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The Plain Choice: A True Story of Choosing to Live an Amish Life
Raised in a broken family and emotionally overlooked, Sherry Gore grew up without a solid foundation, a prisoner of her own poor choices, and at times without hope. A series of terrible mistakes left her feeling wrecked and alone and a sudden tragedy threw Sherry into an emotional tailspin too powerful to escape. Sherry hangs by a thread, unable to see how she can go on living, until it on a morning of no particular significance, she walks into a church and BAM the truth of Jesus’ forgiving love shatters her world and cleaves her life in She goes to bed stunned; she wakes up a Christian. Unwilling to return to the darkness of her former life, Sherry attacks her faith head on. Soon the life Sherry Gore remakes for herself and her children as she seeks to follow the teachings of the Bible features head coverings, simple dress, and a focus on Jesus Christ. Only then does she realize, in a fit of excitement, that there are others like her. They are called Amish and Mennonite, and she realizes she has found her people. The plain choice that Sherry makes is not easy – and life still brings unexpected pain and heartache - but it changes everything for her, as she becomes one of the few people on earth to have successfully joined the Amish from the outside. She has found her place. And her story proves that one can return from the darkest depths to the purest light with the power of God.
192 pages, Paperback
First published August 25, 2015
72 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Sherry Gore
12 books73 followersSherry Gore is editor-in-chief of Cooking & Such magazine, the author of "Simply Delicious Amish Cooking", "Me, Myself and Pie" and a weekly scribe for the national edition of the Amish newspaper, The Budget, established in 1890. The National Geographic Channel featured Sherry prominently their documentary series, Amish: Out of Order. Sherry's culinary adventures have been seen on NBC Daytime, the Today Show, Mr. Food Test Kitchen, and Fox, NBC, CBS and ABC affiliates across the country. Sherry is a year-round resident of beautiful, sun-kissed Sarasota, Florida, the vacation paradise of the Plain People. She has three children and is a member of a Beachy Amish Mennonite church. When not spending time with her family, writing, or eating, Sherry is a cooking show host, and an official pie contest judge.
Sherry is currently under contract with Harvest House Publishers for a 3-book novel series with best selling author Tricia Goyer.
Sherry is currently under contract with Harvest House Publishers for a 3-book novel series with best selling author Tricia Goyer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
August 2, 2015
I Received a Pre-Publication Copy from Zondervan through Netgalley
Halfway through this book and I was ready to put it down. For some reason, I thought that this was a book that chronicled a woman “living an Amish life”, not a woman that was essentially playing dress up. A woman that would choose the aspects of a simple life with what would work for her. There are moments of hypocrisy where she would throw out her children’s toys because they ran on batteries and made obnoxious noises that were contrary to her Christian values, but she saw no problem with her ownership of a computer.
Sherry Gore was a lonely girl with low self-esteem that could never find her place. Always running, always traveling to someplace else for some different reason and dragging her children with her in hopes of finding, or copying what she saw in other, to yet another place where they could all fit in. Reading this book reminded me of parallel play – where one child sees what another is doing and then modify their play accordingly. Sherry saw what was making a community work and decided to duplicate it but never fully being a part.
Anabaptists – Mennonites – Amish to me the terms were used so interchangeably for Plain People that I think that I am confused as to what each has to offer. Yet, Ms. Gore did seem to find the right place for her. After leaving Sarasota, Florida for many years in her religious journey, and subjecting her children to barebones living, and horrendous situation she discovered that Pinecraft was her true home and chose to return to the place that would care for her and her children. That would finally give them all the stability and a sense of belonging that was missing for most of her life. As she herself said, sometimes I wonder if it was a life or just survival.
Though a short book, there were many points in which I wanted to quit. I understand that she had a devastating upbringing when her father chose the new family that he created over her. I understand a young girl’s heartbreak when a mother makes it obvious that you are in the way. I can even understand the guilt when a sibling dies. What I cannot get over is the excessive dramatization throughout the book including that of Sherry’s baptism and reawakening with the understanding of God’s plan. That one just had me rolling my eyes.
Each person will come away from this book with a different opinion. I wished that it had been better written. Less soppy and woe is me. More along my original belief from the synopsis of how to live a Plain life and how to come to terms with biblical writing not just the parts of Plain that work for her. The summation states that “she becomes one of the few people on earth to have successfully joined the Amish from the outside.” By the end of the book, I did not get that feeling. I felt that the community may have accepted her being there, but I do not recall reading that she was baptized into the Mennonite-Amish community. So I am now wondering what the true point of this book was. Was it to give the readers of her inspirational romance books or recipe books more background on this author? Guess that this is something that I will not be able to figure out.
Halfway through this book and I was ready to put it down. For some reason, I thought that this was a book that chronicled a woman “living an Amish life”, not a woman that was essentially playing dress up. A woman that would choose the aspects of a simple life with what would work for her. There are moments of hypocrisy where she would throw out her children’s toys because they ran on batteries and made obnoxious noises that were contrary to her Christian values, but she saw no problem with her ownership of a computer.
Sherry Gore was a lonely girl with low self-esteem that could never find her place. Always running, always traveling to someplace else for some different reason and dragging her children with her in hopes of finding, or copying what she saw in other, to yet another place where they could all fit in. Reading this book reminded me of parallel play – where one child sees what another is doing and then modify their play accordingly. Sherry saw what was making a community work and decided to duplicate it but never fully being a part.
