Beyond the Plain And Simple: A Patchwork of Amish Lives (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Freiman Stolzfus (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Pauline Stevick has visited more than 50 Amish homes in numerous Amish settlements across the country. She has attended weddings, viewings, school sessions and programs, family gatherings, and more than a dozen church services. She has ridden in Amish carriages and has even slept in Amish homes. Through her close association with the Amish, she has gained unique perspective and is able to provide keen insight into a culture that is misunderstood by many. "Beyond the Plain and Simple" reminds readers that although the Amish dress in almost identical clothing, they have distinct personalities and convictions. In vignettes and reflections, she reveals the ways in which members of the Amish community live out their faith against the background of their communal culture, all the while emphasizing their individuality. Topics range from Amish family values to women to a retirement community in Florida to an Amish intellectual. Stevick's eloquent narration is descriptive rather than expository as she often draws comparisons between Amish society and mainstream society, sometimes preferring the Amish ways and at other times questioning them. "Beyond the Plain and Simple" portrays the Amish as dynamic people who experience struggles, failures, and successes not unique to their community.

About the Author

Pauline Stevick is adjunct instructor of English and interdisciplinary studies at Messiah College in Pennsylvania, where she has taught courses on faith and fiction, short story, and the literature of nature. She completed her undergraduate work at Roberts Wesleyan College, earned her masters from Millersville University, and has done extensive work at the doctoral level at Penn State University. Freiman Stolzfus, a Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, native, has illustrated numerous books about the Amish.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 159 pages
• Publisher: Kent State University Press (January 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873388801
• ISBN-13: 978-0873388801
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #797,408 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fair description, March 12, 2007

By	Karen Kaufman (Jeromesville, OH United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Unlike most books that describe or outline the unique differences or practices of Amish vs English, Pauline Stevick shares how attitudes and background impact the actions of the Amish. And with this sharing, English like myself are better able to understand how the Amish are able to live in a lifestyle that is so countercultural to our current society.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Friday night tub read, August 26, 2008

By	Ruth A. Watts (Follansbee, WV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I savored every chapter in this book Friday nights in the bathtub. I felt refreshed by the read, as if I had taken a break from my frantic busy life, to bask a while in a simpler time and place. Pauline Stevick views Amish Life through friendships and associations made over the years with these unique, gentle people. Instead of observing them as odd, or strange, she helps us to see them as people like ourselves, with joys, sorrows, struggles - and, yes, questions. And she takes an honest look at the pros and cons of their way of life - neither romanticizing nor criticizing. I was especially impressed as I came to grasp the significance of the interconnectedness among those of the Amish community. I've been able to make more sense of my trips to our area "Amish Country" after reading this book.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars plain and simple, February 20, 2007

By	Nadia N. Rehmani "Nadia N.Rehmani" (U.S.A) - See all my reviews

your book was good.I enjoyed reading it.It brings the people to life and was a quick read.Nadia Rehmani