Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
209th out of 265 books
—
1,349 voters
Plain Wisdom: An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women
by
Cindy Woodsmall (Goodreads Author),
Miriam Flaud
Two friends from different worlds—one Old Order Amish, one Englischer—share the truths that bring them together.
Best-selling novelist Cindy Woodsmall might seem to have little in common with Miriam Flaud, a woman immersed in the culture of Old Order Amish. But with nine children and almost 60 years of marriage between them, Cindy and Miriam both have found the secrets to f...more
Best-selling novelist Cindy Woodsmall might seem to have little in common with Miriam Flaud, a woman immersed in the culture of Old Order Amish. But with nine children and almost 60 years of marriage between them, Cindy and Miriam both have found the secrets to f...more
Paperback, 224 pages
Published
March 15th 2011
by WaterBrook Press
(first published March 4th 2011)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
754)
I felt that I was sitting around a table visiting with these ladies as I read this book. I laughed and cried with them as stories were told. Some stories brought me pause as I stopped to think about the truth of what was being said.
The book is sectioned into these topics: The Rhythm of Life; Timeless Beginnings;Challenges Great and Small; Laughter In Odd Places; Beautiful, Ashes, and Things Between; In His Hands; The Shapes of Tomorrow. Each topic has short chapters within. The chapters are quic...more
The book is sectioned into these topics: The Rhythm of Life; Timeless Beginnings;Challenges Great and Small; Laughter In Odd Places; Beautiful, Ashes, and Things Between; In His Hands; The Shapes of Tomorrow. Each topic has short chapters within. The chapters are quic...more
I was delighted when this book was one of my choices to review. For over 2 years I have loved reading Amish fiction. This one was to be a bit different. An Amish woman and an "Englischer" coming together to write a book. I was already familiar and loved reading Cindy Woodsmall's books.
It was a joy to read the excerpts from Miriam about her life as an Amish person. I am fascinated by the way they live but could never give up all of my "gadgets."
It was interesting to read about Cindy's life and a...more
It was a joy to read the excerpts from Miriam about her life as an Amish person. I am fascinated by the way they live but could never give up all of my "gadgets."
It was interesting to read about Cindy's life and a...more
It’s written in “partnership” style; within each chapter, you will find an anecdote or moral from Cindy, an “Englischer” (the Amish term for a non-Amish person), and from Miriam, an Amish woman. It’s neat to see how often they have learned similar lessons through very different circumstances. God is sovereign over all! And remember – I typically shy away from fiction books, so real life anecdotes keep my attention much longer. It was like sitting down to coffee/tea with two new friends.
My favori...more
My favori...more
Make yourself a cup of tea and settle in for a chat with your new friends, Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud. Cindy is an accomplished author of Amish fiction who met Miriam, an Old Order Amish wife and mother, through a mutual friend. As their friendship grew, they felt the call to share their lives with others. This book is the result of their collaboration.
Far from being a how-to book or a ten-steps-to-better-living book, Miriam and Cindy have shared their experiences in order to encourage us,...more
Far from being a how-to book or a ten-steps-to-better-living book, Miriam and Cindy have shared their experiences in order to encourage us,...more
Cindy and Miriam come from two different worlds. Cindy is your modern day woman who naturally owns a cell phone. Miriam doesn’t own a car or even have electricity - by choice. As a woman living in the Amish culture, this way of life is something she chose. Although these two woman have very different lives, they have much in common. Both experience trials and tribulations as well as joy.
Rather than digging into the details of the Amish way of life, the stories in the book focus on what Cindy and...more
Rather than digging into the details of the Amish way of life, the stories in the book focus on what Cindy and...more
When I opened my copy of Plain Wisdom I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Having read Cindy Woodsmall’s Sisters of the Quilt series, I was anxious to know more about how she got inspiration for her stories. When I realized that this book was co-written by Cindy and Miriam Flaud, the Amish woman who welcomed Cindy into her home; I knew this would be an interesting book. These two women share how they became good friends as a result of their visits and some of how the Amish live and work. But that...more
Our hope and prayer are that these memories will encourage and strengthen you as you create memories within your friend and family circles.
It doesn't matter if you belong to the Old Order Amish or if you are "Englischer," some things are universal to the human condition. Plain Wisdom explores these common links of birth, death, financial difficulties, laughter, and much more. Cindy Woodsmall (the Englischer) and Miriam Flaud (Old Order Amish) each offer words of wisdom regarding each topic, set...more
Mar 07, 2011
Jodie
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
To those with an interest in the Amish lifestyle.
