3 comments about The Gentle People: An Inside View of Amish Life.

1. This book was packed full of Amish informaton about day to day life and an insight into the Amish way of living. I am continually amazed at their self-discipline and consistency in everything they do.



2. I enjoyed reading "The Gentle People: An Inside View of Amish Life". I recommend this book for those who are either doing a research paper about the Amish or is interesting in the Amish life or becoming Amish. This book makes me want to live with an Amish family so I can find out if the Amish life is for me.



3. Such a good book with so much insight into the Amish world, a must read for everyone.

5 comments about Emma: A Widow Among the Amish.

1. Emma is an amazing book. The author has written an incredible book about his mother, of her strength and tragedy that occured when her husband Tobias died. I sincerely recommend this book and hope anyone who reads it will be blessed as I was.



2. Parts of this Amish novel were interesting but unless you're very much into the differences between all of the subsets of Amish churches and how they're formed you will get bored very quickly and I did.



3. The story jumps around and doesn't complete subjects leaves you hanging as to what happened here.



4. I felt like I was reading a history book. It did not hold my attention. This was one book that I did not feel obligated to finish. This coming from a person who cannot get enough of reading Amish and Mennonite fiction. This book could have been just as spell-binding as any of the fiction books if written in a better narrative style.



5. I just completed the book,"EMMA" which I finished reading in no time at all. I literally could not put the book down. I did read, "TOBIAS of the AMISH" first, which was another incredible book by the same author, who wrote about the life of his father first. I'd give each book a (5) Star rating. I have numerous books on the Amish/Mennonite people. Some are fiction, some are true life stories. "EMMA" fascinated me from beginning to end. Emma was a woman of amazing strength. She lost her husband Tobe, who died from a terrible accident at a young age & left Emma with 6 young children to raise on her own. All through her years, she carried her husband's love in her heart & that love transcended right to her children. If at any time the children needed discipline, Emma could do it with both love & respect, and in return, she got that same love & respect back from her children. Emma's faith & belief in God was rock solid & I believe it was her faith & love for her children, that got her through all the rough years she faced ahead of her on her own. She always felt God's presence in her life. I thought "EMMA" is a beautiful & poignant love story about a woman who loved her husband, both in life & in death as well. I also feel the book depicts a love story about a son who realizes what an incredible mother he had, to write this beautiful story on her life. I feel truly blessed to have read both these books & would recommend them to anyone to read & enjoy. It will captivate your heart as much as it did mine. Arlene Greve

5 comments about Think Like Jesus.

1. George Barna has put together a book that will get every believer thinking, if they would take the time to read it. Of course, when you read it, you should have your Bible right there beside you.
   
   I had never before thought in terms of a world view and a biblical world view. Makes perfect sense to me! Developing a perspective on what I see and hear while living in the world makes more sense to me when viewed through the lens of the Bible. I do not see at all, as has been suggested, that Mr. Barna is telling readers how to think. He is suggesting tools we can use in our daily walk as we make decisions on every level. The tools he suggests are supported in the Bible, but again, they are only tools and we choose when and how to use them. It takes practice and perseverance.
   
   Christians were originally known as "Followers of the Way." We cannot follow if we cannot see the road signs and these tools provide the sight needed. Again, this is a good read but needs to be read and understood in relationship to the Bible.



2. I was surprised when reading this title, for it is so much different than Barna's other works. Rather than citing statistics and displaying pie charts of religious demographics, the author describes the importance of a Biblical worldview and the basics of it. For me his words here are refreshing, offering an insight into Barna's own heart and mind.
   
   Barna here is straightforward, easy-to-follow, and extremely relevant. I recommend this book highly to anyone wanting to understand the basics of what it means to have a Biblical worldview. In short, it means to "Think Like Jesus!"



3. I liked this book, and would recommend the first 3 chapters to anyone. It's also an interesting study to use in preaching. The premise is basically "unlike the rest of us, mature Christians actually walk the walk." He then defines maturity along doctrinal lines ("think like Jesus"), as described in other reviews. However, I wasn't completely convinced that he was sampling mostly mature Christians, as I think maturity isn't so easily quantified. But it was certainly an interesting book; it got me thinking and I'd like to see more research done in this direction. I'd recommend it.



