Donald B. Kraybill

Woof - this was a tough read. It probably could have been 5 stars but I don't think I could read it again. The first part in this book had my eyes swimming. It was an emotionally intense book. I have mad respect though for the authors who didn't intrude or make assumptions about the Amish - they were respectful and kept away from the traumatized children. Amish Grace was primarily about the awful tragedy at Nickel Mines where a man took a gun into an Amish schoolhouse and killed and intensely wounded nearly ten innocent children. It garnered immediate worldwide attention and the media was quick to grab onto the story. The Amish however wanted no limelight and stunned the world when they said they forgave the man who murdered their children. Amish Grace describes the event itself, Amish beliefs on forgiveness, and forgiveness as a whole. It's very insightful and sad. Have your tissues ready.… (mer)

Amish scholar Donald Kraybill takes a look at lessons the rest of the world can learn from the Amish. He opens and closes the book discussing the "riddles" of the Amish as they interact with the greater society--how they embrace some things or aspects of things but not others. Some lessons focus on the importance of community and living and working in a society that helps its neighbors. Others focus on the importance of the family and value of each member. Some show the effectiveness of their eighth grade educations in a society that wants more. Some focus on their selective use of technology and how it should not take over our lives, distracting us from things more important. Many of the lessons focus on their faith--how they take the Word of God to heart and can find strength and comfort knowing God is in control even in the midst of extreme difficulty. I appreciated the author's approach to helping non-Amish persons understand the "Plain people" and perhaps even gain some valuable insights into how society can function when we put faith in God first, valuing the family and the community. It makes me long for a simpler time in a more caring community although I won't be removing the electricity from my home anytime soon!… (mer)