I grew up about an hour away from an Amish community. I remember going as a child to Bird-n-Hand and going on a tour of an Amish house, school, and learning about how "different" they are. The Amish have just always intrigued me. Then a few years ago I visited Dutch Wonderland with family. Situated right beside this amusement park is an Amish farm. As I was sitting on the boat, I thought, are they really so "different?" Are they really such an oddity or do they have it more together than we do?...more
I really "Loved" this book. I felt like I was sitting down with two of my best friends. A very warm feeling of sharing with those who would understand our hurts and the Love of God. Two different world and yet not so different. It was a very hard book to put down, you become so absorbed in each of their lives!
I quickly turned and cheated and went through the yummy recipes! Know there are some new and great things coming from my stove and oven.
Two friends from different worlds—one Old Order Amish...more
I quickly turned and cheated and went through the yummy recipes! Know there are some new and great things coming from my stove and oven.
Two friends from different worlds—one Old Order Amish...more
I have read a lot of Cindy Woodsmall's books and own most of them. In this book she goes and stays a week each summer with a real "Old Amish Oder" woman ( Miriam Flaud) and her family. Cindy and Miriam each tell their own story of how the two worlds interact. The Old Amish and the Modern, work really well if you are friends and each lady respect the other and their beliefs. I love the way they each write a section and then the other tells their review on the same thing. They both have children a...more
Cindy Woodsmall, an Amish fiction writer, and Miriam Flaud, a member of the Old Order Amish, collaborated on this book about their friendship and their cultures. It's an interesting read, but not something I would recommend to anyone who isn't already interested in the Amish. I am taking away some thoughts though and share them below:
"I learned a lot that day about being soft-spoken but not silent, about responding calmly and yet saying all that needs to be said. And I learned that it takes only...more
"I learned a lot that day about being soft-spoken but not silent, about responding calmly and yet saying all that needs to be said. And I learned that it takes only...more
This was a very encouraging, inspiration, down-to-earth, humble, wisdom packed book. It is written by two ladies that, though they both have very different lifestyles, they have one big thing in common: the God they serve. Miriam is an Old Order Amish woman, while Cindy is a normal English woman. Both live in the present times, yet they live completely different lives. In this book they share practical advice on living to the best of your ability for your family and for God. They humbly share ma...more
Jan 29, 2011
Molly
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Molly by:
waterbrook, bloggingforbooks
Shelves:
book-review
I absolutely adored this book! Cindy Woodsmall, along with Miriam Flaud, can truly capture their readers' hearts even in a non-fiction book. Cindy takes her life experiences as a friend of Miriam's and blends it fantastically with Miriam's experiences as an Old Order Amish woman. Together, these two extremely opposite ladies from extremely opposite worlds, create an enlightening read that gives us a glimpse into the life of what it's like to be Plain.
It was very interesting to see each topic (c...more
It was very interesting to see each topic (c...more
by Cindy Woodsmall & Miriam Flaud
ISBN 978-0-307-45934-3
pages 224
This book is divided into about 50 devotionals and has recipes also.The devotionals have beautiful life lessons.It is not fiction it is part memoir and part devotional,literature and a how to book.It is very authentic feeling because Miriam is Old Order Amish.
She speaks honestly about the blessings and challenges of her days.Both women respect each others lifestyles and have learned from each other.
Cindy shares how she balances...more
ISBN 978-0-307-45934-3
pages 224
This book is divided into about 50 devotionals and has recipes also.The devotionals have beautiful life lessons.It is not fiction it is part memoir and part devotional,literature and a how to book.It is very authentic feeling because Miriam is Old Order Amish.
She speaks honestly about the blessings and challenges of her days.Both women respect each others lifestyles and have learned from each other.
Cindy shares how she balances...more
In this small book lies huge pieces of wisdom sprinkled among antidotes of family life and community. Cindy Woodsmall, and "Englisher", becomes close friends with Miriam Flaud of Old Order Amish. Together they share lessons they've learned through life.
