Posted: 16 Nov 2012 08:25 PM PST
I have not blogged as much this week, I am aware, as I've been trying to get caught up with housework and deal with a few personal issues. It's left me feeling exhausted and non-interested in writing about anything of worth. I began this blog on Tuesday morning, while my husband was sleeping and promptly abandoned it as laundry and the making of breakfast beckoned.
With my only sibling being about twelve years my junior, I was an only child most of my life. My father has joked on more than one occasion that he has raised two only children. Because of this, my love for reading developed early in life and grew to a fever pitch as I eventually pursued a degree in English literature. With that said, I don't like to read everything. I'm pretty picky about what I like, and what I enjoy. Namely, my enjoyment stems from loving to read about families and stories of true love. One of the first loves I ever had on the page was of Laura Ingalls. I spent the better part of my childhood wanting to be her. I was inthralled with her life story and adventures, and heavily influenced by my grandparents' parenting techniques, I felt my life was similar enough in principles that I could reasonably see myself in those stories. My grandmother pulled a few of her old dresses out of the closet and gave them to me, and I wore them with an apron for what I feel was several years of my life, as I swept the floors and made little houses out of bathrooms and tree clusters in the forest. Even then, I looked forward to having a family of my own. To being a mother and a wife. A typical childhood fantasy took root in my heart.
Later on in life, I discovered a love for Jane Austen novels that easily surpassed my love of Laura Ingalls. I can truthfully say that I have read every one of Miss Austen's novels at least three times, some more than that. Anyone who knows me personally knows how I feel about them. I see her influence everywhere. Through her, I grew to love many novels of the Victorian Era, and also enjoyed reading Regency-based modern novels for quite some time. My book collection consists mostly, now, of classic literature and Austen variations.
Lately, though, my interest has drifted to Amish fiction. Everyone I say that to without an explanation wants to laugh, because it does sound funny, I suppose. But it's true - each day, I look forward to some downtime that I set aside for reading (usually before bed) in my glider chair, with the lights down low. The thing I like so much about Amish literature is the same thing I like so much about reading about the Regency era, and to some degree, the Victorian Era (but not as much) - it's the same thing I enjoyed about Laura Ingalls Wilder's stories. The simplicity of life.
I really enjoy stories with characters who live life simply, grateful for what they have, and without all of the hustle and bustle that seems to plague us these days in the modern world. I think additionally, as I seek to strengthen my path walking as a Christian, that reading about the Amish, really strengthens and fortifies my convictions. Reading about the people that work to please God in their every action - the way they dress, what they do for others, their character, their behavior, their humility, and their hard work ethic is something I can really relate to, as I purpose to become a loving and supportive wife, woman of God, and one day mother. There is so much to be gleaned from tales of Godly, disciplined people who choose to live simply and with humility. My, how I can relate to that!
I recently went back and reread some of the Little House books and it was an entirely new experience to me as an adult and as a wife. I read of all the sacrifices and hard work and struggles that Laura's parents went through as they began a new life homesteading on the prairie and I think of their faith and fortitude, how much they made of the little that they had and I am so inspired! How much we have to be thankful for! Not to mention what an inspiration Caroline Ingalls is as a wife to Charles. How many times did he ask her to start their lives over from scratch and how many times she followed him dutifully! Their love and marriage is also something that must be noted. Caroline was a rare woman and an even rarer wife. She leads readers by example, without ever imagining, I'm sure, that someday someone would be reading and taking a leaf or two out of her book when it comes to joyfully serving and loving her husband and children. If more women were like her, I'd like to think the whole world would be better off!
In any case, I thought I would take the time to recommend some Amish books I've read lately. Every single one of these I've found at the Christian bookstore for under $5. Also, in one store, I got them that inexpensively, and in addition they were buy 3 get a 4th free. So, if you're looking for something nice to read, and something that can really inspire you to want to be a better Christian/wife/person/worker etc. I'd strongly recommend.
1. Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman
2. A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller
This was also a touching story. I really felt for Moriah in her dismay and pain and hopelessness after her husband abandoned her. I admired her strength and her will to keeping going even if it was just for her unborn child's sake. I can appreciate why they decided to pair this book with Beth Wiseman's writing style, they both have a kind and tender approach to humanity that is endearing and pleasurable for the reader.
