Sue Bender

Based on the description, I had thought this book was about a woman who literally became Amish, but actually the author just stays for a couple of several-weeks-long visits and talks about what she learned from them.

The writing itself is very simple and calm, making this an easy read, but the book wasn't exceptional in any way.

"A tyranny of lists engulfed me. The lists created the illusion that my life was full." p 6

"The women moved through the day unhurried. There was no rushing to finish so they could get on to the 'important things.' For them, it was all important." p 48

… (mere)

PLAIN and SIMPLE, A Woman’s Journey to the Amish, by Sue Bender (pp 149). Ms Bender, an artist, grew enamored of Amish Quilts, and wondered about their creators. In time, she decided to live with the Amish, spending two several-week stays with two different families over the course of several years. As anyone visiting a new and radically community, the author observed and (gently) judged the seemingly simple (non-tech) ways of the people who took her in. It’s easy to be critical of her observations, but I think it’s natural to compare and contrast what you know with what you don’t know. Ms Bender came to know, love, and respect the very different lifestyle of the Amish, and much of her book describes her experiences, and how what she learned changed her life and her art. This was, for me, a confirmation of wanting/needing to visit and live among different people and in different cultures. Only by seeing how others live, understand how and why they think what they do (as best one can), and thereby stretch yourself, can one truly understand oneself. The author includes some conclusions, but I think they can be jettisoned without harming the book. This little volume is an excellent tool for looking at one’s self, and possibly prompting the reader to put themselves in a new societal environment to explore their own way of life. And, if you like to quilt, that alone might be a good reason to read this book.… (mere)