As a teenager, I lived in a part of Pennsylvania where Amish buggies are as common as automobiles. I made a few friends a few Amish families, though they were not the Old Order Amish as Miriam is. In this book, Miriam tells what she has learned as...more
As a teenager, I lived in a part of Pennsylvania where Amish buggies are as common as automobiles. I made a few friends a few Amish families, though they were not the Old Order Amish as Miriam is. In this book, Miriam tells what she has learned as...more
Ever wonder where Cindy Woodmsmall gathers her ideas for her Amish Fiction? Look no further than this book, because in it she bares her triumphs, losses, and the blossoming friendship she has made with Miriam Flaud, a real Amish woman who invites her to her home.
In Plain Wisdom, Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud sit down over “fresh perked coffee” in gardens and kitchens and before notepaper and laptops to discuss life, womanhood and everything in between.
Each chapter is opened with a profound pi...more
In Plain Wisdom, Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud sit down over “fresh perked coffee” in gardens and kitchens and before notepaper and laptops to discuss life, womanhood and everything in between.
Each chapter is opened with a profound pi...more
After spending some time with these two women, at their invitation (as is printed on the front cover of this book) my final impression is that I'm just a bit disappointed. I'm sure these are both lovely women, and it might be interesting to sit and visit with them.
I didn't sense any "wisdom" - more just an expression of common sense, things learned through experience and a deep conviction of their Christianity. I know many people who could pen just such a book without much thought. There didn't...more
I didn't sense any "wisdom" - more just an expression of common sense, things learned through experience and a deep conviction of their Christianity. I know many people who could pen just such a book without much thought. There didn't...more
I loved this book. We read it for our family book club awhile back but somehow I missed our meeting and missed reading it till now. It is a collection of stories and thoughts from the lives of two friends, one Amish the other not. I enjoyed learning more about the Amish. I really admire the value they place on family, community and God. I especially enjoyed learning how much singing means them. I had no idea and think that is wonderful. I really knew so little. I loved the connection I felt with...more
This was a lovely story told in turns by each of the two women, and I enjoyed it. It was a nice book. I was, probably not to my credit, a little disappointed that there didn't seem to be more meat to it. I know that was not their purpose, but I would like to have had a bit more substance. There was lots of wisdom taken from common life experiences, and that was nice. The friendship between Cindy and Miriam was genuine and, well, nice.
I was interested in how much modern convenience and old Amish...more
I was interested in how much modern convenience and old Amish...more
Yawn. After reading this book, I realize that the authors would probably remind me (in a very kind and non-assertive way) that such a review of their book is not very charitable of me. This is true. But it's also true that there's very little in this book to get excited about. For my LDS friends, you could easily consider this book Relief Society for the non-Mormon crowd. It focuses a lot on the universal sisterhood, on the role of wife and mother, and on neighborly love. It's mostly a collectio...more
I have been a fan of Cindy Woodsmall’s Amish fiction since I was given her first book and that coupled with my fascination for the Amish led me to request “Plain Wisdom” to review.
My ancestors are thought to have come from “Amish blood”, (my great-great-grandmother is believed to be Pennsylvania Dutch) and I have picked up my interest in the Amish from my grandfather.
What I got from this book is so much more. Yes, I learned new things about the Amish, like they use processed food products like...more
My ancestors are thought to have come from “Amish blood”, (my great-great-grandmother is believed to be Pennsylvania Dutch) and I have picked up my interest in the Amish from my grandfather.
What I got from this book is so much more. Yes, I learned new things about the Amish, like they use processed food products like...more
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to win this giveaway! What a wonderful treat!
I started reading this book, thinking it was going to be a continious story and would read in a timeline type manner.
It does not. They are small snippets of friendship/life.
I have always been intrigued by the Amish, and I love reading about the Amish way of life.
There are so many notes I have jotted down to myself, which I will add later, as I like to keep many details for browsing later. I suppose I could have ma...more
I started reading this book, thinking it was going to be a continious story and would read in a timeline type manner.
It does not. They are small snippets of friendship/life.
I have always been intrigued by the Amish, and I love reading about the Amish way of life.
There are so many notes I have jotted down to myself, which I will add later, as I like to keep many details for browsing later. I suppose I could have ma...more
view 1 comment
This was an interesting little book coauthored by an Amish woman and her non-Amish friend. They share personal experiences, compare beliefs, and even throw in several fun, funky recipes, full of ingredients like Bisquick and Velveeta.