Anabaptists – Mennonites – Amish to me the terms were used so interchangeably for Plain People that I think that I am confused as to what each has to offer. Yet, Ms. Gore did seem to find the right place for her. After leaving Sarasota, Florida for many years in her religious journey, and subjecting her children to barebones living, and horrendous situation she discovered that Pinecraft was her true home and chose to return to the place that would care for her and her children. That would finally give them all the stability and a sense of belonging that was missing for most of her life. As she herself said, sometimes I wonder if it was a life or just survival.
Though a short book, there were many points in which I wanted to quit. I understand that she had a devastating upbringing when her father chose the new family that he created over her. I understand a young girl’s heartbreak when a mother makes it obvious that you are in the way. I can even understand the guilt when a sibling dies. What I cannot get over is the excessive dramatization throughout the book including that of Sherry’s baptism and reawakening with the understanding of God’s plan. That one just had me rolling my eyes.
Each person will come away from this book with a different opinion. I wished that it had been better written. Less soppy and woe is me. More along my original belief from the synopsis of how to live a Plain life and how to come to terms with biblical writing not just the parts of Plain that work for her. The summation states that “she becomes one of the few people on earth to have successfully joined the Amish from the outside.” By the end of the book, I did not get that feeling. I felt that the community may have accepted her being there, but I do not recall reading that she was baptized into the Mennonite-Amish community. So I am now wondering what the true point of this book was. Was it to give the readers of her inspirational romance books or recipe books more background on this author? Guess that this is something that I will not be able to figure out.
April 30, 2021
Quick book: Read in about 2.5 hours. The book has a lot of background about Sherry Gore and the upbringing she had to when she chose the Amish/Mennonite community and beliefs so that she could find home and community.
"I didn't miss the modern world. I didn't miss the stress of having money or material things or the constant anxieties... In the modern world I felt as if I was always rushing somewhere... We were living an Amish farm-fed life. It was as if I'd taken the one bright spot in my adolescence life, my idyllic summer in Escondido, and rebuilt it for my children to enjoy."
For most of Sherry Gore's life, its been one of homelessness, hoplessness, searching for love, and knowing what it is like to be unwanted, emotionally and verbally abused, and abandoned. It is no wonder that Sherry sought a place where community is the essence of their core values, and simplicity is highly valued.
Where I struggled as a reader was where Sherry, "in order to be true to herself," ends up leaving her current husband because it was the right things to do. So, because the first divorce wasn't biblical, we'll have a second divorce to right that. And not only that, " But if there was one thing I'd learned from my late-in-life conversion to Christianity, it was that a person had to follow her heart. And my heart told me I needed to teach my children to stand up for what they believe in."
Yet, the Bible constantly warns us of the danger of listening to our hearts:
The heart is deceitful and wicked above all things (Jeremiah 17: 9): "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander." (Matthew 15:19)
When the Bible speaks about the goodness of the heart, it is in connection with GOD pouring HIMSELF into our hearts! Not us pulling out our own wisdom from it!
So, as a biography about a woman who dealt with harshness of this world and chose to follow a simple life, and by golly did an amazing job-- I enjoyed it! However, lots of caution in regards to scripture. I think her daughter pointed that out very well when she couldn't be baptized into the church in KY, where they had been staying to grow as Amish believers. If the church tells you not to question their beliefs, then its time to hightail it. You should be making sure it all aligns with SCRIPTURE.
I love the simplicity life of the Amish, but I have learned, in recent years, that I don't have to become Amish to enjoy that lifestyle. I can choose it while going to any Church, typing on any electronic, and just appreciating the world that God has created.
These are my thoughts alone.
"I didn't miss the modern world. I didn't miss the stress of having money or material things or the constant anxieties... In the modern world I felt as if I was always rushing somewhere... We were living an Amish farm-fed life. It was as if I'd taken the one bright spot in my adolescence life, my idyllic summer in Escondido, and rebuilt it for my children to enjoy."
For most of Sherry Gore's life, its been one of homelessness, hoplessness, searching for love, and knowing what it is like to be unwanted, emotionally and verbally abused, and abandoned. It is no wonder that Sherry sought a place where community is the essence of their core values, and simplicity is highly valued.
Where I struggled as a reader was where Sherry, "in order to be true to herself," ends up leaving her current husband because it was the right things to do. So, because the first divorce wasn't biblical, we'll have a second divorce to right that. And not only that, " But if there was one thing I'd learned from my late-in-life conversion to Christianity, it was that a person had to follow her heart. And my heart told me I needed to teach my children to stand up for what they believe in."
Yet, the Bible constantly warns us of the danger of listening to our hearts:
The heart is deceitful and wicked above all things (Jeremiah 17: 9): "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander." (Matthew 15:19)
When the Bible speaks about the goodness of the heart, it is in connection with GOD pouring HIMSELF into our hearts! Not us pulling out our own wisdom from it!
So, as a biography about a woman who dealt with harshness of this world and chose to follow a simple life, and by golly did an amazing job-- I enjoyed it! However, lots of caution in regards to scripture. I think her daughter pointed that out very well when she couldn't be baptized into the church in KY, where they had been staying to grow as Amish believers. If the church tells you not to question their beliefs, then its time to hightail it. You should be making sure it all aligns with SCRIPTURE.
I love the simplicity life of the Amish, but I have learned, in recent years, that I don't have to become Amish to enjoy that lifestyle. I can choose it while going to any Church, typing on any electronic, and just appreciating the world that God has created.
These are my thoughts alone.
January 2, 2023
I wanted to like this book, I really did. However, I am glad I did not spend money buying it, but took advantage of the public library.
