Judy Stavisky

This book is almost an encyclopedia of Amish life! Author Judy Stavisky shares the wealth of knowledge that she gained during the time she spent with a group of Amish women in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. She provided them with transportation, they offered her an in-depth view of their lives, and the result of this old-fashioned bartering experiment is a fascinating resource that's full of intriguing information and beautiful photographs! It's filled with facts about the Amish: their faith, work ethic, and education. I enjoyed reading about Amish schools and Amish weddings, and I was fascinated by the shopping strategies of these women, but the chapter on feeding an Amish family was mind-boggling! I've often heard that Amish life is simple but Stavinsky completely shatters this myth. The daily lives of Amish women are anything but simple! Their days are long and hard but they value the path that they've chosen.

"In Plain View: The Daily Lives of Amish Women" is a must-read book for anyone who's ever had questions about the Amish way of life! I've read many Amish fiction books in the past few years and I'm also acquainted with several Amish families in my rural community, but this book gave me a fresh insight into the Amish lifestyle.

I received this book in a prize drawing. There was no obligation for a review and I am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.… (meer)

In Plain View: Amish Women at a Glance by Judy Stavisky provides information on the day to day lives of Amish families. Judy spent time with the Amish in Lancaster County to get a firsthand look at their busy lives. The book is easy to read thanks to the author’s casual writing style. She recounts the stories like she is chatting with friends. We learn about the clothing the Amish wear, where they purchase their fabric, where they do their grocery shopping, schooling, appliances, gardens, canning, and so much more. We see the complexities of their life as well as the joys. The Amish live in close knit communities where faith and family are foremost. It is a daunting task to feed a large Amish family. I cannot imagine the long, hot hours spent in a kitchen canning produce and meat. There are pictures as well. We get to see what it is like to live without modern technology (no air conditioning, microwave, dish washer, a dryer, a regular washing machine). You can tell that the author spent many hours with the Amish. It is clear that she developed friendships and respects their lifestyle. In Plain View is for anyone who is curious about the Amish and the way they live.… (meer)