Helpful Score: 4
I found this book to be somewhat disappointing. I would have liked to see more details behind the decisions he made other than just proclaiming himself "a wild child". The inner turmoil he felt to belong in the Amish world could have been the story of any teen of any religion as they struggle to find where they fit in the world.
Helpful Score: 2
I found this book to be hugely enjoyable. Despite the author's Amish upbringing, the story can be universal; being a round peg in a square hole and the author's heart-wrenching search to find his place in the world, both spiritually and physically. I took a lot away from this book.
Helpful Score: 2
This book paints a picture of Amish life in a variety of communities. However, the focus is on the inner struggles that can occur when we try to fit into the life our parents expect us to, yet feel a need to follow our own path.
This is okay. That really is all that can be said, it is about a person you have never heard of tell you his direct life experiences, not Amish life in general. Character development is lacking, there is little in terms of connection with characters and it can be somewhat boring.
A refreshing look at the Amish life from a man who was raised Amish but eventually left the lifestyle for a more open Mennonite lifestyle.
Wagler is very candid in his discription of events, but careful not to paint the lifestyle as the rosy "wonderbar" life that many newer novels would have us believe. After all, the Amish communities are made up of human beings that are just as flawed as us "Englishers."
Wagler gives us a glimpse into how the communities are all ruled differently, with some almost abusive. Each community has its own "Ordung," or set of rules goverened by the Bishop of the day.
In the end, one can understand both why a young man would want to leave the confines of strick, harsh rules while many choose to stay in the lifestyle. Amazing book, and worth reading.
Wagler is very candid in his discription of events, but careful not to paint the lifestyle as the rosy "wonderbar" life that many newer novels would have us believe. After all, the Amish communities are made up of human beings that are just as flawed as us "Englishers."
Wagler gives us a glimpse into how the communities are all ruled differently, with some almost abusive. Each community has its own "Ordung," or set of rules goverened by the Bishop of the day.
In the end, one can understand both why a young man would want to leave the confines of strick, harsh rules while many choose to stay in the lifestyle. Amazing book, and worth reading.
Really enjoyed this glimpse into Amish life and the heart wrenching decision the author made to finally leave the order.
I found the author/narrator to be self-absorbed and lacking in insight. I really didn't enjoy this book.
Ira's story is interesting but it's the way he writes that really had me hooked.
This was an okay book, but it wasn't really that engrossing of a story.
Nice writing style. Easy flow and interesting subject.
I was disappointed in how little of the book was actually about growing up Amish and Amish culture.
Mostly the book is just about his struggle to get away and the pull of his former life and family when he did.
Also for someone who talks about how he always "over thinks" things, there was very little frontal lobe action in some of his decisions (Let's buy a car and take off cross country without any luggage.)
Mostly the book is just about his struggle to get away and the pull of his former life and family when he did.
Also for someone who talks about how he always "over thinks" things, there was very little frontal lobe action in some of his decisions (Let's buy a car and take off cross country without any luggage.)
Was disappointed that book was not more detailed about the actual life of his youth but rather rambling story about his internal discontent & struggle to become/remain Amish. Needs more meat in his story.
Ira Wagler struggled most of his life with unhappiness of "Growing Up Amish." He touches on some of the strictness of different communities, but focuses on his inner feelings & his struggle to fit in somewhere. I enjoyed this book tremendously.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very insightful!
