Amish Peace by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Of all the gifts that Jesus left us, his peace is most elusive. We long for it in our homes, in our relationships, in our life situations. One place we can look and see "living peace" is in the lives of the Amish. But you don't have to become Amish to bring these simple, practical ways of living into your own life--and make personal peace a reality. Organized around five central themes in Amish life, each section will include real-life stories, callouts of Amish proverbs, and interesting facts about Amish communities. Each section will also contain questions for reflection and action--things you can do in your own life that "make for peace."

The Amish lifestyle has become extremely popular and trendy in the last few years. It seems that everywhere you turn, you see books featuring kapp covered lasses on the covers. The big question is what is the big draw to the Amish lifestyle? For many people it is the peace and quiet, the simplicity and tranquility of the Amish life that appeals to them. Many of us live hectic lifestyles where we are busy 24/7 and are glued to the hip to our cell phones, computers and other electronic gadgets. No wonder the Amish are looking appealing.

This book gives a good insight into that way of thinking. Fisher introduces readers to five different values of the Amish lifestyle and gives true stories of how they would handle them. The writing is easy to follow and very engaging. You feel refreshed after reading each story.
My favorite part of the book were the Plain Living faqs at the end of the chapters. I think a whole book could be written on those, sort of a like The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Amish.

I really liked this book as it made me understand the Amish a little bit better. This way of living is not for me and for others if they do wish to pursue it should think long and hard before joining. However, it is good to take in mind some of the Amish's practices and incorporate them into our daily busy lives. This is an informative and inspiring read. I will be looking forward next year when the author's own Amish fiction book comes out.

Amish Peace is available October 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.