Fans of Amish Fiction discussion

I've never read an Amish book. Never even knew there were any until I came across this group. Can somebody recommend me where to start? I'm a voracious reader, and an author too. I know a little bit about the Amish, a bit more about the Mennonites, some of whom I met on my travels in Belize. I write novels for young people because I'm really interested in young people's lives. That's why I was in Belize, funded by the British Arts Council to write a novel about the value of gap year volunteering.

Welcome Pauline to our group!

I personally started reading Amish fiction after visiting Lancaster County several times. I love the area and the Amish lifestyle seems so peaceful to me!

Where to begin is a great question! Some of the well known Amish authors include Beverly Lewis, Wanda E Brunstetter, Amy Clipston, Shelly Shepard Gray and Beth Wiseman. Some newer Amish authors include Barbara Cameron, Vannetta Chapman, Kelly Long, Tricia Goyer, Ruth Reid and Marta Perry.

Most people in this group began by reading a series from Beverly Lewis. If you go the section in this group called Book Lists by Author, you can click on an authors name and see all the books grouped by the series in order.

Another idea is to join us in reading the monthly Amish group read.

Please keep up updated as to what you started with and please let us know what you think about it!

also u can google Amish reading and come up w/ a bunch of books buts it is best to start here cuz usually can c what different gals thought about the book.

Thanks for that, Diane and Lisa. But why should I read Amish literature, and why do you? Excuse me for asking, but I really want to know. Is it because of the beauty of the lifestyle, or the sort of places where Amish people live, or is it something to do with the quality or content of the writing? Does it give you the pleasure, say, that reading historical romance can do, or fantasy, because it's all to do with stepping outside yourself and your ordinary life?

In which respect, am I right in thinking that people in the group are INTERESTED in Amish literature rather than BEING AMISH THEMSELVES [I can't imagine the Amish on computers, but perhaps that shows how little I know]?

A year or so ago, I saw an amazing series of TV documentaries on Amish teenagers interacting with teenagers from mainstream life. The Amish came out of it very well, I thought. Their young people had real values, and seemed so thoughtful and mature.

I do love the beauty and simplicity of their lifestyle. I am not interested in becoming Amish because I love technology! LOL!

I find the writing of Amish fiction to be relaxing. It is easy reading where you do not have pay close attention to details. I love that there is no swearing or sex in it too like other Christian fiction books. I find that I can read Amish romance books quicker than Amish mystery/suspense ones. They are kind of like Amish soap operas to me.

I have been reading amish stories now for awhile, love the simple life and the way everyone helps their neighbors. We could learn a lot from these folks in our lives.
There are many good authors and I like Beverly Lewis, Amy Clipton,Dale Cramer,Beth Wiseman,and Wanda Brunstetter. Just a few that come to mind of authors I have read.

I read Amish fiction because my dad's side of the family is full Pennsylvanian Dutch, and it feels like I get to know part of where I came from better. I am not interested in becoming Amish, but it gives me a deep respect for those who are devout, and it brings me in my mind to a place of simplicity and peace. I would guess that many of us also like the religious aspect of Amish fiction books as many of us are devout Christians, and we appreciate reading about deep, abiding faith.

Pauline: I read Amish fiction because I find it quite inspirational. Their strong religious beliefs, their dedicated attention to family and community values, and even the strict guidelines of the Ordnung seem to give the members of Amish communities a sense of peace and control that those of us who are not Amish do not have. I think this is particularly true for women whose traditional roles have changed so dramatically--and not necessarily for the best--in the last 50 years.

I have heard that depression is very rare in Amish communities. I have suffered from depression in varying degrees for most of my adult life, and I often wonder if I could have avoided a lot of this if I had been raised in an Amish community. For this reason alone, I love both Amish fiction and non-fiction; I find it very uplifting. I doubt if I could convert to being Amish, but I would love to have an opportunity to spend a month or so living with an Old Order Amish family.

My only problem now is that there are so many good Amish stories being published that I cannot keep up with them. When I first started reading them, there were only Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brunstetter, and I eagerly devoured every one of their novels.

That is truly an interesting fact Pauline, about depression. What I find interesting is my side of the family that is of Amish descent (my dad, grandma, aunt and grandpa) are all 100% Pennsylvanian Dutch, but they all have suffered with severe depression their entire lives and just are not happy people...

Pauline,

I read Amish fiction for a number of reasons...