4. I must say that the statistics and research presented - though sparse - was interesting; however, I left the book with the feeling that I hadn't really learned to "Make the Right Decision Every Time" or "Think Like Jesus". Instead, I felt that I had learned how not to think like Jesus. In other words, the book seemed to teach me more about what would be thinking unlike Jesus than the opposite.
   
   Unlike some negative reviews here, I don't have a problem with calling sin sin and saying that there is evil in the wold (like Jesus did and does - by the way). However, I also believe that there is some truth in that Jesus would certainly have those suffering around the world on his mind and this book seemed to place littl fous on that.
   
   In the end, I don't think it's one of Barna's best, but I'd still recommend reading it once your finished reading the other books that you feel are of more immediate importance.



5. While this book won't make you turn the pages so fast you'll have to read it in two days you will find the statistics interesting and very useful in dialogue with Christian brothers and sisters.
   
   The Christian Worldview Statistics are eye opening and are cause for great concern within the Christian community. Barna merely exposes the myth that America is a Christian nation, when we are really a pagan nation, worshipping ourselves.
   
   Read this and be enlightened the the truth of modern day Laodicea, that is the United States.

5 comments about Amish Society.

1. This was the most informative book on the Amish lifestyle that I have found. The author opens up the life of the amish to his readers. It is easy to understand. He takes you through the history, culture and beliefs. I have a deeper respect for the amish and understanding of their customs since purchasing this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like a look into a different way of life. This book opened my eyes and my heart to respecting the amish lifestyle and their privacy.



2. I have studied Amish culture and mores for some time out of both interest, admiration, and other motivations. And nowhere have I found a better resource than this book. That the author was himself raised Amish only lends to the credible nature of this book. But more importantly is the concise and thorough manner in which this book presents its truths and dispells rumors and myths. It served to take many of many of the half truths that I had known of the amish and complete them as no other resource has yet done. I heartily recommend this book. And it was a rather easy read, not bogged down by language. I finished it in a few days.



3. I purchased this book to educate myself for an upcoming vacation to Pennsylvania Dutch country. I had a basic understanding of Amish beliefs and cultures, but was totally astounded at the differences between the sects. Mr. Hostetler provides first-hand knowledge that no one else has in any other book I've read pertaining to the Amish & Mennonites.



4. After reading Brad Igou's "The Amish: In Their Own Words" I then came to this book by Hostettler - and am glad I did. This book "fills in" the portrait of the Amish by providing a very clear, readable, though factual history of the Amish "progression", if you will. With the Amish existence being much more fragmented than many people think as they lump them all under the term "Amish", this book really brings about an enlightened understanding of the range of the sects and their relation to each other and "the outside World" over the course of their development. It also offers the reader a very gracious, very real portrayal of the Amish that, thankfully, dispels many of the traditional misconceptions about these kind and earnest people.



5. Very informative book. Definitely not a light read but will leave you with a good understanding of the Amish. Without doubt, it is the first book to read when starting your study of these fascinating people.

5 comments about The Postcard (Amish Country Crossroads #1).

1. I got this book because I'd read a few of Beverly Lewis' books and enjoyed them. I was not disappointed!
   
   This story begins with a tragedy- and the main character is trying to cope with it. Then suddenly, a stranger steps into their life and starts uncovering a dark family secret.
   Meet Rachel, who was widowed at an early age because of a driving accident.
   Meet her daughter Annie, a rambunctious, talkative 6-year-old girl who always manages to say the wrong thing at the wrong time!
   Meet Susanna, Rachel's overprotective mother. She's determined to have Rachel find her "hidden gift" and will go to any length to accomplish that.
   And finally, meet Philip. He's a writer for a magazine, and he's on a mission. But he never dreamed that he'd be on this mission!
   
   A tale of suspense and mystery that is worth reading! Can't wait to read the sequel!



2. Hear the story of Adele Herr. And watch it change the lifes of a Amish widower and and Fancy New York City man.



3. This is realy good -the way she brings the past and the present together in this story.what talent!YOu will love it.Nadia Rehmani



4. This is a great book of love . It tell's you and showes you how love can live through any thing . How a old postcard can reach through time and bring happiness and love to the finders of the postcard. And relief to the the person who recieved it .Beverly Lewis really out did herself.



