Traces of Wisdom: Amish Women and the Pursuit of Life's Simple Pleasures

by Louise Stoltzfus

For the first time, a woman born and reared in the Amish way of life has collected together a book of wisdom and vignettes that bridges the Amish world with mainstream society. Here, Amish women share thoughts on friendship, beauty, marriage, family, the life of the community, and living a life of sincerity, common sense, compassion, and forgiveness. Line art.

Genres: Nonfiction

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kat「キャット」 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with the intention of gaining inspiration on how to simplify life and slow down. Though some of the advice is dated, there are a lot of good takeaways. I can see myself reading this again in the future and underlining/making my favorite pages so I can return and re-read them.

This book can either be read as a regular book (how I chose to read it the first time) or as a "pick your own chapter" (which is how I plan on reading it in the future). There are 94 mini "chapters" including both the Prologue and Epilogue, which are 2-6 page themes that the author writes about and ties back to Amish beliefs/roots and their experiences growing up and living as an Amish person.

I enjoyed it, although I probably would not purchase it for myself; I would maybe purchase it for a friend whom I know has special interest in Amish culture. I got it from my local Little Free Library and was happy to get it for free.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Amish are simple people living in complicated times. The author grew up Amish and explains why and how the Amish continue to live as they do when the option of cars, internet, electricity, modern appliances and so much more is available but they choose to do without. The Amish have a heightened sense of community which allows them to accomplish so much as a group instead of relying on fundraisers or gofundme pages for those who need assistance.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. The author was raised Amish and later left the Amish. Even though she left that lifestyle, this book talks about all of the good things that she appreciated about her upbringing. She doesn’t skirt around some of the bad things but addresses them in a tasteful way. It’s a good testament to not “throw the baby out with the bath water”.

There are a couple of things that I don’t entirely agree with but I wouldn’t let them deter you from reading the book.

[Cws]

305.48

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until I read this book, I didn't realize how many of my deeply held values trace to the "Amish" in my Amish-Mennonite heritage!

[Michelle]

peaceful-neat lifestyle and philosophy