Firstly, I don’t think readers should go into this book expecting to read about Sherry Gore living without electricity, churning her own butter, sewing her own dresses, or learning to speak German or Pennsylvania Dutch. She shares a bit about her troubled life, how she became a Christian, and how she desired a simplistic life for her and her children.
I found her story hard to follow at times because she jumps around a bit and moves across the US so often!
Here is the big let down: not once does she mention trying to learn the language or familiarize herself with the Ordnung (or other guidelines set by each community of Plain people). She does not go through baptismal instruction classes to become an official
member of a church, so she does not truly become a member of the Amish. She uses the term Amish-Mennonite a lot but I don’t think they are interchangeable!
Another reviewer said it seems like Sherry is simply playing dress up and I have to agree.
I am disappointed with the lack of depth in this book, and do not recommend it.
Firstly, I don’t think readers should go into this book expecting to read about Sherry Gore living without electricity, churning her own butter, sewing her own dresses, or learning to speak German or Pennsylvania Dutch. She shares a bit about her troubled life, how she became a Christian, and how she desired a simplistic life for her and her children.
I found her story hard to follow at times because she jumps around a bit and moves across the US so often!
Here is the big let down: not once does she mention trying to learn the language or familiarize herself with the Ordnung (or other guidelines set by each community of Plain people). She does not go through baptismal instruction classes to become an official
member of a church, so she does not truly become a member of the Amish. She uses the term Amish-Mennonite a lot but I don’t think they are interchangeable!
Another reviewer said it seems like Sherry is simply playing dress up and I have to agree.
I am disappointed with the lack of depth in this book, and do not recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2015
I've often wondered if many, or any, worldly people ever became Amish so I was excited when I saw The Plain Choice by Sherry Gore; A True Story of Choosing to Live An Amish Life.
Unfortunately, I feel the headline and this story is a bit misleading. Yes, it is Sherry's story about choosing to live an Amish life but not about becoming Amish. It doesn't sound like she ever was baptized into the church and driving a car, having a computer with internet, and a cell phone are not the Amish lifestyle. I was expecting so much more...I should have figured something out when Sherry herself is photographed on the cover of the book - the Amish will not pose for photographs. Is she claiming to be Amish? A Mennonite? There are big differences between the two sects.
Had this just been a journey of faith, a journey of life book I feel as though I would have appreciated it much more. As it was, I felt confused throughout the book. I didn't see any one lifestyle embraced, but rather a mixture of plain and modern. That could have been explained without the Amish headline.
It is a quick read and Sherry's life story is interesting. I just didn't feel I got much of a "plain sense" from the book, especially not an Amish one.
This book was given to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.
Unfortunately, I feel the headline and this story is a bit misleading. Yes, it is Sherry's story about choosing to live an Amish life but not about becoming Amish. It doesn't sound like she ever was baptized into the church and driving a car, having a computer with internet, and a cell phone are not the Amish lifestyle. I was expecting so much more...I should have figured something out when Sherry herself is photographed on the cover of the book - the Amish will not pose for photographs. Is she claiming to be Amish? A Mennonite? There are big differences between the two sects.
Had this just been a journey of faith, a journey of life book I feel as though I would have appreciated it much more. As it was, I felt confused throughout the book. I didn't see any one lifestyle embraced, but rather a mixture of plain and modern. That could have been explained without the Amish headline.
It is a quick read and Sherry's life story is interesting. I just didn't feel I got much of a "plain sense" from the book, especially not an Amish one.
This book was given to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 11, 2017
This is a difficult book to read especially if you can relate to her trials and mistakes she faced as a child, teen and young adult. The first half of the book goes a bit slow and the 2nd half seems to leave so many questions unanswered about relationships and people in the story. I would have liked to know more about her life now, how her children are and if some relationships continued or were healed.
August 11, 2021
I am fascinated with the Plain life. Could I live it? No, but I love the premise of it. Sometimes I wish I could live without all the "noise" modern day living brings with it. Go days without picking up my phone for one reason or another.
I learned of Sherry Gore through a 3 book fiction series set in Pinecraft, FL written by her and Tricia Goyer. So when I saw this book I was very interested. I knew she a daughter who died young but didn't understand why.
This book also hit home as I didn't realize she lived in Kentucky for a few years and Felicity, Ohio. My college roommate went to school in Felicity. Such a small world. Sherry also lost close friends in the horrific accident on 65 when a semi hit a van full of Plain people. I remember hearing about it that day and crying. So many beautiful lives lost.
This book is not for the faint of heart as there are triggers (abortion, drug overdose, death of a child) but is a very moving read.
I learned of Sherry Gore through a 3 book fiction series set in Pinecraft, FL written by her and Tricia Goyer. So when I saw this book I was very interested. I knew she a daughter who died young but didn't understand why.
This book also hit home as I didn't realize she lived in Kentucky for a few years and Felicity, Ohio. My college roommate went to school in Felicity. Such a small world. Sherry also lost close friends in the horrific accident on 65 when a semi hit a van full of Plain people. I remember hearing about it that day and crying. So many beautiful lives lost.
This book is not for the faint of heart as there are triggers (abortion, drug overdose, death of a child) but is a very moving read.
December 30, 2022
I loved this book!
July 25, 2015
Take a walk into pieces of Sherry Gore's life, from the 1960's to present time. These pieces of Sherry's life experiences and those of a few others that were involved in Sherry's life ALL add up to a two word phrase "plain Choice" or in a more clearer word "decisions".
