July ’13 Free Book #2
We have a brand new novel, just released from Barbour, as our Free Book this week. From the back cover of IN PLAIN VIEW by Olivia Newport:
“Nearly a year after leaving her successful but unsatisfying high-tech life, Annie wonders if she can truly succeed at being Amish…Her parents seen determined to sabotage her efforts, and Rufus Beiler, the Amish carpenter who captured her heart, leaves room for doubt about their future. When an explosion brings Annie under suspicion, she wrestles with how her new values will manifest in her efforts to clear her name.”
To qualify for our Wednesday, July 24 drawing, just answer this question:Do you think you would enjoy living as the Amish do?
Blessings!
Sue
I live in an Amish community so my neighbors and many of my friends are Amish. Their lives aren’t so very different from mine – coming from a farming background – so we hardly notice the differences. I don’t think I’d have much trouble making the change. There are some things I’d really prefer, like never having to worry about a bad hair day! And not rushing around all the time. The Amish don’t hurry. I admire them for that probably more than anything. We miss so much because we’re always in a rush to get to the next thing.
I’m definitely addicted to air conditioning, Dawn!
Isn’t great how we can experience all kinds of lives through books, Cheri!
I think I would be like you, Cynthia. I would always be in trouble with somebody for stepping outside the small rules that govern day-to-day life.
Sue,
Wow, what a great question! I think like so many others, Amish life has its pros and cons. I would like to simplify in many areas of life but no, I don’t think I would make a good Amish convert. I wouldn’t enjoy the narrowness and seclusion of their world and especially the measure of control in each district. I love my freedom of choice and how to worship God as an individual. I admire them and we can certainly learn from them in other areas.
As much as I am drawn to the Amish, I’m not sure if I could go completely without electricity. I might do better in the Mennonite community were I am allowed a few modern conveniences. As much as I rely on electronic devices, I wouldn’t mind paring them down and enjoying the peace and quiet and doing things the old fashioned way. I already make my own laundry soap and body wash, hang out our clothes when the weather permits, and we grow a garden. To have a community to do that in with other believers would be wonderful. I thoroughly enjoy reading Amish books and allowing at least my mind to slow down to a simpler way of doing things. 🙂
In some ways I could live Amish but in other ways I could not. I would enjoy the peace, family values and the willingness to work together. No tv or video games would be a plus. I would dislike not having air conditioning when the humidity is up and it is hot outside.
And the home-cooked meals would be wonderful, Lisa!!
That would make a huge difference, Amy. I’ve always wondered about why barns can have electricity but not houses.
I love seeing the jars lining the shelves after I’m doing canning, Ronda, but you’re right. It is a lot of work!
I think it would work dont mind doing with out electric. And all the fancy stuff know a days and dont mind getting in a garden to weed and pick all the goods and canning is alot of work but worth it.
I think could if it is a new order Amish. 🙂
Not likely. I am a city girl through and through. But it’s nice to read about. The simplicity is certainly alluring.
While I admire the Amish and their sense of family and work ethic, I could never be one of them. I am too spoiled by modern conveniences and technology.
The simple life sounds great! I love going to visit my amish family in the states! 🙂
I think I would love the cooking and needlework. Barn work not so much!
Very good point, Chelsea. It’s difficult to give up control.
That education situation would be the stickler for me, too, Jacque. But I love reading about the life…
If you want to read an adventure, pick up OUR WITCHDOCTORS ARE TOO WEAK by Marie and her husband Davey Jank. You’ll get a real appreciate of living life without modern conveniences! I love books that make me laugh and cry. This one did!
I’ve already lived the simple life in the Amazon as a missionary. No electricity, a generator a few of hrs ea. day. Solar panels. etc. Coming from a metropolitan city, I thought it would be a lot harder but it was great. I was never happier than when I lived in the jungle.
The simple life appeals to me but I’d miss the hustle and bustle of the city. I’d especially miss electricity!
I do not think I could live that kind of life at this point in my life, I enjoy my internet, tv & cell phone. I do respect there way of life and the things they believe in and the way they do them.
I could not ever join the Amish life and religion. While I respect their right to live and believe as they choose, it is definitely not for me for 3 main reasons. As a woman, I would feel that my options on how to live my life would be very limited. What if I didn’t want to get married and be a mother at young age? What if I wanted a leadership position or have a career for myself? I also have always believed that marriage between a man and a woman should be an equal partnership- not one dominating the other. I have just as much say in how the household, relationship, and finances are handled as my husband does. Finally the last thing I could never give up is the right to an education. I do not agree with any religion or culture that discourages its members from furthering their education, not only because I believe that it is the key to opportunities in life but it is also taking away a some of their free will as well.
While living in a simplistic world where everything is black and white and the rules plainly laid out before you has its allure in this confusing and chaotic world, I don’t think I could enjoy the lifestyle of the amish. I am a proud and independent woman with strong and passionate ideals that I am absolutely certain would clash with the amish cultural standards. My guilty pleasures, although small, are flip-flops, beaches, sundresses, and warm summer days which would definitly not be welcome among the Amish dresscode. I also dream of adventure and far off places and carry a eager travelling spirit that would be caged living among the Amish. Being able to be in control of my own path and make my own decisions, is very important to me and it is the same control that I want for my children.
I think I would be ok….I love how they support each other in their community. I think we are so smitten with gadgets and keeping up with the Jones that we really miss out on the simple pleasures in life.
There are lots of things I admire and find attractive about how the Amish live. That said, I could not be happy with the very defined role that women play in their society.
No, no, no, no, no. While I admire their lifestyle, especially morals and simplicity, I am not there yet.
I think I would enjoy most aspects of Amish life. I would not have a problem giving up my phone and television but some elders are rather strict as to what behavior is allowed, guess I have enough of the rebel in me that I’d not agree with all of it. Living a simple life, canning and preserving food I do already.