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A View from the Buggy: True and Inspiring Stories of the Amish Life
Most of us want a simpler life, and there’s no better example of the simple life than found among the Amish. But what is it really like to be Amish? In this delightful compilation of stories by more than 30 Amish men and women, you’ll get the inside story on the daily life of Amish families. With humor, grace, and charm, these “plain” people tell their stories; bringing tears, laughter, and an occasional dose of Amish wisdom to your heart. You’ll learn… This unforgettable book is compiled by two men who know the Amish. Author Jerry S. Eicher was raised as an Amish boy and Nathan Miller is a member of the Old Order Amish.
- GenresAmishNonfictionChristian
240 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2014
34 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Jerry S. Eicher
70 books200 followersJerry Eicher’s bestselling Amish fiction (more than 210,000 in combined sales) includes The Adams County Trilogy, the Hannah’s Heart books, and the Little Valley Series. After a traditional Amish childhood, Jerry taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. Since then he’s been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina Eicher, and their four children in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 21, 2015
This is a collection of short stories (all true) and essays from members of the Amish community. There is quite a variety, from simple childhood memories, to reflections on life and what it's all about. The stories range from happy, sad, humorous, and bittersweet. They all include a life lesson without being "preachy".
I really enjoyed this book. A lot of the stories reminded me of the memories that are shared at family get-togethers, whether your Amish or not; stories you hear over and over again but never get tired of; memories that are passed down to each generation.
Another thing I thought was really cool about this book is that some of the contributors of the stories live in Evart, Michigan; a small town that is about 25 miles from where I live. One of the authors, Nathan Miller, also makes his home here in Michigan.
The stories in this book are great reminders of the way we are blessed each day of our lives, to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, and that there is always something to be thankful for in each day.
I really enjoyed this book. A lot of the stories reminded me of the memories that are shared at family get-togethers, whether your Amish or not; stories you hear over and over again but never get tired of; memories that are passed down to each generation.
Another thing I thought was really cool about this book is that some of the contributors of the stories live in Evart, Michigan; a small town that is about 25 miles from where I live. One of the authors, Nathan Miller, also makes his home here in Michigan.
The stories in this book are great reminders of the way we are blessed each day of our lives, to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, and that there is always something to be thankful for in each day.
May 12, 2015
This is a sweet little book of memories of different Amish people about families, friends, religion, work and relationships each a couple pages long. Encouraging and uplifting, a nice little book sharing Amish thoughts on life.
March 6, 2024
A View from the Buggy: True and Inspiring Stories of the Amish Life is 56 short stories written by everyday Amish people about an incident that happened to them and they wanted to share. Most of the incidents were tragic or near tragic, but there were also happy memories and some sad. Each story is about 3-1/2 pages long.
There were a few repeat authors, but most were different. One was even a continuation of the story before.
Another story was the Nickle Mines Tragedy when the milkman went into the Amish School in Lancaster Country on October 2nd, 2006 and shot execution-style five innocent girls. That was 18 years ago. I remember this tragic incident being in the News.
What I learned and what really stuck out for me was: "When sicknesses does occur, age-old home remedies are applied, in which they combat one illness after another. Garlic for colds, Unkers for congestion, prune juice for constipation, and the chiropractor for everything else." Well, I've never heard of Unkers and on Amazon it only comes up for pain relief pain. But the bigger surprise was going to a chiropractor!
There were a few repeat authors, but most were different. One was even a continuation of the story before.
Another story was the Nickle Mines Tragedy when the milkman went into the Amish School in Lancaster Country on October 2nd, 2006 and shot execution-style five innocent girls. That was 18 years ago. I remember this tragic incident being in the News.
What I learned and what really stuck out for me was: "When sicknesses does occur, age-old home remedies are applied, in which they combat one illness after another. Garlic for colds, Unkers for congestion, prune juice for constipation, and the chiropractor for everything else." Well, I've never heard of Unkers and on Amazon it only comes up for pain relief pain. But the bigger surprise was going to a chiropractor!
December 8, 2021
Short stories told from the person who experienced the incident of the story line. I found some of these to be very amusing and some quite tender. At the last there was a story about a grandmother and her passing and it was very touching. Others included accidents that were quite sad to read about, and some very tender moments. Overall I found it to be sweet, but it didn't hold my attention so it took me longer to read it than I thought that it would.
March 11, 2019
Short reminisces from numerous members of the Amish faith give bits of insights into their way of life. I purchased this book when we stayed at Essenhaus Inn in the heart of Northern Indiana's Amish country.
June 12, 2021
I found this book at a library book sale and plan to pass it on to another friend.
The book is a series of essays or stories about various aspects of Amish life. Several different people wrote the essays or stories.
The book is a series of essays or stories about various aspects of Amish life. Several different people wrote the essays or stories.
August 1, 2017
This was a fun read of short, true stories from the Amish life.
