Growing Up Amish

Growing Up Amish

by Ira Wagler

I can't say I had ever read a memoir from someone who had been a "real" Amish person, before I read this book. I was intrigued to find out from someone on the inside, what really goes on in the Amish community. 

Ira Wagler grew up in an Amish community in Aylmer, Ontario. The 8th of 10 children, he witnessed several of his older siblings walk away from the Amish faith, but he also watched as one of his brothers became a preacher, and other siblings thrive in their Amish identities. Around the time he hit 15, Ira realized a restless spirit, an emptiness inside that spurred him on to wild behavior and leaving the Amish community 3 times. I won't give anything away, but by the end of the book, Ira has finally settled in his spirit, in his final decision of whether to stay or leave.

I liked this book. It was different from anything I have ever read. My only criticism is that it seems to drag a bit, as he's going back and forth with leaving his family and returning. I also think I would have liked to see a little more dialogue included. Much of the book is in narrative format - the author is telling the story without much dialogue. 

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Amish community - especially from someone on the inside.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."