How a plain choice or sometimes choices lead us from one path onto another.
How someone else's decisions lands you in a place that didn't plan on and or to be.
This was my first time reading any of Sherry Gore's material that she has written, but I have followed her on facebook since 2011. I knew Sherry of who she is today, not knowing what experiences she had faced to land her on her current path in life. Reading "The Plain Choice: A True Story of Choosing to Live an Amish Life" does not make me think any less of Sherry Gore, it just makes want to see her in person, instead of a computer acquaintance.
For Sherry to write her story of "The Plain Choice: A True Story of Choosing to Live an Amish Life" took a lot of courage on her part. I feel she'll inspire women, who read her story, this book, to gain further courage and or faith in themselves.
In the meantime, I plan to read more of Sherry Gore's book and her other materials that she has written.
I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. No money was exchanged. This is my honest review in my own words.
How a plain choice or sometimes choices lead us from one path onto another.
How someone else's decisions lands you in a place that didn't plan on and or to be.
This was my first time reading any of Sherry Gore's material that she has written, but I have followed her on facebook since 2011. I knew Sherry of who she is today, not knowing what experiences she had faced to land her on her current path in life. Reading "The Plain Choice: A True Story of Choosing to Live an Amish Life" does not make me think any less of Sherry Gore, it just makes want to see her in person, instead of a computer acquaintance.
For Sherry to write her story of "The Plain Choice: A True Story of Choosing to Live an Amish Life" took a lot of courage on her part. I feel she'll inspire women, who read her story, this book, to gain further courage and or faith in themselves.
In the meantime, I plan to read more of Sherry Gore's book and her other materials that she has written.
I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. No money was exchanged. This is my honest review in my own words.
August 20, 2015
It is common to hear stories about people who leave the Amish, but it is rare to hear stories about outsiders who actually join the Amish. Sherry Gore, however, is one of those rare individuals who chose to completely change her life and become part of the Amish community. In The Plain Choice: A True Story of Choosing to Live an Amish Life, Gore talks about the events that led her to choose the Amish lifestyle. Through captivating stories, she paints an interesting picture as to what her Amish life looks like.
Though she dons the traditional Amish clothes and is a practicing Anabaptist, Gore is not the stereotypical Amish woman; she has electricity and an internet connection (as some Amish people do) and she is nationally known for her cookbooks. This makes it more understandable why Gore would leave her “English” life behind; she has been able to benefit from the Amish lifestyle while still holding onto some modern conveniences. Personally, I really enjoyed reading about Gore’s life story, and I am glad she was able to find a life of peace, happiness, and fulfillment. The book is not only an inside look into Amish culture, but it is also the tale of a woman who looks for hope, and finds it in a unique yet fulfilling way.
Though she dons the traditional Amish clothes and is a practicing Anabaptist, Gore is not the stereotypical Amish woman; she has electricity and an internet connection (as some Amish people do) and she is nationally known for her cookbooks. This makes it more understandable why Gore would leave her “English” life behind; she has been able to benefit from the Amish lifestyle while still holding onto some modern conveniences. Personally, I really enjoyed reading about Gore’s life story, and I am glad she was able to find a life of peace, happiness, and fulfillment. The book is not only an inside look into Amish culture, but it is also the tale of a woman who looks for hope, and finds it in a unique yet fulfilling way.
September 9, 2016
This book left me with mixed feelings. I think I was expecting something far different. Having grown up with Amish communities not far away, I had some idea how those in the community live and understand some of their beliefs. I can see the draw of the simpler way of life and the sense of community for someone who had so much turmoil in her childhood/family/first marriage, but it doesn't seem that the author ever fully embraces the life. Rather she accepts the parts that suit her and discards the ones that don't. I'm not judging her. I'm happy she's found a way of life that works well for her, but I don't feel like she's actually embraced the Plain life as advertised by the book description. I'm all for embracing a simpler way of life though.
February 6, 2017
This is a very honest account of the difficult life the author has had, from a Southern California girlhood in the 80s, to a period of homelessness, to two divorces, to the serious illness of her daughter. What it ISN'T, though, is the book that the title and cover had me hoping for - it doesn't offer much insight about joining the Amish or living within that community, because the author doesn't really do that (she adopts a simpler lifestyle and attends a Mennonite church, but you get the impression that she's mostly inventing things for herself as she goes along, rather than becoming part of an older tradition).
June 7, 2017
Hoping for more about Amish life and why the author ended up choosing to be a Mennonite over more mainline churches was disappointed it read more as a personal testimony instead of insight into plain living.
June 7, 2017
This book tells the story of Shery Gore, a woman who had a difficult upbringing/family life. Eventually, Sherry meets Jesus and her life is changed. Over time, she attempts to make changes in her life to adhere more closely to what she believes, eventually deciding to become "plain."
I found this book really interesting and appreciated Gore's lack of judgment for those who are not plain and the way she led readers to the truth of Jesus Christ in an authentic, gentle way.
I will say I found the subtitle a little misleading with its use of the word amish. Gore describes herself as Amish-Mennonite, but since she never offered up distinct definitions of words like Amish, Mennonite, and Anabaptist, I had a hard time understanding the differences between being Mennonite, for example, and just living a simple life. She states that some Amish and Mennonite communities use electricity and drive cars (it's up to each community to determine how "modern" they'll live), and she chooses to utilize these things, as well. I was left wondering why she felt the need to distinguish herself as "plain" instead of just living a more simple, unhurried life.