They explained how Amish couples get together, which I confess I have wondered about. It begins with rumschpringe, “running around,” which starts around the age of 16. Young people are given a lot of freedom to mingle, find a spouse, and decide if they want to join...more
They explained how Amish couples get together, which I confess I have wondered about. It begins with rumschpringe, “running around,” which starts around the age of 16. Young people are given a lot of freedom to mingle, find a spouse, and decide if they want to join...more
Most of us only know about the Amish through books and movies. 'Witness' was my introduction to the Amish. My first encounter with them came in August 1996. I was visiting my future husband's home town for the first time. I had been told there was an Amish community in the area. Still, I was stunned when I stood in the town's grocery store one day and observed a young Amish boy open the cooler in front of me and grab a Coke. The Amish drank Coke? In the 14 years since, I've become used to noddin...more
What things do an Old Order Amish woman and a modern American woman have in common? Amazingly, they have quite a bit in common!
This book is a series of short 'essays' on topics by Cindy Woodsmall and her Old Order Amish friend Miriam Flaud. Each woman gives us a window into her life on various subjects. At the beginning of each chapter Cindy explains some of the Amish ways and beliefs.
I found this book very endearing and easy to pick up at any time and read short segments when I had a few spare...more
This book is a series of short 'essays' on topics by Cindy Woodsmall and her Old Order Amish friend Miriam Flaud. Each woman gives us a window into her life on various subjects. At the beginning of each chapter Cindy explains some of the Amish ways and beliefs.
I found this book very endearing and easy to pick up at any time and read short segments when I had a few spare...more
This is the 1st time I am providing commentary to go with my star rating. At this point, I am a little past the halfway point and I will finish the book. I have mixed feelings about it. "Plain Wisdom" was presented to me as a memoir and an inside view into the Amish way of life. And that is what it is. However, it is very Christian-heavy. There are Bible quotes everywhere and references to God and Jesus. I am not a religious person, so I don't like all that stuff. Maybe it's my fault that I'm no...more
I really enjoyed reading about the similarities and differences between Miriam and Cindy. I found myself drawn into each of their stories, how they met, their lifestyles, children, husbands and extended families, especially to what life is like being Amish. I have read many fiction books and a few nonfiction about the Amish way of life but this book was so different, refreshing and enlightening. Loved all the different recipes provided by Miriam and have plans to try them all!! I hope that this...more
This book is on the UMW 2013 Reading List. I really enjoyed it, especially learning about the Old Order Amish ways of life--and the reasons behind some of them. At times it made me yearn for a far simpler life, without so many of our so-called "time savers". I wouldn't want to give up having a car or electricity, but realize there are some things that just clutter our lives. There are several recipes in the book also.
Some of the reviews I have read mention that the writing is choppy. I tend to a...more
Some of the reviews I have read mention that the writing is choppy. I tend to a...more
I love this book! It is a sweet, short read that I talk about often to others. I often see it recommended beside books that romanticize the Amish culture and it look as though it's advertised as an Amish-focused book, but that is definitely not what makes this book great.
This book fits perfectly into a genre I call "mom memoirs," and can be likened to the Chicken Soup for the Christian's Mom's Soul. I loved reading about the different experiences these moms learned from and how they related the...more
This book fits perfectly into a genre I call "mom memoirs," and can be likened to the Chicken Soup for the Christian's Mom's Soul. I loved reading about the different experiences these moms learned from and how they related the...more
Novelist Cindy Woodsmall might seem to have little in common with Miriam Flaud, a woman from the Old Order Amish. With nine children and almost 60 years of marriage between them, Cindy and Miriam have found secrets to facing life with strength and grace.
With poignant recollections, unexpected insights and humorous tales, the women welcome the reader into their unique friendship. With glimpses of traditions and ways of the Amish, Miriam also shares her traditions and even some family recipes.Trul...more
With poignant recollections, unexpected insights and humorous tales, the women welcome the reader into their unique friendship. With glimpses of traditions and ways of the Amish, Miriam also shares her traditions and even some family recipes.Trul...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Cindy Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author who has written six novels, three novellas, and Plain Wisdom, a work of nonfiction coauthored with her dearest Old Order Amish friend, Miriam Flaud. She’s been featured on ABC Nightline and the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and has worked with National Geographic on a documentary concerning Amish life.
She is also a veteran homeschool...more
More about Cindy Woodsmall...
She is also a veteran homeschool...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“I had no more value after I became an author than when I was in my home tending to runny noses, little bumps and bruises. . . Our value can't be wrapped inside what others think or we think, because that is too dependent on this ever-shifting world. The value God places on us makes us more than we think we are, even on our hardest days, weeks, or years.”
—
3 people liked it
More quotes…
