Plain Wisdom

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of Plain Wisdom by Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud from WaterBrook.  In this book, Cindy and Miriam, two friends from two very different worlds - one Old Order Amish and one Englischer - share the truths that bring them together.  Woodsmall is a New York Times best-selling author of several novels about Amish life and Flaud is an Old Order Amish woman who has lived within one of the most structured societies in the United States. 

In the introduction written by Woodsmall, she says of their unique friendship:

"Our friendship has shown us that whatever culture we live in, successes are possible...and failures are inevitable, but they're never final when placed in His hands."

The chapters in the book are very short, the longest one being maybe six pages making this book one easy to read by someone busy and not able to read long portions at a time.  The chapters stand on their own also making it easy to read a small portion and then maybe not pick the book back up until a few days later.

While the content of the book is endearing and inspiring, there are many things about its organization that I really did not like.  For instance, in each chapter there is constant flipping back and forth between Woodsmall and Flaud.  I would have better liked hearing from one of the women alone in each chapter.  While the reader will learn much about the Old Order Amish way of life, by mid-way through the book, all the stories began to sound alike.

There are Amish recipes scattered throughout the book and a discussion guide is included at the end of the book.  I give this book a three star rating out of five stars.  If the things I mention in the paragraph above would not bother you, then I feel you will enjoy this book and be inspired by the amazing story of friendship between two very different people; something only the amazing grace of God can bring about.

Plain Wisdom can be purchased through the publisher, WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing.  The book will be available on March 15.  You can read an excerpt by going HERE. 

The book can also be ordered through Amazon.com by following the link bellow:














Blessings,
Jennifer