April 23, 2024
Interesting short stories of Amish life.
September 18, 2014
About the Book:
Most of us want a simpler life, and there's no better example of the simple life than found among the Amish. But what is it really like to be Amish?
In this delightful compilation of stories by more than 30 Amish men and women, you'll get the inside story on the daily life of Amish families. With humor, grace, and charm, these "plain" people tell their stories; bringing tears, laughter, and an occasional dose of Amish wisdom to your heart.
You'll learn...how the Amish love their animals the joys of a community-wide barn-raising the ways the Amish handle great tragedy how the Amish find happiness in giving more than receiving.This unforgettable book is compiled by two men who know the Amish. Author Jerry S. Eicher was raised as an Amish boy and Nathan Miller is a member of the Old Order Amish.
About the Author:
Jerry Eicher taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. He writes of his experience growing up Amish in his memoir My Amish Childhood. Jerry has been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. He lives with his wife, Tina, and their four children in Virginia.
Nathan Miller is an Amish family man and business owner. He's the author of one previous book, Out of Deception. Nathan makes his home in Michigan.
My Review:
Amish ways are so simple but I enjoy reading and learning about them. They give us time to reflect and to hopefully turn into a better person because of just the simple act of hearing all about them. I for one living in Alabama have never had an encounter with someone from the Amish faith but I know that I would love to and would thoroughly enjoy it. In A View from the Buggy, we get a chance to look into the lives of these extraordinary people and hopefully learn a little more about their lives and what makes them tick.
You will soon start reading about some of the experiences these individuals had growing up Amish and leading a life very different than those around them that are not the Amish way. These people are ones that have grown to accept our ways without being in full agreement. I find them to be loyal, diligent, and hard working and that in itself is hard to come by in today's society.
I think my favorite story was the one entitled, "Those Lemon Bars". Delores, the author of the story told a tale similar to something that could of happened to any of us. We think of Amish people being so perfect and for the most part they are but this book will show you a side of them that maybe you didn't expect.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Harvest House.
Most of us want a simpler life, and there's no better example of the simple life than found among the Amish. But what is it really like to be Amish?
In this delightful compilation of stories by more than 30 Amish men and women, you'll get the inside story on the daily life of Amish families. With humor, grace, and charm, these "plain" people tell their stories; bringing tears, laughter, and an occasional dose of Amish wisdom to your heart.
You'll learn...how the Amish love their animals the joys of a community-wide barn-raising the ways the Amish handle great tragedy how the Amish find happiness in giving more than receiving.This unforgettable book is compiled by two men who know the Amish. Author Jerry S. Eicher was raised as an Amish boy and Nathan Miller is a member of the Old Order Amish.
About the Author:
Jerry Eicher taught for two terms in Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. He writes of his experience growing up Amish in his memoir My Amish Childhood. Jerry has been involved in church renewal, preaching, and teaching Bible studies. He lives with his wife, Tina, and their four children in Virginia.
Nathan Miller is an Amish family man and business owner. He's the author of one previous book, Out of Deception. Nathan makes his home in Michigan.
My Review:
Amish ways are so simple but I enjoy reading and learning about them. They give us time to reflect and to hopefully turn into a better person because of just the simple act of hearing all about them. I for one living in Alabama have never had an encounter with someone from the Amish faith but I know that I would love to and would thoroughly enjoy it. In A View from the Buggy, we get a chance to look into the lives of these extraordinary people and hopefully learn a little more about their lives and what makes them tick.
You will soon start reading about some of the experiences these individuals had growing up Amish and leading a life very different than those around them that are not the Amish way. These people are ones that have grown to accept our ways without being in full agreement. I find them to be loyal, diligent, and hard working and that in itself is hard to come by in today's society.
I think my favorite story was the one entitled, "Those Lemon Bars". Delores, the author of the story told a tale similar to something that could of happened to any of us. We think of Amish people being so perfect and for the most part they are but this book will show you a side of them that maybe you didn't expect.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Harvest House.
July 21, 2015
this was truly an eye-opener about the Amish culture. I thought I knew a lot but after reading this it really opened my eyes into what their life is actually like. You learn everything from their work ethic and what a large part religion plays in their lifestyle. There was also a a lot of significant events brought up in this book such as weddings, Christmas time, farming accidents, and one instance of almost being arrested.
You also learn that the Amish really are true family people and the communities they live in are very tightknit. I have also witnessed this first hand by visiting the town of Arthur, Illinois even though you see a lot more Mennonite and Amish in that area some of the traditions and customs are very much alike between the two cultures.
Some of the other stories I found of interest were how Amish give birth and at the end of the book it takes you through life customs of funeral and burial which I've never really seen a lot of information about so even though it ended on a sad note I was glad to read about how the Amish view death and burial to get a better understanding of the culture and traditions.
