Amish scholar Donald Kraybill takes a look at lessons the rest of the world can learn from the Amish. He opens and closes the book discussing the "riddles" of the Amish as they interact with the greater society--how they embrace some things or aspects of things but not others. Some lessons focus on the importance of community and living and working in a society that helps its neighbors. Others focus on the importance of the family and value of each member. Some show the effectiveness of their eighth grade educations in a society that wants more. Some focus on their selective use of technology and how it should not take over our lives, distracting us from things more important. Many of the lessons focus on their faith--how they take the Word of God to heart and can find strength and comfort knowing God is in control even in the midst of extreme difficulty. I appreciated the author's approach to helping non-Amish persons understand the "Plain people" and perhaps even gain some valuable insights into how society can function when we put faith in God first, valuing the family and the community. It makes me long for a simpler time in a more caring community although I won't be removing the electricity from my home anytime soon! ( )