I was also really saddened when she divorced her second husband after determining that her marriage was not of God (because she'd been married and divorced before, and no longer believed in remarriage), particularly because she wasn't even a Christian when she married him to begin with.
One minor thing that bothered me a little was her talk of "following her heart," a phrase she used several times as a positive thing. At the end of the book, she says, "My place is here... God wills it. I know this because I feel it in my heart. And since I made my choice for Him, my heart has never led me astray." (p 185) I think what she really means is that the Holy Spirit has assured her in her spirit that she's made the right decision, but I feel that using the term heart here was unfortunate, as the Bible states that "the human heart is the most deceitful of all things..." (Jeremiah 17:9)
But overall, this was a very interesting read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys spiritual memoirs.
I found this book really interesting and appreciated Gore's lack of judgment for those who are not plain and the way she led readers to the truth of Jesus Christ in an authentic, gentle way.
I will say I found the subtitle a little misleading with its use of the word amish. Gore describes herself as Amish-Mennonite, but since she never offered up distinct definitions of words like Amish, Mennonite, and Anabaptist, I had a hard time understanding the differences between being Mennonite, for example, and just living a simple life. She states that some Amish and Mennonite communities use electricity and drive cars (it's up to each community to determine how "modern" they'll live), and she chooses to utilize these things, as well. I was left wondering why she felt the need to distinguish herself as "plain" instead of just living a more simple, unhurried life.
I was also really saddened when she divorced her second husband after determining that her marriage was not of God (because she'd been married and divorced before, and no longer believed in remarriage), particularly because she wasn't even a Christian when she married him to begin with.
One minor thing that bothered me a little was her talk of "following her heart," a phrase she used several times as a positive thing. At the end of the book, she says, "My place is here... God wills it. I know this because I feel it in my heart. And since I made my choice for Him, my heart has never led me astray." (p 185) I think what she really means is that the Holy Spirit has assured her in her spirit that she's made the right decision, but I feel that using the term heart here was unfortunate, as the Bible states that "the human heart is the most deceitful of all things..." (Jeremiah 17:9)
But overall, this was a very interesting read and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys spiritual memoirs.
Read
October 5, 2017I picked this up thinking it was going to focus more on Sherry's life as an Amish woman, but it was really a memoir. Sherry is a strong woman who has been through so much, but some parts were so sad I couldn't make it through. I hope she writes another book focused more on her lifestyle now as a member of the Amish community. Maybe an inside look at what it's like to be an Amish woman: favorite books, how they spend their free time, beloved recipes, etc.
July 16, 2020
Really enjoyed this memoir!
September 18, 2015
I'll admit it - the Amish world has always intrigued me to some extent. I was born and raised in northeastern Ohio and there was a huge Amish community in nearby Holmes County, where we would head out on the weekends to taste their wares while hitting the garage sales and flea markets.
Then, when I moved down to Sarasota, Florida, I was surprised to learn there was a large Amish community here as well, and I've taken the benefit of enjoying some fantastic food at "Amish-style" restaurants and I've driven down some streets that have tons of bicycles and women dressed modestly.
I realize that I need apologize in advance when I say "Amish" because I never looked closely enough into each community to determine whether it was "Amish," "Mennonite" or "Anabaptist". I had heard the terms "Amish" and "Mennonite" before reading this book, but I can honestly say I've never heard of "Anabaptist".
In any event, The Plain Choice by Sherry Gore, is a short book - 179 pages. As I was reading it, I was thinking to myself that my auto accident story would probably fill just about the same amount of pages if I were to try and write a book about my life too. I will say this: while The Plain Choice is a short book comparing it to some of the novels I read, it was just enough pages to walk through Ms. Gore's life. I was very impressed by her honesty, and I loved that the book flowed in time rather than jumping back and forth.
It is very clear that Ms. Gore is a very determined woman. Once she made up her mind to change the way she was living, she whole-heartedly took the leap into her new life. I appreciated that she was honest in sharing the part of her story that some people would keep hidden, the "real" Sherry Harris. She shares her childhood struggles growing up and feeling unloved and not a part of her father's life. She does not minimize poor choices or blame someone else for them. She makes it clear that she had removed God from her life. She was and still is an imperfect human living in an imperfect world.
Ms. Gore's story teaches us that not all Amish-Mennonite's are removed from technology and modern conveniences too. It depends on the churches and communities as to how "modern" they become.
The pinnacle point is when she immersed herself in baptism to her old life, and newness of life in Christ Jesus, and as an Amish-Mennonite. Sherry Gore is saved by grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. But there is more to this book. It is a call for all to realize God's love and forgiveness and that absolutely no one is beyond God's love and redemption.
The next time I'm traveling around in Sarasota, I'll be sure to look for that cute Electra bike of hers and give her a "shout out" for this book! I truly appreciate that BookLookBloggers provided me with a paperback copy of this book without cost in exchange for my personal and honest opinion and unbiased review.
Then, when I moved down to Sarasota, Florida, I was surprised to learn there was a large Amish community here as well, and I've taken the benefit of enjoying some fantastic food at "Amish-style" restaurants and I've driven down some streets that have tons of bicycles and women dressed modestly.
I realize that I need apologize in advance when I say "Amish" because I never looked closely enough into each community to determine whether it was "Amish," "Mennonite" or "Anabaptist". I had heard the terms "Amish" and "Mennonite" before reading this book, but I can honestly say I've never heard of "Anabaptist".
