I’m so excited about the release of my new collection: Plain and Simple Miracles. These stories are very near and dear to me. Brian’s Choice (a novella) is already available, and Anna’s Healing (a full length novel) will begin shipping in a few weeks. So I thought now would be a good time to DEBUNK some of the myths surrounding the Amish.

My first Amish book released in 2010. I’ve visited communities in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma since then. I’ve walked through barns, shared meals, and visited schoolhouses. Here are a few of the myths I’ve learned are not true–at least not in the places I’ve been.

1. Amish only walk or ride in buggies. Nope. I’ve seen Amish folk on bicycles and scooters. And of course they ride in cars when they’re traveling farther than a few miles.
2. Amish quilt but they don’t do any other handiwork. Wrong! I’ve seen Amish women knit and crochet as well as do some embroidery work for wedding gifts.
3. Amish homes are like a log cabin. I don’t know why I thought this! In fact, the homes I’ve been in look very similar to mine–minus carpet, curtains and electricity. Many now have modern bathrooms although the water flows slowly without an electric pump.
4. Amish don’t read. Ha! The Amish men, women, and children I’ve met love to read. Many Amish visit their local library, and they love to receive books as gifts. It’s true they stop public school at the 8th grade, but they continue learning long after that.
5. Amish are very serious, somber people. I’m sure some Amish are serious, but I’ve met many who were downright friendly, quite a few who like to tell jokes, and one or two who are real chatter-boxes.

That’s just a few of the myths I’ve found are not true. What about you? Do you have a question about the Amish? Or do you have a myth that you can bust? Leave me a comment. I’d love to hear from you.

Blessings,

V