- We used to live 7 miles from the Lancaster County line when we lived in PA (oh the fun to hear the buggies going down the road late at night -- those were full moon nights!).
- I belong to the Church of the Brethren, though not Amish, we are anabaptist, one of the peace churches, our denomination is over 300 years old (we came to America to escape persecution in Germany).
- I am an only child and when I read I out myself in as the main character, so when they have many siblings, I have many siblings.
- I love their sense of community and their care for each other.

Do I want to be Amish? NO WAY -- I am very happy with all of my conveniences, dress (shorts & sleeveless shirts in the summer), my short hair (it's very thick and very hot in the summer), and not getting up before the crack of dawn!

Do I want to visit the Amish? Do I ever! I've been to Lancaster in Pennsylvania but I'd really like to be able to visit Shipshewana in Ohio.

Thanks, Diane, for suggesting my name as an Amish author to try. I appreciate it!!

You're welcome Barbara!!! I've loved every book I've read of yours!!! :)

I agree with Camille. My mother introduced me to Beverly Lewis. Her parents were Mennonite and some of my ancestors were Amish. These books touch my heart in such a way that I feel like maybe my ancestors are speaking to me. When I used to think of the Amish, their style of living came to mind. These books give ideas on what the Amish may be dealing with emotional and spiritually. I, also, like the fact that it is relaxing reading. (I am also a member of the Dean Koontz forum - quite a different genre!)

A Time for Peace should start hitting the bookstores in the next week or two... : ) I hope readers enjoy seeing what Jenny and Matthew and their kinner have been up to. And there's a big secret ...

Barbara wrote: "A Time for Peace should start hitting the bookstores in the next week or two... : ) I hope readers enjoy seeing what Jenny and Matthew and their kinner have been up to. And there's a big secret ..."

So many books to read Barbara and so little time. I'm reading that one next!!!

Oh goodness, Barbara are you THAT Barbara????????? I never made the connection and now you say that "A Time for Peace" is due out soon??????? Be still my heart!!!!! Excuse me while I go hyperventilate in a bag.

Ahem...I've recovered somewhat.

So why am I a fan of Amish fiction? I've always had a fascination for the Amish. When I was a little girl I read a book called "Plain Girl' and was hooked. I didn't discover the wealth of fiction available until a year or so ago though.

I am intrigued by the lifestyle -- but also the sense of community and family. I'm from a dysfunctional home -- we immigrated to Canada when I was just a child so I've never had the benefit of an extended family. I grew up isolated in a lot of ways. I think that's why Amish books call to me.

Also -- I find that I can easily parallel their own struggles regarding living their faith in this crazy world with my struggles to live a Christian life in the same world. Just because I haven't set myself apart to the same extremes, I am walking a different path -- a less popular one, in my area anyway. I gain a lot of strength and insight into that aspect when I read Amish fiction.

Kav, yes, I am the writer of the Quilts of Lancaster County books.

There are two Barbaras on this thread...another Barbara was here before me but graciously took on her middle name (so she's Barbara Ann) to keep down confusion. I have always hated my middle name so I appreciate her gesture.

Barbara Cameron

Barbara wrote: "There are two Barbaras on this thread...another Barbara was here before me but graciously took on her middle name..."

I always knew when I was in trouble when I heard "Barbara Ann" when I was younger. I know I'm not in trouble here, but it does make me feel younger!!

Oh my gosh, my middle name meant I was in BIG trouble too. But how I knew I was in the worst trouble was if my mom even remotely used a cuss word, and by cuss word I mean "damn it." If I got "damn it Camille" or "damn it Camille Elise" I was going to be grounded for a VERY long time...

I discovered Amish fiction back in 2006 when my aunt gave me Beverly Lewis' book "The Preacher's Daughter" after I had my wisdom teeth taken out. I've been a fan ever since. I love the Amish because I'm fascinated by their simple and peaceful lifestyle.

Pauline wrote: "I've never read an Amish book. Never even knew there were any until I came across this group. Can somebody recommend me where to start? I'm a voracious reader, and an author too. I know a littl..."
Hi Pauline, I love to read about the Amish because my late husband was a modern day Amish man from Pennsylvania and I love reading the stories and references from the stories of which I had heard about from his family and him! So I know a bit about the Amish and what makes them "tick" so to speak! It just brings back memories of him and talking with him about the Amish!