In any event, The Plain Choice by Sherry Gore, is a short book - 179 pages. As I was reading it, I was thinking to myself that my auto accident story would probably fill just about the same amount of pages if I were to try and write a book about my life too. I will say this: while The Plain Choice is a short book comparing it to some of the novels I read, it was just enough pages to walk through Ms. Gore's life. I was very impressed by her honesty, and I loved that the book flowed in time rather than jumping back and forth.
It is very clear that Ms. Gore is a very determined woman. Once she made up her mind to change the way she was living, she whole-heartedly took the leap into her new life. I appreciated that she was honest in sharing the part of her story that some people would keep hidden, the "real" Sherry Harris. She shares her childhood struggles growing up and feeling unloved and not a part of her father's life. She does not minimize poor choices or blame someone else for them. She makes it clear that she had removed God from her life. She was and still is an imperfect human living in an imperfect world.
Ms. Gore's story teaches us that not all Amish-Mennonite's are removed from technology and modern conveniences too. It depends on the churches and communities as to how "modern" they become.
The pinnacle point is when she immersed herself in baptism to her old life, and newness of life in Christ Jesus, and as an Amish-Mennonite. Sherry Gore is saved by grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. But there is more to this book. It is a call for all to realize God's love and forgiveness and that absolutely no one is beyond God's love and redemption.
The next time I'm traveling around in Sarasota, I'll be sure to look for that cute Electra bike of hers and give her a "shout out" for this book! I truly appreciate that BookLookBloggers provided me with a paperback copy of this book without cost in exchange for my personal and honest opinion and unbiased review.
August 26, 2015
Summary:
The Plain Choice is the biography of Sherry Gore. Sherry grew up in a dysfunctional home. As a young person she rebelled and made poor choices. In mid-life Sherry made an about face change and became an Amish-Mennonite.
My Thoughts:
I debated on whether to give The Plain Choice 3 stars or 4 stars. After careful thought, I decided on a 3 star rating.
At first sight, The Plain Choice is a slim volume for a biography. Slim equals brief. I feel the biography needed to be longer. The full price is $15.99, which is basically $16.00. This is a pricey biography at 179 pages for the story itself. I have an idea as to why the book is brief, but to explain the reasons would give the ending away.
I enjoyed reading Sherry Gore's story, and I felt a bit closer to a person I'd followed on Facebook for a few years.
Sherry is a determined person. Once she made up her mind to change from living the life she'd been living, and become a Beachy Amish-Mennonite, she poured herself whole-hearted into a new life. I believe Sherry is an amazing and admirable person.
In the Christian book market, there is a large field of Amish type books. Only a few nonfiction books have been written on the Amish-Mennonite. It is easy to determine a one set stereo-type of the Plain People. One set of rules and culture for every one. This is not true. I learned through Sherry's story, that not all Amish-Mennonite's are removed from technology and modern conveniences. It depends on the churches and communities as to how "modern" they become.
I'd read other reviewers remark, Sherry Gore did not impress them with her about face change to become Amish-Mennonite, it appeared to them she was pretending. I did not see that she was pretending. I did see through her story, she had come to the realization the choices she'd made had not worked. Most important, she had removed God from her life. The pinnacle point is when she immersed herself in baptism to her old life, and newness of life in Christ Jesus, and as an Amish-Mennonite.
Sherry Gore is transparent in sharing her "old life." She does not minimize poor choices. She was and still is an imperfect human living in an imperfect world. However, Sherry Gore is saved by grace through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Source: Free copy from Book Look Bloggers/Harper Collins, in exchange for a review.
Rating: 3 stars for good.
The Plain Choice is the biography of Sherry Gore. Sherry grew up in a dysfunctional home. As a young person she rebelled and made poor choices. In mid-life Sherry made an about face change and became an Amish-Mennonite.
My Thoughts:
I debated on whether to give The Plain Choice 3 stars or 4 stars. After careful thought, I decided on a 3 star rating.
At first sight, The Plain Choice is a slim volume for a biography. Slim equals brief. I feel the biography needed to be longer. The full price is $15.99, which is basically $16.00. This is a pricey biography at 179 pages for the story itself. I have an idea as to why the book is brief, but to explain the reasons would give the ending away.
I enjoyed reading Sherry Gore's story, and I felt a bit closer to a person I'd followed on Facebook for a few years.
Sherry is a determined person. Once she made up her mind to change from living the life she'd been living, and become a Beachy Amish-Mennonite, she poured herself whole-hearted into a new life. I believe Sherry is an amazing and admirable person.
In the Christian book market, there is a large field of Amish type books. Only a few nonfiction books have been written on the Amish-Mennonite. It is easy to determine a one set stereo-type of the Plain People. One set of rules and culture for every one. This is not true. I learned through Sherry's story, that not all Amish-Mennonite's are removed from technology and modern conveniences. It depends on the churches and communities as to how "modern" they become.
I'd read other reviewers remark, Sherry Gore did not impress them with her about face change to become Amish-Mennonite, it appeared to them she was pretending. I did not see that she was pretending. I did see through her story, she had come to the realization the choices she'd made had not worked. Most important, she had removed God from her life. The pinnacle point is when she immersed herself in baptism to her old life, and newness of life in Christ Jesus, and as an Amish-Mennonite.
Sherry Gore is transparent in sharing her "old life." She does not minimize poor choices. She was and still is an imperfect human living in an imperfect world. However, Sherry Gore is saved by grace through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Source: Free copy from Book Look Bloggers/Harper Collins, in exchange for a review.
Rating: 3 stars for good.