3. Plain Promise by Beth Wiseman
Sadie is my favorite heroine thus far whilst reading Amish fiction. I really enjoyed the strength of her faith, her desire to believe in God's plan for her even when things seemed hopeless, and her never ending clinging to morality even when the temptation was present to do otherwise. I found Kade's son to be really endearing, and Wiseman's portrayal of autism to be both sensitive and accurate. I really enjoy this author's sensitive nature and plan on reading as many of her books as I can get my hands on in the future.
4. The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher
What I like about this story is how carefully the author interweaves the different stories and experiences of her characters. I did enjoy this story, and really enjoyed what a steady and kind character Cal was throughout this book. I am giving this one a 4 out of 5, however, because I really dislike how the author chooses to portray people that are overweight and how she lets her Christian characters treat them. There is a character in this book that everyone calls "Fat Lizzie" and it really took me out of the good Amish world to imagine that that would be acceptable. I don't know anything about Amish people other than I have read, but I know that for most Christian (and nonChristian) people, that it's not really acceptable to call people fat. I found that to be really disappointing. Unfortunately, as I review her next book, you will find that it only gets worse! Otherwise this was an amazing story, and I truly enjoyed it.
5. The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher
This is hands down my least favorite book I have read, and I even stopped reading it halfway through due to a multitude of problems I saw with the story. I'm going to simply include my book review from Amazon here:
2 stars
I don't know what it is about this novel, but I'm just not into it. I really enjoyed reading other books by this author, but this one seemed almost forced. First off, one of the things I enjoy reading Amish fiction is the atmosphere and the tight knit community portrayed in the stories. This one, in spite of being linked to other main characters in her other novels, seems to lack that feature. Instead of that broader community, we focus on Mammi's house and almost nothing else. I can't even visualize how she exists within a community, rather I simply have only her farm and her house to go on. The setting, consequently feels underdeveloped. Secondly, I dislike how this author portrays overweight people- as if they all look like jabba the hut. It kind of takes me out of the fantasy imagining when the author insists on mentioning that Mammi's gonna almost tip over the buggy when she climbs in or that her several chins wobble when she talks and moves. My goodness! Do you think that makes someone feel good to read something like that? Reconsider the next time you think you want to portray someone as larger and find a way to be much nicer about it so that your readers aren't turned off. Thirdly, I just don't know where this novel is going. I want to read a love story and apparently the love story isn't even between the main characters. Young adult awkward love isn't what I am looking for - I like happy endings. I wish I would have looked this book up before I bought it. I hate not finishing things, but I think it's going to have to happen. Lastly, I really don't like giving bad reviews, but because this book has so many good reviews, I believe a different opinion might be valuable to the potential reader.
So there you have it. I'll have more for you later, as I've recently rediscovered the library nearby has a good many books for me to borrow!
Blessings from my house to yours!
Casey
With my only sibling being about twelve years my junior, I was an only child most of my life. My father has joked on more than one occasion that he has raised two only children. Because of this, my love for reading developed early in life and grew to a fever pitch as I eventually pursued a degree in English literature. With that said, I don't like to read everything. I'm pretty picky about what I like, and what I enjoy. Namely, my enjoyment stems from loving to read about families and stories of true love. One of the first loves I ever had on the page was of Laura Ingalls. I spent the better part of my childhood wanting to be her. I was inthralled with her life story and adventures, and heavily influenced by my grandparents' parenting techniques, I felt my life was similar enough in principles that I could reasonably see myself in those stories. My grandmother pulled a few of her old dresses out of the closet and gave them to me, and I wore them with an apron for what I feel was several years of my life, as I swept the floors and made little houses out of bathrooms and tree clusters in the forest. Even then, I looked forward to having a family of my own. To being a mother and a wife. A typical childhood fantasy took root in my heart.
Later on in life, I discovered a love for Jane Austen novels that easily surpassed my love of Laura Ingalls. I can truthfully say that I have read every one of Miss Austen's novels at least three times, some more than that. Anyone who knows me personally knows how I feel about them. I see her influence everywhere. Through her, I grew to love many novels of the Victorian Era, and also enjoyed reading Regency-based modern novels for quite some time. My book collection consists mostly, now, of classic literature and Austen variations.
