Book Review/ Giveaway: Plain Wisdom

This giveaway is now closed! Please enjoy the review.

Giveaway winner: Linda Kish

Reading “Plain Wisdom” by Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud is like sitting in their living room listening to the ladies tell stories while they go about their days. The subtitle, “An Invitation into an Amish Home and the Hearts of Two Women” is fitting. This says it all.

When I first sat down to read this book I was getting frustrated because I expected it to read like a novel. When I allowed my mind to settle in at the kitchen table or following Miriam around doing chores, I was able to read this book the way it was intended- like a conversation with a good friend. Once I figured out the key, I completely enjoyed the stories Cindy and Miriam had to tell.

I have to be honest in saying I wish the book had gone more in-depth. I have read a lot of Amish fiction, and I was hoping to hear more “secrets” of how they live their lives. What this book did do, however, was show me that the Amish portrayed in the fictional accounts are real people.They really do live the simple life that the authors describe.

This book would make a perfect introduction to women who are interested in reading Amish fiction and learning about a way of life that is becoming more and more appealing to me as the world seems to spin out of control each day. “Plain Wisdom” is a quick, enjoyable read that will give the reader something to think about. No matter how contrasting our daily lives seem, we mostly have the same values- family, faith, and friends. As long as we can hold onto those similarities, our differences just don’t seem as large.

Read an excerpt of "Plain Wisdom" by Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud here. And see author Cindy Woodsmall talk about the book here.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. All opinions are my own.

Great news! I have decided to share this book with my bloggy friends. Since I enjoy learning about the Amish culture, I figure everyone does. Right? So.... I'm giving away my copy of "Plain Wisdom" here. Enter to win by leaving a comment below. Tell me what makes you want to read this book. That's all. It's that simple! Please be sure to include your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner.

Giveaway open to U.S. residents shipping addresses only, please. Giveaway will close at 8 PM Arizona time on June 10, 2011. If the winner does not send shipping address within 48 hours of me sending an email, I will choose another winner. Good luck, and happy reading!