I would recommend this for first-time readers wanting to know more about Amish customs and traditions and I like the fact just like the Amish leading simplistic lives this book was simplistic in the fact that the chapters are short but yet they are jampacked with a lot of good information about the Amish.
So I hope anyone that reads this review will consider reading this book it really is a fun read.
You also learn that the Amish really are true family people and the communities they live in are very tightknit. I have also witnessed this first hand by visiting the town of Arthur, Illinois even though you see a lot more Mennonite and Amish in that area some of the traditions and customs are very much alike between the two cultures.
Some of the other stories I found of interest were how Amish give birth and at the end of the book it takes you through life customs of funeral and burial which I've never really seen a lot of information about so even though it ended on a sad note I was glad to read about how the Amish view death and burial to get a better understanding of the culture and traditions.
I would recommend this for first-time readers wanting to know more about Amish customs and traditions and I like the fact just like the Amish leading simplistic lives this book was simplistic in the fact that the chapters are short but yet they are jampacked with a lot of good information about the Amish.
So I hope anyone that reads this review will consider reading this book it really is a fun read.
June 28, 2014
Wow! This book packs a blockbuster of true stories told by Amish families. Each story begins with a Bible verse and a simple lesson follows.
But the stories are so much more than I expected!
Yes, it is true that they are simply memories shared. But oh, the memories are full of love and laughter… pain and tears… wisdom and insight.
The Pig Chase – this story is exactly what it sounds like… just like life.
Those Lemon Bars – this story is funny because so much goes wrong, yet it turns out better than anyone might expect.
Beyond the Stars – spoke of confusion and despondency – and hope. This story is well worth reading… the story is heart-rending; the message of God's love is vital!
As I read these stories, I felt delighted, sad, angry, victorious… but most of all, I felt a connection with Jerry, Nathan, Marvin, Joanna, Sarah, Wilbur, Delores, and the many others who were kind enough to share their life stories.
It must have been difficult...
Thank you Jerry, and Nathan, for sharing these stories, and giving so much to us who read them. You honor us. God bless you.
I received this book from Jerry Eicher with a request to post a review. The thoughts above are my own. I'm not sure I can do the book justice with my review. I can honestly say this book is the first one I will recommend to anyone.
But the stories are so much more than I expected!
Yes, it is true that they are simply memories shared. But oh, the memories are full of love and laughter… pain and tears… wisdom and insight.
The Pig Chase – this story is exactly what it sounds like… just like life.
Those Lemon Bars – this story is funny because so much goes wrong, yet it turns out better than anyone might expect.
Beyond the Stars – spoke of confusion and despondency – and hope. This story is well worth reading… the story is heart-rending; the message of God's love is vital!
As I read these stories, I felt delighted, sad, angry, victorious… but most of all, I felt a connection with Jerry, Nathan, Marvin, Joanna, Sarah, Wilbur, Delores, and the many others who were kind enough to share their life stories.
It must have been difficult...
Thank you Jerry, and Nathan, for sharing these stories, and giving so much to us who read them. You honor us. God bless you.
I received this book from Jerry Eicher with a request to post a review. The thoughts above are my own. I'm not sure I can do the book justice with my review. I can honestly say this book is the first one I will recommend to anyone.
June 8, 2014
This book is compiled by two men who know the Amish. Author Jerry S. Eicher was raised as an Amish boy and Nathan Miller is a member of the Old Order Amish. The book has many true stories told from Amish men and women of everyday life from birth to death. The book made me laugh, cry and think about my own life in this fast pace world. It made me realize that the Amish are just like everyone else, they have their fun, problems and struggles. I also like that there is a Bible Scripture on the first page of each chapter. It is a wonderful book and I recommend it to anyone who wants to read about Amish life from the Amish themselves.
January 12, 2022
This was a nice little read. Each chapter makes up a story from an Amish person. The stories range from 2 to 3 pages each. I chose to read one story a night. I do not think I would have enjoyed this read had I tried to sit down and read the whole thing at one time; however reading a little every night made it much more enjoyable for me. It was exactly what I needed to relax. Some are sweet some are a little sad; but none-the-less worth the read. It's certainly a more accurate look into real Amish people's lives.
September 1, 2014
A collaboration of Amish stories put together by Jerry Eicher and Nathan Miller. Told by the Amish, you will better be able to see how they really live. It took me a while to get through this book simply because I wanted to make it last and only read one story each day. Both authors grew up Amish and had a story or two of their own to tell. If you want to know the real Amish, not the ones portrayed on reality TV, you must read this book! I was given a copy of this book by Mr. Eicher for my honest review.
May 14, 2016
A collection of short stories/remembrances written by 30 individuals of both Amish and Mennonite communities and who are known by the authors.
Some sad, a few funny, all interesting. All true, all inspiring.
A quick read or read one a day.
Some sad, a few funny, all interesting. All true, all inspiring.
A quick read or read one a day.
February 15, 2015
Great book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews