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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
I've always been secretly fascinated with the lives of the Amish, probably stemming from my childhood when I came across a young adult book about a girl from that culture, and I found their lifestyle foreign and intriguing. So when I was browsing the free book selections on Amazon's Kindle website, The Shunning was being offered to Kindle readers at no cost, and I immediately downloaded it.
When I finished this book, I understood why the publishers were offering readers such a great deal. This is the first book in a series; as such, the book delved just deeply enough to grab readers' attention and endear us to the characters before ending abruptly, and with many, many unanswered questions hanging in the balance. I believe it was the intention of the publishers to hook readers enough that they'll then seek out the rest of the series.
This book is the story of a young Amish woman who has never really fit into her rigid community, and days before her wedding to a much older community bishop, she makes a discovery that changes her life. Without giving away the premise of the book (series?) this is a book examining the long-debated nature vs. nurture issue: are we who we are because it's "in our blood" or because of our upbringing?
Despite the fact that I don't appreciate being drawn in and made to find another book in order to have some questions answered, I did enjoy the reading of this book. This was a fast read, and a good "palate cleanser", if you will, between heavier books. If you enjoy stories about the Amish, you'll probably appreciate the details and level of authenticity that this book provides its readers, but be prepared to be left wanting more.
When I finished this book, I understood why the publishers were offering readers such a great deal. This is the first book in a series; as such, the book delved just deeply enough to grab readers' attention and endear us to the characters before ending abruptly, and with many, many unanswered questions hanging in the balance. I believe it was the intention of the publishers to hook readers enough that they'll then seek out the rest of the series.
This book is the story of a young Amish woman who has never really fit into her rigid community, and days before her wedding to a much older community bishop, she makes a discovery that changes her life. Without giving away the premise of the book (series?) this is a book examining the long-debated nature vs. nurture issue: are we who we are because it's "in our blood" or because of our upbringing?
Despite the fact that I don't appreciate being drawn in and made to find another book in order to have some questions answered, I did enjoy the reading of this book. This was a fast read, and a good "palate cleanser", if you will, between heavier books. If you enjoy stories about the Amish, you'll probably appreciate the details and level of authenticity that this book provides its readers, but be prepared to be left wanting more.
What do you think of when you hear the word “Amish”?? For me it was exactly like what was described in this book (possibly not as strict… seeing as how music is life) it shows that people who are raised to believe a certain way will abandon what their heart says. And before you ask, the book is better then the movie, no debate.
To be fair, this is one of Beverly Lewis's earliest works. She had undoubtedly grown as an author since. That said, I found this read to be a bit frustrating.
The characters were inconsistent and flat and the plot was extremely predictable. It isn't easy to relate to any of the characters-- especially Katie. The notion that she isn't a good Amishwoman because she wasn't born Amish (despite the fact that she was raised Plain from birth) doesn't make sense to me; her character and plight would be much more plausible if she were written younger, not as a woman in her twenties.
I am intrigued by the Amish culture and dialect, but Lewis's explanations were clumsy and forced. Sometimes her descriptions would detract from the story at hand; for example, any tension Lewis tried to build during the wedding scene (will she go through with her marriage to Bishop John?) was lost in the over-written description of the traditional foods and table settings seen at an Amish wedding.
If you're looking for a fluffy, lighthearted Christian read, look no further. If you want a book with a decent narrative, check out some of her later works. But I have absolutely no desire to continue with this particular series and would not jump to recommend this book to any of my patrons.
The characters were inconsistent and flat and the plot was extremely predictable. It isn't easy to relate to any of the characters-- especially Katie. The notion that she isn't a good Amishwoman because she wasn't born Amish (despite the fact that she was raised Plain from birth) doesn't make sense to me; her character and plight would be much more plausible if she were written younger, not as a woman in her twenties.
I am intrigued by the Amish culture and dialect, but Lewis's explanations were clumsy and forced. Sometimes her descriptions would detract from the story at hand; for example, any tension Lewis tried to build during the wedding scene (will she go through with her marriage to Bishop John?) was lost in the over-written description of the traditional foods and table settings seen at an Amish wedding.
If you're looking for a fluffy, lighthearted Christian read, look no further. If you want a book with a decent narrative, check out some of her later works. But I have absolutely no desire to continue with this particular series and would not jump to recommend this book to any of my patrons.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Although it was well written and there was a decent plot...I knew exactly what would happen by the end of the second chapter. No thing surprising happened at all. Good story still but nothing worth more then 3 stars. I think the movie would be better.
I read this for the first time in about 15 years and was surprised at the difference between her current works and this first one written over 20 years ago. She's definitely got a different style here. In many cases she tells the reader what to think about the characters' personality traits, as opposed to her later works where she leaves us to form our own opinions about them. I was really surprised by her discussion and allusions to intimacy---very much not a thing anymore. This was the first Lewis I read and I remember being fascinated by the new-to-me Amish. For all the criticism I've given her most recent works, I've got to say I've got a more positive perspective now as I believe she's definitely improved over time.
Picked up this book based on the fact that my sister has read a lot of books by Beverly Lewis and I have to say I'll be picking up more of her books.
slow-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I checked this one out of the library mainly as preliminary reading before I read Thrill of the Chaste; it is in fact not a romance novel, though many hints are there, and I’m sure the overall trilogy has more romance to it.
It was an easy read. The writing is serviceable and doesn’t get in the way of the story, which is helpful because of the slow pace. I’m not sure if I’ll pick up more from Beverly Lewis—this just isn’t among my preferred genres—but I’m happy to have read something new.
It was an easy read. The writing is serviceable and doesn’t get in the way of the story, which is helpful because of the slow pace. I’m not sure if I’ll pick up more from Beverly Lewis—this just isn’t among my preferred genres—but I’m happy to have read something new.
I loved this book with the movie tie-in. I had read the series a few years ago thought they were great, so I had to get this one. The stills were stunning (I have yet to see the movie).
The week before her wedding, Katie Lapp finds out that the people who raised her and whom she called parents are not her biological mother and father.
The day of her wedding,she runs of right before saying her vows to her husband-to-be, the bishop no-less. The results are in her getting shunned. She leaves the only home she has ever known to go and find her English birth mother, who is dying of a terminal illness.
This is a must have if you love Beverly Lewis’ books. I have added it to my bookshelf and am glad I have done so.
The week before her wedding, Katie Lapp finds out that the people who raised her and whom she called parents are not her biological mother and father.
The day of her wedding,she runs of right before saying her vows to her husband-to-be, the bishop no-less. The results are in her getting shunned. She leaves the only home she has ever known to go and find her English birth mother, who is dying of a terminal illness.
This is a must have if you love Beverly Lewis’ books. I have added it to my bookshelf and am glad I have done so.
A great start of a new series, I can’t wait to hear more about their lives. The shunning seems really harsh though.