The Puzzles of Amish Life (People's Place Book No. 10)
"Kraybill answers them with his full authority but always personably, straightforwardly, and at sufficient length to be richly informative. As in his longer text, he shows that the Amish are not as rigid as is often thought and that the durability of their way of life constitutes a critique of and a challenge to the greater American society within which, 'despite their shortcomings, they have created a social order in which human contentment flourishes.'" - Booklist "A stream of good books flows from Good Books in Intercourse, Pennsylvania. This simple explanation of Amish practices comes from a leading academic Amish-watcher who knows how to write for a broad public." - The Christian Century "Highly recommended for a wide audience, from teens to adults who have questions about and a special interest in the Amish." - The Midwest Book Review "This amply illustrated little book is an excellent interpretive introduction to the Amish. For people desiring more information, one can recommend Kraybill's more scholarly companion volume, The Riddle of Amish Culture." - Mennonite Life "To many outsiders, the Amish way of life seems to be a morass of contradictions that can't be seen as upholding any religious principles. Telephones are not allowed in houses but appear at the end of farm lanes; Amish can't own cars but often hire cars and drivers; some uses of electricity are acceptable but others are not, and so on.        "Basically, Kraybill says that one reason the Amish survive is their ability to compromise with modern life. '. . . the bargains strike a delicate balance between the forces of tradition and the sway of progress. The Amish are willing to change, but not at the expense of communal values and ethnic identity. They are willing to use modern technology, but not when it disrupts family and community stability. The cultural compromises, rather than foolish contradictions, are negotiated deals that preserve key Amish values and, at the same time, permit selective modernization.'" - Pennsylvania "In The Puzzles of Amish Life, Donald B. Kraybill explains the more perplexing aspects of Amish life." - St. Anthony Messenger "If you are the least bit interested in these people who seem to be left over from another, more peaceful time, this book is a must.        "Be warned though: A lot of your romantic ideas about these folks will be shattered-clothing styled in traditional patterns but made from synthetic materials, vinyl flooring, formica counters, and colorful gas stoves and ranges really upset any image!" - New York-Pennsylvania Collector