Amish Women: Lives and Stories

by Louise Stoltzfus

Written by a woman who grew up in an Old Order Amish community and church, Amish Women: Lives and Stories offers a gentle, lyrical inside view of Amish womanhood. How are Amish women unique? How are they typical? How do they find expression in a place that values community togetherness above all else? This generous and heartwarming memoir explores these questions to discover what it means to be a woman and to be Amish. Meet Naomi whose favorite author is C.S. Lewis. Rebecca who is single and has a career. Susie who is an artist. And Esther who has lost two children and spends much of her time reaching out to other members of her community who have suffered loss. Louise Stoltzfus gathered her stories through a series of interviews and conversations with Amish women, many of whom she has known most of her life.

Genres: Amish, Nonfiction, Religion

123 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 1969

Reviews

[Vikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are true stories of Amish women. This is a very good book. Stoltzfus made these women come to life in the book. I loved it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Old Order Amish seem like they are cut from one pattern. Growing up Amish Louise Stoltzfus knows this isn't true. If it was her purpose to show that each person is uniquely different she accomplished her goal. Insightful and interesting Amish Women: Lives & Stories tells a different story.

[Vaishali · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inside look at the secret lives of this highly secretive, close-knit, traditional society. Amish women open up about their simple, charming lives in this cute, interesting compilation of family interviews.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very enjoyable, quick read. Favorite quote from the book, talking about an Amish friend, "She refuses to get caught up in the world's philosophies- the hope of progress- or in, what seems to her, the misguided belief that new creations and inventions always provide better opportunities."

[Inhabiting Books]

A loving, intimate look at a few selected Amish Women, mostly in their own words, by a former member of their order.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, easy, one-evening read. Interesting stories about Amish women and how they are not "cookie cutter," but have their own individual passions, interests, hopes, and desires. One of the women profiled works at a genetic clinic; one is a water color artist; one loves C. S. Lewis. All have something to offer. I did not care for the author's tendency to use one-sentence paragraphs, but I did enjoy her writing.

[Marissa Rapone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories of the lives of women who choose to be in the world, but not "of the world". Wisdom in simplicity, and finding goodness in your backyard.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little too simple writing style for me, but it was very interesting and endearing to Amish women. I’ll keep it around and maybe share with the granddaughters one day.

[Kaye Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful

[Cynthia Hager · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a delightful glimpse into the Amish culture of today. It shares stories of women who are a blessing in the lives of their community and beyond.

[Erin Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

quickly skimmed this, always quite fascinating to me, dare i say inspiring

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an excellent book if someone is interested in the Amish women.
It is a small collection of interviews and anecdotes of Amish women. The book is a simple, cleanly written work, giving the reader a taste of what life is like for Amish women. It is, however, just that: a taste. There is no depth to this book. It almost seems as if it were a work published by a vanity press operation. It is more like a book one would write and then have printed up in order to give it to friends and family. There is really not too much to it, and it has a certain affectation about it. It piques one's interest

[Alicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

An Amish woman who chose to live 'in the world' gathers stories from Amish women still living within the Amish community. They were interesting. I liked the perspective and getting a glimpse into real people's lives.

[Tuscany Bernier · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute, short read on what it's like to be an Amish woman! A rare insight into the Amish community: their struggles, their successes, and their interests. A nice read to change up the day a little. :)

[Jennifer (bookshelfwhisper) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book contains several stories by Amish women on what their daily routine looks like. It shows positive and negative aspects to their lives and gives a concise insight into what it means to be Amish.
I also liked the style in which it is portrayed.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After visiting a bit of the Amish area in PA, this was an interesting behind the scenes look at the women of the culture.

[Hilda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting and easy to read; different perspective of the Amish community as seen through the eyes of the women; author was raised Amish but isn't Amish anymore

[Chade66 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been fascinated by the Amish and they way they choose to live their lives. This was an interesting look inside, written by an insider.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this quick glimpse into the lives of Amish women-written by a former Amish women who is supportive of their culture.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

peaceful-neat lifestyle and philosophy

[Beth Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like stories of the Amish and this author WAS Amish but now lives a secular life in typical society. It was cool to see things thru her eyes since she knew both sides.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing. I had hoped for much more insight into the life of the Amish.

[Patty Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be an interesting peek into the lives of Amish women.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful stories of real women living thier unique life as Amish.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating. Good to have something written by someone on the inside of this community.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insights from Amish women.