Almost Amish by Kathryn Cushman

Today I am going to review the book Almost Amish by Kathryn Cushman. I have told you before I love Amish books. All though it is a simpler way to live it does have it's own drawbacks, mainly a lot more work.
This book is not really a normal Amish story. It is much more. I love the whole concept, reality shows have become the normal TV. Kathryn took that to a whole new level with her book. I just loved it. I could picture myself in there trying so hard to do what needed to be done and failing at every turn.

Julie, as favor to her sister-in-law, consents to appear in a televison reality show, Almost Amish. She feels like her life is out of control and welcomes a chance for a simplier way of life. She convinces her two teenagers to go with her for the summer.

Susan, a divorcee, is trying to prove to herself what a wonderful wife, mother, and homemaker she really is. She is a Type A perfectionist and is thrilled with the chance of showing America all of her homemaking skills. She has written a book and her whole future depends on this show. She too drags her teenager along.

I can't imagine most teens would be quite so easily taken out in the middle of nowhere without their cells, ipods, and videogames. These teens agree to it and are forced to wear horrible clothes, walk or ride in buggies, and do school through the summer.

I love the fact that Julie, who is surrounded by a husband and sister-in-law with OCD tendencies and  are perfectionists, can barely manage her home but is more than willing to do what they ask of her. I see many of my own mistakes in Julie. She doesn't know when to say no and struggles with all of the distractions in life.  Before the show she was so busy she couldn't get anything done now she struggles through this adventure hoping to find her true gift. As she watches Susan struggle trying to please everyone on the crew, especially a munipulating producer, and literally works herself until she is ready to blow up, she finds an inner strength and determination that changes her world.

I love what these two women learn about themselves, their children, and each other. It was just a great book. I can't help but wonder how many of us do the same thing. Does God just watch us from heaven and shake His head at why we make everything so difficult? We get so caught up in our every day lives that we have no clue what we are doing to ourselves and our families. Distractions are one of the main tools the devil uses to destroy our homes, our marriages, and our families. How can we hear His voice when the whole world is pulling us in the other direction.

I truly loved this book. I hope you will get a copy of it and learn there is more to this life than struggling to survive. You can learn more about the book or buy it at www.kathryncushman.com. Please check it out.
God bless you.