September 3, 2015
"A True Story of Choosing to Live an Amish Life"
I have to admit, I am a bit disappointed that the book cover implies that Sherry Gore is living an Amish life - if there are Amish who are allowed to use laptops, own and drive vehicles, and pose for pictures, I have never met or seen them. I don't believe Sherry became one of the few people on earth to have successfully joined the Amish from the outside. While I respect what Sherry and her family have done, the book cover doesn't convey the same message that Sherry tries to share -- that she is part of a progressive Amish-Mennonite community.
This is very different from an Amish community. But perhaps those responsible for publishing the book - and creating the cover - don't understand the difference.
Those of us who have Amish friends knew all along that Sherry most likely didn't belong to an Amish community. The Amish generally turn their backs to cameras or do not allow their pictures to be taken, and their clothing is made from solid colors - usually somber tones. The small print speaks more of Mennonite clothing. My friends are part of a very strict Amish community and I've only ever seen them wear brown or black clothing.
Back to Sherry's story...
I love reading Amish fiction, so naturally, I thought I’d enjoy reading The Plain Choice. As a matter of fact, I did enjoy reading Sherry’s memoir about how she adopted a plain lifestyle for herself and her family. My family cannot afford to move to an Amish-Mennonite or Mennonite settlement at this time, but we have willingly adapted to a plainer lifestyle.
What I think we should all try to take from this is that Sherry has begun a much better life for herself and her children. Their lives have become much more plain and they are happy.
Sherry is sharing her journey of faith; a journey many of us have chosen. Everyone goes through hard times growing up, some harder than others. Marriage to the wrong person can be a nightmare. I believe marriage is forever, but I won’t fault someone for leaving an abusive situation - which is where Sherry found herself.
None of us ever stop making mistakes. All we can do is continue on our path, doing our best to make better decisions as we move forward. Sherry has moved to a community where she is happy and is sharing the gospel with others. God bless you, Sherry!
August 29, 2016
A quick and engaging story. I found it to be a fascinating look into what it was like for a woman to grow up "English" and convert to an Amish Mennonite lifestyle -- a thing that is extraordinarily rare. While it does contain some information about the lifestyle she chose, this is not a book on how to be Amish Mennonite. Note my repeated use of "lifestyle" because there is no evidence that the author ever fully joined the Amish or Mennonite churches. This is an autobiography, and, therefore, offers a peek into one woman's life, faith, and reasoning for choosing the Plain lifestyle. I would say that this particular story leans more toward Mennonite, or just Anabaptist, than Amish. While I recognize that there are differing views of what is and isn't allowed among Amish groups, computers, cars, and whole house electricity is a new one to me.
Because this is the author's life and conversion story, there is much talk of her faith, along with encouragement for the reader to find faith too. If that sort of thing bothers you, this is not the book for you.
Because this is the author's life and conversion story, there is much talk of her faith, along with encouragement for the reader to find faith too. If that sort of thing bothers you, this is not the book for you.
August 22, 2015
eARC: Netgalley
This book isn't quite what I expected it to be. Yes, Sherry Gore certainly turned her life around, but she seemed to still drift around a lot and her convictions seemed to change often too. By that I mean at one point she threw her children's toys away because they used batteries, but then she uses a word processor and carries a cell phone.
She does point out in the book that she wasn't raised plain so some of her living choices are different than lifelong plain people. She even said the community she was with during her time in Kentucky didn't fully accept them because of those differences. Maybe the things I mentioned were the type of things she was talking about being hard for the people to accept.
It just left me with a feeling like she may have one foot in both worlds.
This book isn't quite what I expected it to be. Yes, Sherry Gore certainly turned her life around, but she seemed to still drift around a lot and her convictions seemed to change often too. By that I mean at one point she threw her children's toys away because they used batteries, but then she uses a word processor and carries a cell phone.
She does point out in the book that she wasn't raised plain so some of her living choices are different than lifelong plain people. She even said the community she was with during her time in Kentucky didn't fully accept them because of those differences. Maybe the things I mentioned were the type of things she was talking about being hard for the people to accept.
It just left me with a feeling like she may have one foot in both worlds.
February 23, 2016
I gave The Plain Choice three stars because I did like the story. It was not what I expected but I did find it interesting. I was expecting the story of someone who was spiritually searching in life and who finds answers for their spiritual questions in the Amish community. This was more a biography of Sherry's life with a small portion being focused on the Amish. Her story is very interesting and filled with more of life's hardships than I expected from one person's life. There was not a lot of insight into why she believed she should be Amish over any other conservative religion so if you are hoping to have a better understanding of their lifestyle and beliefs, I wouldn't look here. It was inspiring to see how she triumphed over tragedy many times in her life and still seems to have hope for her future despite her painful past.
October 2, 2020
Sherry Gore’s The Plain Choice is a heart-warming story of overcoming obstacles to find peace and a place to belong. Her journey will captivate readers who love the Amish culture and enjoy spending time in the Plain community.
November 18, 2017
2 1/2 stars, maybe 3. It was a different story. I'm still processing, and still not sure how I feel.
November 5, 2025
I'm not sure what to think about this book. It's a pretty quick read and I was able to finish it in one sitting, but here's my honest thoughts:
The book talks about Sherry's life before she came to Christ, and the struggles she went through. She definetly wasn't in a good place. She was homeless for a time, had multiple abortions, and was abused by her first husband, but once she becomes a Christian her life changes for the better. That was one part of the book that I really liked. It was amazing to hear a real life story of God taking someone who was so broken and scarred and making them whole again.