5. Book was OK, but the books by Cindy Woodsmall are ALOT better, and seem more acurate.

5 comments about Plain and Simple: A Woman's Journey to the Amish.

1. This book is a very fast read but perhaps a bit misleading in its intentions. Or perhaps it's more that I felt misled about the contents. Either way, this book wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but it is still a nice, quiet little book that discusses the Amish lifestyle and its effect on the author.
   
   Sue Bender became fascinated with the Amish way of life during the 1980s and eventually found her way into the homes of two separate Amish families in order to experience more of their culture. She spends a good deal of time explaining how her journey is an analogy for the Amish quilts she admires. While the premise of the book is interesting, Bender lets us know as we read that her fascination is also a personal spiritual journey into more meaning for her own chaotic life. Expecting to find more on the day to day life of the Amish, I was let down when Bender chose to focus more on herself. However, the parts that do describe the Amish lifestyle are objective and well-done, and Bender shares her surprise at the many things the Amish actually can do within their community. Her visits do sound delightful, and she did seem to receive the peace she was looking for.
   
   If you are hoping for a book that delves into the Amish community and allows us as outsiders to see and understand the inner workings, this book only partially does that. However, overall it's an interesting little book that is heavy on personal feeling and light on the Amish.



2. I felt this was an extremely well written and moving little book, and I have recommended it to many friends. In fact, I bought copies and sent them out. It made you stop and think about your own life and how we complicate and prioritize.



3. I bought this book because it was mentioned in another book I was reading. I have always had an interest in the Amish from an anthropological point of view and this was not a disappointment at all. Sue Bender runs across antique Amish quilts and is fascinated by their unique simple designs and bold colors. For years she has her contacts on the look out for more examples of this beautiful "art" that is so functional. Then she discovers the "faceless" dolls that Amish mothers make for their daughters. The dolls have no facial features because the Amish proscribe to the "no graven image" commandment very strictly. She was delighted with the doll sent to her by an Amish woman with whom she started a correspondence. She then decided she wanted to live among the Amish for a time. She was told they would not take her in; however, a small ad in an Amish paper elicited a response from a family willing to have her live with them for a time. So her journey began. Her impressions did not always fit with her romantic illusions of the "simple" life and she learned much. After several weeks, she goes home to digest what she has learned. Then, she decides to go back and try the experiment again with a different (very different) family. She learns even more. All stereotypes are mostly shattered as she lives with a midwife, her large family and her chiropractor sister and she leaves much richer (emotionally) than when she arrived.
   
   I enjoyed this volume very much. It had an excellent layout and is a fast read. The impressions are honest and introspective and Ms. Bender is kind enough to wrap the most important lessons learned into a nine-patch quilt for us at the end. There are many fine ideas we can take with us at the conclusion of the story not the least of which is how much we have in common with the Amish as opposed to how different we are. It's a book I will return to again and again for insight.



4. After Sue Bender forcefully insinuates herself into an Amish home, she proceeds to criticize and judge the family. She comments on their "bad choices" - chief among them in my view is their decision to let her into their home. She is rude, condescending, preachy and shrill. She eats the family's food and then criticizes both the food and the woman who prepares it for her. She demands fabric for a "craft project" and then kvetches when her host doesn't respond. She proceeds to purchase 1/8 of a yard from 25 bolts of fabric from a polite storekeeper. I looked up halfway into this book and told my husband "God, I hate this woman". I hated this book too. The book mostly focuses on the author, not the Amish community that she invades. We learn that the author is self-absorbed and shallow with a healthy sense of entitlement. The author's fixation on the Amish "faceless" dolls is telling - they represent her void of self-awareness. More disturbing than the book is the biography listing the author as a "therapist".



