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50 reviews for:
Almost Amish: One Woman's Quest for a Slower, Simpler, More Sustainable Life
Nancy Sleeth
3.09 AVERAGE
50 reviews for:
Almost Amish: One Woman's Quest for a Slower, Simpler, More Sustainable Life
Nancy Sleeth
3.09 AVERAGE
The author’s voice is haughty and condescending. Interesting topic, however.
Overall, I liked this book. The tips were handy and the cultural references to the Amish was interesting. Many of these tips seemed to me to be similar to the old style Mormonism practiced by my grandparents and great-grandparents. Reliance on family and community rather than technology and "stuff", being self-sufficient, not getting into debt--all things that mainstream Americans of the 21st century seem to have forgotten. I would recommend this book for anyone who may be looking for options on how to live a freer, simpler life.
Well-intentioned enough--lady wants us all to be environmentalists because we're Christians. Buy local and buy American because Jesus says to, that sort of thing. She never mentions quite how very tiny the impact of the steps she wants us to take, and some don't even seem practical. (Don't move, stay in one place.) She also never mentions how many people would have to go hungry if we all restricted ourselves to buying local. Sigh.
I'm not sure what to say about this book. Another one that wasn't bad, but wasn't great. I suppose this sounds dumb, but it was far more religious than I expected. I know, I know...it's about the Amish, a religious group. Yeah, I probably should have figured it out. Somehow, though, (probably based upon the subtitle), I expected more about simplicity, less about God. (The author, I'm sure, would argue that they are inextricably connected.)
Also, as others have said, it seems like a lot of the book was about the author's incredibly privileged life. It's fabulous that she's been able to make so many positive changes, but many (if not most) of those changes would not have been possible were it not for her husband's doctor's salary.
Not terrible, just not what I expected.
Also, as others have said, it seems like a lot of the book was about the author's incredibly privileged life. It's fabulous that she's been able to make so many positive changes, but many (if not most) of those changes would not have been possible were it not for her husband's doctor's salary.
Not terrible, just not what I expected.
Although this book was written a few years ago, everything is still poignant. The thread between the Amish and the author's Christian life is well shared and very soft to the reader. Nothing is harsh or told as a have to do this or else. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
While going completely green and off grid aren't practical things for most of us to do, there is a movement afoot these days to simplify and lessen our carbon footprint. Nancy Sleeth and her family have done this, not by becoming Amish, but by embracing Amish principles.
I really liked the 10 Amish principles that Nancy refers to throughout the book:
1. Homes are simple, uncluttered, and clean: the outside reflects the inside.
2. Technology serves as a tool and does not rule as a master.
3. Saving more and spending less bring financial peace.
4. Time spent in God's creation reveals the face of God.
5. Small and local leads to saner lives.
6. Service to others reduces loneliness and isolation.
7. The only true security comes from God.
8. Knowing neighbors and supporting local businesses build community.
9. Family ties are lifelong; they change but never cease.
10. Faith life and way of life are inseparable.
Each chapter takes one of these principles and expands on it through personal experiences of the Sleeth family and anecdotes and stories from the Amish. I found the book well written and thought-provoking. I think there are ideas and suggestions and philosophies for any reader, whether it be someone who is simply curious or someone who truly wants to live a greener life.
While I found the portrayal of Nancy's family a bit too perfect, they sound like truly good people who are making a difference in their community. I commend them for that. I liked the inclusion of recipes, some of which I am anxious to try.
I really liked the 10 Amish principles that Nancy refers to throughout the book:
1. Homes are simple, uncluttered, and clean: the outside reflects the inside.
2. Technology serves as a tool and does not rule as a master.
3. Saving more and spending less bring financial peace.
4. Time spent in God's creation reveals the face of God.
5. Small and local leads to saner lives.
6. Service to others reduces loneliness and isolation.
7. The only true security comes from God.
8. Knowing neighbors and supporting local businesses build community.
9. Family ties are lifelong; they change but never cease.
10. Faith life and way of life are inseparable.
Each chapter takes one of these principles and expands on it through personal experiences of the Sleeth family and anecdotes and stories from the Amish. I found the book well written and thought-provoking. I think there are ideas and suggestions and philosophies for any reader, whether it be someone who is simply curious or someone who truly wants to live a greener life.
While I found the portrayal of Nancy's family a bit too perfect, they sound like truly good people who are making a difference in their community. I commend them for that. I liked the inclusion of recipes, some of which I am anxious to try.
This is a book to own and live by, to me. It focuses on aspects of the Amish lifestyle and why they are successful in eliminating some of the real world problems. It's well organized and easy to read. Yes, it's religious, but not hard to swallow.
I came across this book searching my local e-library. There was a waiting list, and I threw it in my queue to see what it was about.
I agree with many other people who have reviewed this book. I WANTED to like it, I WANTED to give it a chance. I was not expecting such a preachy work from someone who claims they want to live an "Almost Amish" life. I do not feel that an Amish person would really think more of this book than I (an atheist) do. People should lead good lives by example because it makes people feel good, it makes a contribution to the world, and it is good to be good. The author misses this point. Making the world a better place solely because you think there's an award in the afterlife is not acting selflessly.
I agree with many other people who have reviewed this book. I WANTED to like it, I WANTED to give it a chance. I was not expecting such a preachy work from someone who claims they want to live an "Almost Amish" life. I do not feel that an Amish person would really think more of this book than I (an atheist) do. People should lead good lives by example because it makes people feel good, it makes a contribution to the world, and it is good to be good. The author misses this point. Making the world a better place solely because you think there's an award in the afterlife is not acting selflessly.
In this highly readable and interesting book, author Nancy Sleeth writes about ten areas in which we can all simplify our lives and incorporate more of the Amish philosophy of simplicity into our families, homes, communities and lifestyles. Sleeth explains that in our often overwhelmingly busy lives, less "stuff" would actually bring more contentment and joy. I have admired the Amish and their slower, simpler more sustainable life for some time. This book reinforced my esteem for the Amish and gave me additional ideas and insight into how to incorporate more of their Christian simplicity into my own life's journey. Excellent book. Highly recommended.