Lately, though, my interest has drifted to Amish fiction. Everyone I say that to without an explanation wants to laugh, because it does sound funny, I suppose. But it's true - each day, I look forward to some downtime that I set aside for reading (usually before bed) in my glider chair, with the lights down low. The thing I like so much about Amish literature is the same thing I like so much about reading about the Regency era, and to some degree, the Victorian Era (but not as much) - it's the same thing I enjoyed about Laura Ingalls Wilder's stories. The simplicity of life.
I really enjoy stories with characters who live life simply, grateful for what they have, and without all of the hustle and bustle that seems to plague us these days in the modern world. I think additionally, as I seek to strengthen my path walking as a Christian, that reading about the Amish, really strengthens and fortifies my convictions. Reading about the people that work to please God in their every action - the way they dress, what they do for others, their character, their behavior, their humility, and their hard work ethic is something I can really relate to, as I purpose to become a loving and supportive wife, woman of God, and one day mother. There is so much to be gleaned from tales of Godly, disciplined people who choose to live simply and with humility. My, how I can relate to that!
I recently went back and reread some of the Little House books and it was an entirely new experience to me as an adult and as a wife. I read of all the sacrifices and hard work and struggles that Laura's parents went through as they began a new life homesteading on the prairie and I think of their faith and fortitude, how much they made of the little that they had and I am so inspired! How much we have to be thankful for! Not to mention what an inspiration Caroline Ingalls is as a wife to Charles. How many times did he ask her to start their lives over from scratch and how many times she followed him dutifully! Their love and marriage is also something that must be noted. Caroline was a rare woman and an even rarer wife. She leads readers by example, without ever imagining, I'm sure, that someday someone would be reading and taking a leaf or two out of her book when it comes to joyfully serving and loving her husband and children. If more women were like her, I'd like to think the whole world would be better off!
In any case, I thought I would take the time to recommend some Amish books I've read lately. Every single one of these I've found at the Christian bookstore for under $5. Also, in one store, I got them that inexpensively, and in addition they were buy 3 get a 4th free. So, if you're looking for something nice to read, and something that can really inspire you to want to be a better Christian/wife/person/worker etc. I'd strongly recommend.
1. Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman
A search for peace in Amish country proves anything but simple for a woman on the run from life...and herself.This story gets a 5 out of 5 from me. I really enjoyed the main character Lillian, and I rooted for her to find herself and to fall in love with Samuel all through the novel. I found it to be a really neat, tender and satisfying read.
On the rolling plains of Lancaster County, PA., Lillian Miller is searching for her grandparents' house...and so much more. After years of neglect and abuse, she's turning to a lifestyle of simplicity among the Amish to find herself. As she discards the distractions of her former life, she befriends the young boy working on her family's farm and his attractive widowed father, Samuel Stoltzfus. Despite Lillian's best efforts to the contrary, her feelings for Samuel--and his for her--deepen. Will Lillian find her faith in Plain living, or will she be forced to return to her former life?
2. A Man of His Word by Kathleen Fuller
This was also a touching story. I really felt for Moriah in her dismay and pain and hopelessness after her husband abandoned her. I admired her strength and her will to keeping going even if it was just for her unborn child's sake. I can appreciate why they decided to pair this book with Beth Wiseman's writing style, they both have a kind and tender approach to humanity that is endearing and pleasurable for the reader.
3. Plain Promise by Beth Wiseman
Sadie Always Believed in God's Promises. But Can She Really Trust His Heart?
Young Amish widow, Sadie Fisher, leads a simple life in the quiet countryside of Lancaster County—selling Amish goods to a steady stream of tourists. Though it is a good life, lately she's wondered if it is God's will for her to remain without a husband and a family. Winters can be brutally cold and lonely in Pennsylvania, so Sadie rejoices when a renter signs up for a three month stay in her guest cottage. But when wealthy, impulsive Englischer Kade Saunders arrives, she isn't sure she wants him around that long. Sadie feels the stress of the bishop's watchful eye, expecting her to act in accordance with the Ordnung, the understood behavior by which the Amish live. To complicate things, Kade is soon surprised with sole custody of a child he barely knows—his five-year-old autistic son, Tyler. Sadie and young Tyler form an immediate connection. As she grows to love and understand this exceptional child, her feelings for Kade grow into something that both terrifies and exhilarates her. And while Kade seems to feel the attraction to her as well, their worlds couldn't be farther apart. Sadie must stay true to her Amish roots, but denying the love she feels is impossible. Could it be that God has the improbable in store for Sadie? And will she have the faith to step into a love bigger than she's ever dreamed possible?
