Honduras or Bust! Susan’s review of My Amish Childhood by Jerry Eicher

I have mixed reviews for Jerry Eicher’s latest non-fiction book, My Amish Childhood – A True Story of Faith, Family, and the Simple Life.
Eicher tells of his travels as a young boy from the Aylmer Amish Settlement in Canada to new, uncharted lands in Honduras. The novel is filled with page after page of stories of when he was a young boy. There are tales of hardship, racism and Amish ingenuity. He also writes frankly of his challenge with his own stuttered speech.
I went into this novel, eyes wide open, anxious to hear the REAL stories of the Amish. I was disappointed. The details of Honduras were interesting (their beliefs, values and traditions), but it does not seem that the reader really gets a glimpse into Amish life. Additionally, this novel only chronicles his eight years in Honduras and nothing else. I found myself wondering what living in Canada was like, before they moved to Honduras and what their reentry into a United States Amish settlement was like. I will say though that his account of his salvations was gripping and very touching.
I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I would recommend it, as I know of no other book like it. However, prepare yourself to take your time while reading, as I did not find it to be a quick read (even through it was 251 pages long.)
Thank you, Mr. Eicher, for showing us “Amishophiles” a different take on what your Amish childhood was like.

 

 

Susan Ferrell and her husband make their home in the Atlanta Metro area. Although Susan struggles with chronic migraine headaches, she stays very busy as a stay-at-home mom to one very precocious 5-year old. While catching her breath, she feeds her Amishaholic tendencies by reading vast amounts of Amish literature!