Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Growing Up Amish: A Memoir

Growing Up Amish: A Memoir
reviewed on + 63 more book reviews


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.