Sadie is my favorite heroine thus far whilst reading Amish fiction. I really enjoyed the strength of her faith, her desire to believe in God's plan for her even when things seemed hopeless, and her never ending clinging to morality even when the temptation was present to do otherwise. I found Kade's son to be really endearing, and Wiseman's portrayal of autism to be both sensitive and accurate. I really enjoy this author's sensitive nature and plan on reading as many of her books as I can get my hands on in the future.
4. The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Jorie King has been waiting for Benjamin Zook to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together. But when the unexpected happens, their worlds are turned upside down once more. Will Jorie trust God to lead her into the arms of a new man?
What I like about this story is how carefully the author interweaves the different stories and experiences of her characters. I did enjoy this story, and really enjoyed what a steady and kind character Cal was throughout this book. I am giving this one a 4 out of 5, however, because I really dislike how the author chooses to portray people that are overweight and how she lets her Christian characters treat them. There is a character in this book that everyone calls "Fat Lizzie" and it really took me out of the good Amish world to imagine that that would be acceptable. I don't know anything about Amish people other than I have read, but I know that for most Christian (and nonChristian) people, that it's not really acceptable to call people fat. I found that to be really disappointing. Unfortunately, as I review her next book, you will find that it only gets worse! Otherwise this was an amazing story, and I truly enjoyed it.
5. The Search by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Fifteen years ago, Lainey O'Toole made a split-second decision. She couldn't have known that her choice would impact so many. Now in her mid-twenties, she is poised to go to culinary school when her car breaks down in Stoney Ridge, the very Amish town in which her long-reaching decision was made, forcing her to face the shadowed past. Bess Reihl is less than thrilled to be spending the summer at Rose Hill Farm with her large and intimidating grandmother, Bertha. It quickly becomes clear that she is there to work the farm--and work hard. The labor is made slightly more tolerable by the time it affords Bess to spend with the handsome hired hand, Billy Lapp. But he only has eyes for a flirty and curvaceous older girl. Lainey's and Bess's worlds are about to collide and the secrets that come to light will shock them both.
This is hands down my least favorite book I have read, and I even stopped reading it halfway through due to a multitude of problems I saw with the story. I'm going to simply include my book review from Amazon here:
2 stars
I don't know what it is about this novel, but I'm just not into it. I really enjoyed reading other books by this author, but this one seemed almost forced. First off, one of the things I enjoy reading Amish fiction is the atmosphere and the tight knit community portrayed in the stories. This one, in spite of being linked to other main characters in her other novels, seems to lack that feature. Instead of that broader community, we focus on Mammi's house and almost nothing else. I can't even visualize how she exists within a community, rather I simply have only her farm and her house to go on. The setting, consequently feels underdeveloped. Secondly, I dislike how this author portrays overweight people- as if they all look like jabba the hut. It kind of takes me out of the fantasy imagining when the author insists on mentioning that Mammi's gonna almost tip over the buggy when she climbs in or that her several chins wobble when she talks and moves. My goodness! Do you think that makes someone feel good to read something like that? Reconsider the next time you think you want to portray someone as larger and find a way to be much nicer about it so that your readers aren't turned off. Thirdly, I just don't know where this novel is going. I want to read a love story and apparently the love story isn't even between the main characters. Young adult awkward love isn't what I am looking for - I like happy endings. I wish I would have looked this book up before I bought it. I hate not finishing things, but I think it's going to have to happen. Lastly, I really don't like giving bad reviews, but because this book has so many good reviews, I believe a different opinion might be valuable to the potential reader.
So there you have it. I'll have more for you later, as I've recently rediscovered the library nearby has a good many books for me to borrow!
Blessings from my house to yours!
Casey
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