5. I received this wonderful book as a surprise gift. Knowing very, very little about the Amish and certainly never having read about them before, I was fascinated by the glimpses of their lives offered by the author.
   I believe that the title is incorrect or at least, misleading. From the first pages of the book, I was under the impression that the book was about quilts and the journey with the quilt not a book about the Amish or women in general.
   I am surprised that so many reviewers were annoyed by Ms Bender. Even though I did not always like what she wrote, I appreciate her frank and honest comments, which at times read like a private diary.
   Is it necessary to love the personality of an author, or more to the point, may we simply enjoy writing for writing's sake and overlook the personality of the author?

5 comments about The Brethren (Annie's People Series #3).

1. I listend to the other 2 books on CD, which I checked out from the library. My Library did not have the last book so I just had to buy it and find out what happened to Annie, Louisa, and Esther. This book what not as good at the other two. The conclusion to this series went way too fast. I would like to have seen the charaters developed a little more, explaining their feelings and creating a little bit more suspense. I needed to find out what happened to the characters because I was hook by the first two books. If this would have been my first Beverly Lewis book it would have been my last.



2. In this third book of the series, Annie Zook is now living with Esther who is banned for taking the Lord Jesus as her personal savior and friend. After Preacher Zook found Annie in the front seat with her boyfriend Ben's car, it was too unbearable living at home. Moving in with Esther was a good choice, and besides Annie was there to help with the children.
   
   Ben Martin after having left in the last book back to Kentucky, discovers a horrible secret that he is adopted and his parents never told him. He discovers he was kidnapped at age 4, and left unattended until someone found him alone. This is devastating to Ben, and he wants to know the whole story of what really happened. So he travels back to Annie and Pennsylvania, trying to find his memories from way back then.
   
   Zeke, Esther's husband, is very unwell mentally. He has a breakdown over his brother Isaac of whom he never did know what happened 16 years ago. Zeke is convinced that he himself killed him. So he calls the police to turn himself in when they come to arrest him. That is only until they find out the real story here. Surprisingly, the body of the person that was dug up from the last book was not Isaac's but those of a little girl. After a lot of searching, it looks as though Isaac is not dead, but very much alive someplace. And when this story line draws to a climax, it is a REAL shocker.
   
   Louisa went back to modern life in Colorado, but she still misses the Amish terribly and being with Annie-and Sam her newfound love there. While going back to her art students is nice at home, she still dreams of Sam. Michael, her rich former fiance wants to start over again, and is just begging Louisa to come back into his life. But Louisa can't quite do that-and knows in her heart she doesn't want Michael and longs for Sam.
   
   When Ben tries to get Annie to commit to their relationship in the book, Annie longs to do that. But the problem there is that Annie against her father's wishes again, wants to turn modern, and Ben wants to turn plain. Not only that, but Annie longs to return to her art, and she won't be able to do that living Amish, and if she marries Ben who wants to turn plain and join her father's church.
   
   Annie and her father have a real time. Preacher Zook actually seems like he hates his daughter and won't hear of anything she has to say. Not only that, but Rev. Jeese seems to favor his sons so much more.
   
   The whole story is the best one yet and all life issues within this community of Amish and Modern alike resolve in one way or another.



3. I love all of Beverly Lewis' books, and this is no exception. This is the third book in her latest series. I never thought I'd enjoy reading fiction about Amish people. I like to read fast-paced, exciting stories, and these books don't exactly fall into that category. Until I got used to her style of writing, it was a little slow-going. After a while I found myself becoming so involved in the story developing that I couldn't put the books down. I always look forward to the next new one. I'm hooked!



4. 
   
   In The Brethren, the third and final book in the Annie's People series, Beverly Lewis continues to give her readers what they have found irresistible in her previous best-selling books. Set amongst the Amish in Paradise, Pennsylvania , the book opens with main character Annie Zook at odds with her strict father, preacher Jesse Zook, and living away from home. The fact that she has chosen to stay with her banned friend Essie (Esther Hochstetler) to help look after Essie and Zeke's four children while Zeke is being held in jail after confessing to a murder makes the rift all the more galling to the elder Zook.
   
   As is typical in Lewis's books, more than one serpent has found its way into the Amish paradise. Under the settlement's idyllic surface are misunderstandings, grudges, and secrets that even strict rules and authoritarian leaders can't keep hidden forever. The result is a twisty plot that raises questions like did Zeke actually commit that murder, who is Ben Martin really, and will Annie make peace with her father and remain a plain woman or follow her heart to pursue her beloved art and become the fancy wife of her English beau?
   