There were some things in the book that I didn't really agree with or at least thought they seemed kind of hypocritical for starters she says she got rid of all her children's toys that ran on batteries or made loud noises because she felt they didn't align with their Christian values, but she was ok with having a computer in the house. She also mentions following her heart quite frequently, but we are told quite specifically in the Bible not to follow our hearts because they are evil (Jeremiah 17:9) we are to trust the Lord and follow His leading instead (Proverbs 3:5-6). I also don't agree with her second divorce. The bible makes it clear that divorce is only acceptable in the cases of marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:9) and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:13-15). Her husband wasn't a believer, but he was totally fine with her being one, but she decided to get a divorce anyway because she thought it was the best thing to do.
All things considered it was a good book and I think it's great that the author had the strength to come out and tell her story. Often times we're embarrassed by our mistakes and shortcomings, but the the Lord can use those failures to help us grow and depend on Him. Through our mistakes we can help others who have gone through the same thing, our past failures can equip us to counsel and comfort others.
The book talks about Sherry's life before she came to Christ, and the struggles she went through. She definetly wasn't in a good place. She was homeless for a time, had multiple abortions, and was abused by her first husband, but once she becomes a Christian her life changes for the better. That was one part of the book that I really liked. It was amazing to hear a real life story of God taking someone who was so broken and scarred and making them whole again.
There were some things in the book that I didn't really agree with or at least thought they seemed kind of hypocritical for starters she says she got rid of all her children's toys that ran on batteries or made loud noises because she felt they didn't align with their Christian values, but she was ok with having a computer in the house. She also mentions following her heart quite frequently, but we are told quite specifically in the Bible not to follow our hearts because they are evil (Jeremiah 17:9) we are to trust the Lord and follow His leading instead (Proverbs 3:5-6). I also don't agree with her second divorce. The bible makes it clear that divorce is only acceptable in the cases of marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:9) and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:13-15). Her husband wasn't a believer, but he was totally fine with her being one, but she decided to get a divorce anyway because she thought it was the best thing to do.
All things considered it was a good book and I think it's great that the author had the strength to come out and tell her story. Often times we're embarrassed by our mistakes and shortcomings, but the the Lord can use those failures to help us grow and depend on Him. Through our mistakes we can help others who have gone through the same thing, our past failures can equip us to counsel and comfort others.
August 14, 2019
I have been wanting to read this for a while and even had followed Sherry Gore at one point on social media a few years ago. I really love hearing her story and find it encouraging.
Sherry grew up in a family that had many troubles. She explains the hardships of her youth and the lifestyle that she lived. In time, she started to long for God, who transformed her life completely. She was drawn especially to Anabaptism and was able to join the old order Mennonite church. Even though she did so, she still faces hardships, but can get through them with hope. This book was really lovely and honest.
Sherry grew up in a family that had many troubles. She explains the hardships of her youth and the lifestyle that she lived. In time, she started to long for God, who transformed her life completely. She was drawn especially to Anabaptism and was able to join the old order Mennonite church. Even though she did so, she still faces hardships, but can get through them with hope. This book was really lovely and honest.
January 31, 2020
An unexpected (true) story about a woman with a dark and tangled past who eventually finds Christ among the Amish. Lots of pain and healing here, and although one is happy Sherry finds safe harbor, it's hard to shake the sense as a reader that her conversion was in part driven by avoidance of her past.
Still, a beautiful quote about grief, indicative of Gore's eloquent poetic style:
"A thick black gauze--that is what covered my world after Dad died. It wasn't normal grief. I felt suspended in time, an old vinyl record skipping in place."
My book 10 of #220for2020 #RoccasReads2020
Still, a beautiful quote about grief, indicative of Gore's eloquent poetic style:
"A thick black gauze--that is what covered my world after Dad died. It wasn't normal grief. I felt suspended in time, an old vinyl record skipping in place."
My book 10 of #220for2020 #RoccasReads2020
December 5, 2016
Not really what I was expecting, but an interesting memoir. Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction, and Sherry Gore's life seems to have had a lot of that. Not really much of an explanation on why she chose plain Christianity, besides that she liked Anabaptist doctrine, I guess. Not sure that I would recommend this one, but she writes well and I enjoyed reading her story.
April 11, 2019
This book was not what I was expecting. It really did not talk much about the day to day life of being Amish. It is really a testimony of sorts, since it is published by Zondervan it is not really that big of a surprise. While the book is inspiring, it is a bit preachy. It was only a 6 part audiobook, so I just kept going.
May 7, 2019
Inspiring
Thank you! I couldn't put it down. I am so pleased you are home and braced. Your writing is a brace to others and your daughter's faith shines through in your words. I feel so blessed that you shared her and your life with us all. Keep writing, you remind us we choose daily and we are in good company.
Thank you! I couldn't put it down. I am so pleased you are home and braced. Your writing is a brace to others and your daughter's faith shines through in your words. I feel so blessed that you shared her and your life with us all. Keep writing, you remind us we choose daily and we are in good company.
January 19, 2020
I found this book interesting. I feel it read like a friend telling me stories about her past. I respect her faith and dedication to follow God, but I felt bad for the children being moved around here to there.
I think her life is more Mennonite than Amish, but I'm definitely not an expert. Just very glad she has found a place and life that works for her and her family, and that Glorifies God!
I think her life is more Mennonite than Amish, but I'm definitely not an expert. Just very glad she has found a place and life that works for her and her family, and that Glorifies God!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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