Growing Up Amish
A Memoir
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4.0 • 46 Ratings
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- $17.99
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- $17.99
Publisher Description
New York Times eBook bestseller!
One fateful starless night, 17-year-old Ira Wagler got up at 2 AM, left a scribbled note under his pillow, packed all of his earthly belongings into in a little black duffel bag, and walked away from his home in the Amish settlement of Bloomfield, Iowa. Now, in this heartwarming memoir, Ira paints a vivid portrait of Amish life—from his childhood days on the family farm, his Rumspringa rite of passage at age 16, to his ultimate decision to leave the Amish Church for good at age 26. Growing Up Amish is the true story of one man's quest to discover who he is and where he belongs. Readers will laugh, cry, and be inspired by this charming yet poignant coming of age story set amidst the backdrop of one of the most enigmatic cultures in America today—the Old Order Amish.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Filmmakers, academics, and novelists have offered depictions of Amish life. This memoir offers a nuanced account from a man who straddled both Amish and "English" (non-Amish) worlds. Wagler recounts his Amish upbringing, from dating conventions and worship services to local gossip and schoolyard bullies. The simplicity of everyday life may seem quaint on the surface. Yet Wagler bravely goes on to expose pervasive dissatisfaction among both youth and adult Amish living in what he characterizes as a stifling, formulaic world. Such unspoken displeasure sparked a cycle of coming and going for the author, who repeatedly crept away from his community only to return, if reluctantly, for its familiarity. It was a "paradox that would haunt me for almost ten years: the tug-of-war between two worlds." His tale of restlessness looks acutely at the clash of family ties with love of freedom. The memoir is worthwhile as much for its Amish insights as for its exploration of one man's emotional turmoil, regret, and shame. Wagler, who now works at a building and supply company in Lancaster County, Pa., deserves praise for his honesty.
Customer Reviews
Growing Up Amish
This book showed how difficult it was to get out of the Amish sect as this young man seemed to be in deep bondage spiritually, mentally and emotionally. The Amish followed numerous man made rules and regulations which is so very far removed from the Evangelical religion which stresses a relationship with God through his Son, Jesus Christ. An example was his family read their prayers from an old black book rather than a prayer from one's heart. The author describes himself as being so lost whether at home or to the world he fled to four times until he asked Jesus into his heart. He then experienced freedom from his religious bondage. The famous scientist, Blaise Pascal, said that within every human heart is a God shaped hole. The author found that Jesus filled the hole in his soul and he no longer felt lost. The famous hymn, Amazing Grace, says,"I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind, but now I see."
Excellent.
I had a similar religious home life and made many of the same choices with the same results, emotions and struggles. I could never put into words why I did what I did or how I felt but reading this book was like finally having my own feelings in writing. Extremely well done and I commend him for his emphasis not to place blame on anyone.
growing up amish
Riveting! I was astounded by how many ways I related despite coming from a totally different (and far less rigid) background of faith. A must read for anyone that has ever been under the influence of anything from oppressive legalism to just a faith structure that includes some unwritten rules / performance expectations; i.e. any system that takes some cues from the old covenant of outside - in attempts toward change and spiritual success. Also highly recommend " End of Religion" by Bruxy Cavey