Book Review: The Choice
I just read a new book called The Choice (Book 1 of the Lancaster County Secrets) by Suzanne Woods Fisher, an author familiar with Amish life. Many of the authors family members are living in the Amish community, and the intent of the Lancaster County Secrets is to detail the similarities and differences within this religious lifestyle. In the first book of this series, Carrie, the main character, experiences many trials and decisions living as a young Amish woman.
The book is captivating as the story evolves and Carrie faces decisions influenced by her Amish lifestyle. Author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings her readers into a cultural experience complete with rituals, clothing diversification and family meals. The Amish setting is unique to the story and makes this book enjoyable to read, from beginning to end.
In the story, we read about prayer caps, baptism, evening meals, prayer life and marriage from the Amish perspective. A few times, the characters speak in the Amish language, and the author translates this into English for the reader. The setting includes homes without electricity, carriages and horses, and a barn raising in contrast to the modern hospital, automobiles and even celebrities. As we read the book, we experience the setting from both sides of the religious fence! As you read the story, Carrie matures from a young women involved in forbidden love, into a mature woman leading her family through difficult decisions and challenges. Non-Amish characters in the story are referred to as “the English.” They bring technology into this setting, as the Amish characters face the English characters and reveal their personal strengths and weaknesses.
I enjoyed reading this book and found it captivating, reading it in just a few days. The setting and characters are colorful and unique, capturing my attention. The plot was interesting and with each chapter, a new turn of events! My only disappointment in the book is the number of characters involved-so many in fact, that I had to re-read the first two chapters until I could identify the characters. Later in the series and the story, each of these characters become important and memorable. The book is entertaining and memorable, and I look forward to reading the entire series from this author.
The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher is available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. I received an advanced copy of the book from the publisher, for my participation in the book review.