   Characters play an important part in this story. (As someone who hasn't read the first two books in the series, I must admit the large cast of them, many of whom were introduced in earlier volumes, had me a little confused, though with close attention I got them all straight.) Main character Annie is a vital young woman who doesn't always understand herself, is impulsive and strong willed yet hard-working, thoughtful, and kind. Zeke, in his mentally disturbed state is an interesting study. Preacher Jesse Zook seems the most complex character. While unyielding in his rigid stance toward Annie, he is demonstrably tender with his wife and shows a largeness of character at the end of the book that took me by surprise. Off-site characters Lou and Ben provide an interesting non-Amish viewpoint of Paradise.
   
   The setting is also integral to these books about the Amish. Lewis, obviously familiar with their home and farm routines, describes these in satisfying detail, giving readers a sense of living in this picturesque and simple place. Yet even here progress is making inroads - though the juxtaposition of cell phones and automobiles with Amish life did feel a little bizarre. Lewis introduces just enough Amish-isms into the conversation of her Paradise characters ("Wonderful gut," "purty," "Ain't so" etc) to keep them feeling authentic throughout.
   
   Romance is woven through this book, as is the exploration of other relationships - parent-child and husband-wife. The ability and willingness of the Amish to forgive is a theme that plays a big part in the resolution of several of the story's threads. As is typical in Lewis's books, the Christian faith and its outworking is also a theme that remains front and center. In The Brethren there is a clash of the Amish belief system versus beliefs more in sync with a personal and literal interpretation of the Bible. Various characters risk being misunderstood and even banned by turning to evangelical ways. In the end, Lewis seems to come down on the side of having both - the outward simple lifestyle plus a personal though secret faith, as expressed by Annie and her beau: "They'd made a secret pact, vowing to live out their days with their eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus."
   
   If you've read the other two book in this series, The Preacher's Daughter and The Englisher, you'll not want to miss this conclusion to the story. If you haven't read any Beverly Lewis before, this book is certainly representative of her popular storytelling style - a style that has seen previous books in this series, and this one, achieve a place on such prestigious bestseller lists as The New York Times and USA Today.
   
   Violet Nesdoly
   http://vnesdoly.blogspot.com/



5. If you're an adoptive parent, or an adopted child, there's a good chance this book will really insult you. There are several mentions of Ben's endeavor to find his "real family," i.e., the Amish people he was taken from. The overall portrayal of his search is like a return to his purer self, his true self. What the bleep? So adoptive families are not true families? Adoptive parents are just secondary mother and fathers, not nearly as good as the biological ones?
   
   I found that part of the plot very narrowminded and ignorant. I suppose it served as a device by which Ben and Annie could finally be together, without her leaving her People altogether. But this really bothered--no, DISTURBED--me.
   
   I bought this book in a grocery store in an isolated mountain community, because my husband and I were staying in a cabin in the middle of nowhere with not much to do. There wasn't much selection, so I picked it up. I am not Christian, but I am openminded to it and didn't mind all the heavy religious overtones and messages. The book had me wanting to find out what would happen, and keep turning the page. But the part about Ben being reunited with the people whom he truly belongs with--what malarkey. It completely ruined it for me.
   
   There are too many kids in need of good homes, and too many people aching for children but unable to conceive so wanting to adopt; we don't need this BS mindset being spread that blood is thicker than water. Anyone is lucky to be raised in a good home with a loving family--no matter what DNA is in common.

5 comments about Lose It for Life.

1. Lose It for Life is a wonderful program that not only deals with the physical issues of overeating but also concentrates on such factors as emotional, mental, and spiritual variables related to weight loss to help readers achieve permanent results. I would highly recommend this book.



2. This book will change your life in understanding the reason why one eats. You will lose weight for the right reasons and Steve Arterburn will not even tell you a diet to follow. You will get to the real reason why eat through spriritual , mental, emotional and physical understanding.



