day, and are closer because of it. Nancy's family is very close and she attributes this to the fact that they have slowed down, to enjoy life. Nancy does enjoy using the internet, in fact she uses it for her job in their ministry. She does keep the Sabbath however, as does the rest of her family, and does not use email on Sunday. She finds that this has helped her relax more and enables her to spend more time with her family, and doing things she enjoys such as reading, taking long walks, spending time visiting, gardening etc. Nancy includes scripture that applies to these beliefs and that the Amish apply to their lives daily. It is a great book, and it makes me want to continue to simplify my life even more, so that I can enjoy more time with my family and friends. It is often difficult to find time for things you truly want to do, in today's fast paced world. Nancy's book, Almost Amish, shows that it is possible to reevaluate your life without sacrificing the things that are truly important to you and your family. I would highly recommend this book, and I know that I will definitely read it again. The book is due out April 1st 2012.
Nancy's website is Blessed Earth. There are many great references on this site, including a list of books about green living. I am going to get some of those books and see if I enjoy them as much as I enjoyed Almost Amish. The great thing about Almost Amish is you can have the attributes listed in the book anywhere you live, in the city of in rural areas. If you find yourself interested in learning more about Amish ways this book is definitely worth a read.
Return to Grace by Karen Harper was another enjoyable book I read from Net Galley. This book was unlike any of the other books about the Amish I have read so far. This book is suspenseful, and focuses on a murder investigation in Amish Country. The main Character Hannah Esh, leaves home when her beloved Seth, tells her that he made another woman pregnant and he would have to wed her. Hannah left to pursue a singer career in the Englisher world. She turned Goth, and returned to the Amish graveyard for a midnight party on Halloween night. While there, they were shot at. Hannah was injured and a friend killed. She is hospitalized and home for the investigation and her recovery. Harper weaves a great story with many twists and turns. This book is a part of a series, and I enjoyed it so much I am going to buy book two as soon as it's available. During all of the investigating and the chaos that occurs Hannah is caught one foot on each side of the fence, trying to decide if she will go back to her worldly ways, or stay Amish with the family and friends in the community she loves. This book is set to come out on February 28th. I am definitely looking forward to seeing what happens in book two and others to follow. I had a difficult time putting this book down and if you like Amish stories as well as suspense/mystery stories you should enjoy this is well.
I finished Return to Grace Last night, and I have not decided what I will be reading next. Since Spring is fast approaching I may look at some of my gardening or sustainable living books, even though my yard at the new place is not as big to do as much as I would like, and there are three kids that live and play here as well, I think it will be some container gardening for me this year!
