Tomorrow, the Bookman makes his third rounds of the new Amish families nearby dropping off some books. I’m meeting the children and parents, getting to know which books they have read, what kind of books they would like to read, what kinds of books their parents approve of.
So far, we are all in sync. I’m scouting books by and about the Amish and getting books for different age groups, from 6 or 7 to young adult to adult.
I told the families if there are any books they don’t like or want or find unsuitable, just leave them on a pile and I’ll come and get them.
Tomorrow’s distribution is a nice mix.
I’m bringing The First Four Years, by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little Amish Lizzie by Linda Byle (The Buggy Spoke Series), Plain and Simple; A Woman’s Journey To The Amish; Life with Lilly; the adventures of Lilly Lapp by Mary Ann Kinsinger and Suzanne Woods Fisher, and for the older girls or adults, Summer Hill Secrets, by Beverly Lewis.
Lily Lapp lives on a small Amish farm in upstate New York, the book is about her many adventures at home and school.)
I’m enjoying researching good books for the Amish children. I’m figuring it out.
We’re getting ready to go away for the weekend, so I might just drop the books off on the pastry and cookie stand they built out near the road.
I’ve got a sixth sense now about when the horses and carriages will come by outside my study window.
I’ve come to love seeing the horses trot and the Amish, swathed in their hats and scarves. I keep my camera by my keyboard all set to go. The dog’s bark first, I lift up the camera, point it, and wait. I’m faithfully adhering to my bargain.
No close-ups of faces, but the all photos I want of horses and carriage carts and wagons I’ll only be away from Thursday evening to Sunday morning, but I’ll miss those kids and those carriages.
I read many kinds of books – historical fiction. Biographies, murder mysteries, suspense, beach reads, etc. When I am in the mood for a story that showcases family life and the struggles that may go with it , I often pick up a story about the Amish. While family and God are central to their daily life, these stories often reflect the internal strife that they go through as well. Beverly Lewis is one of my favorite Amish authors. She has written many wonderful books. I am sure your new neighbors will enjoy her stories as well.
I love Plain and Simple! A beautiful book! I am enjoying your journey with the new Amish neighbors, with many lessons for us during these crazy times! Thanks, Jon! And enjoy your weekend getaway!
Kathy
Plain and Simple is a truly delightful book, one I’ve read and re-read. Another one which may or may not be interesting for your neighbors is The Oregon Trail, by Rinker Buck. Rinker Buck decided to recreate the journey of a lifetime, and
procured mules and a wagon. With his brother he learned (as a city boy) how to really travel to Oregon on the original trails. I’ve read that one many times over, as well. He encounters an Amish farm implement merchant and some Mormons who help him negotiate some very tricky trails. A most endearing book.
Plain and Simple is one of my favorite books.