3. I have enjoyed several of Stephen Arteburn's other books, so I had pretty high expectations for this one. And I was VERY surprised that this book actually EXCEEDS my expectations. Like some other "God-based" weight-loss books, Stephen talks about how God can meet emotional needs that we currently meet with food. But this book takes it so much further by making the entire topic relatable to guys like me...guys struggling with weight issues as well as spiritual issues.
   
   BUT, Stephen talks about the subject in a way that makes it MUCH easier to integrate these ideas into day-to-day life. With the clear-cut science presented by Dr. Linda backing up everything Stephen talks about, this book is a WINNER, for sure.



4. This book helps you get to the bottom of why people over-eat. Since television is flooded with weight loss products and machines, this is the one book that will solve the problem without special diets or expensive machines. Very thought provoking.



5. I'm not finished reading this book yet but it is a terrific read. It is very supporting of people and their feelings about self in eveything in life including why we overeat. There is Bible quotes and reminders of God's love for each and everyone of us. I recomend it for eveyone!

5 comments about The Quilter's Daughter (Daughters of Lancaster County, Book 2).

1. the abrupt and overly contrived happy ending left much to be desired...but then so did the entire book....too much dull dialogue....the only interesting part of the story was just left dangling...Linda and Jim and little Jimmy were totally not addressed at the end of the book....



2. She has once again written her book as a peice of the puzzle to all her others.Just as if she is quilting,which I love.PLease read this book.Don't miss this one. Nadia N.Rehmani-check out my book here also-Sharper Than A Two Edged Sword



3. I found this book an interesting read. It is very imformative about the Amish people, occasionaly using some of their Pennslyvania-Dutch dialect in the text.
   
   It is the story of a young Amish women that has to decide between going to help her pregnant 47 year old mother in Pennslyvania or staying in Ohio with her soon to be husband. Then, a double tragedy stikes and leaves Abby in ruins. It tells about how she copes with these events and about how she recovers.
   
   For people who want an uplifting read full of action, I would not recommend this book. It has a lot of depressing moments, but that makes it a lot more real than having Abby's life go on with no troubles at all. The ending leaves you hanging a little bit, but it's a good book over all.



4. Once you've read Part 1, you must read Part 2. Wanda Brunstetter brings to life the Amish community as you've never heard it told before. She is detailed and fresh in her tales of everyday life in Amish country. When you finish one book, you have to have the next one available to continue with her saga. I recommend any of her books to anyone who wants to read a good, wholesome family story. You follow her characters from book to book and share in their plain Christian lifestyle leaving your "fancy" ways behind, at least for the moment. I cannot say enough good about Mrs. Brunstetter's books.



5. when i bought the book,i didn't think i would like it.but it was well written and very hard to put down.she weaved so many smaller stories into the larger one,you feel for all the people,like you really know them.i loved this book.i can't wait to read more of her stuff.

5 comments about Strategic Management of Health Care Organizations (5th Edition).

1. I used this text for a class in health care management. I was impressed by the readability of the text, the incredible amount of information it contained, and the great balance of theory with practical approaches. Many books about management are a bit short in the area of practical tools. This one gives you tools to work with. I used the outline of this book to do a strategic analysis of an organization with which I work. The only significant weakness of the book is the uneven quality of the case studies. These were contributed by outside authors. Some of these are terrific, others are not well written and not so helpful. Hope this gets corrected in the new edition.



2. I was fortunate enough to be a student of Linda Swaynes @ UNC Charlotte. We were the first class to use this book. Not only was Ms. Swayne excellent at what she taught but the book was a tool that explained the theories in nice detail. I continue to use the book as a resource. I am currently a hospital CEO.



3. I would highly recommend this book. It is easy to read, methodical in approach and provides a balance of relevant theory and application. A useful resource for any healthcare organization expanding its services within existin country or beyond.
   Thanks extended to the authors...I look forward to other additions!!!



4. This is an outstanding book. While naturally oriented to strategic management of health care it is also a comprehensive framework to strategic management in general. The book's layout is that of a university textbook but it is also written in an enjoyable style. I read this book as a practitioner and not a formal student and found it extremely readable and helpful. The authors present both conceptual and practical tools for strategic management.



5. Book came fast and was brand new - free 2 day shipping and the book has a lot of great information for healthcare organizations - The cases are fantastic and provide great real life situations.