Monday, January 17, 2011

Why I Left the Amish - Book Review & Giveaway

 


Part One

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review Saloma Miller Furlong's new book Why I Left the Amish. Saloma is a lovely friend I met through blogging, and I am honored to share the review today. Thursday's post will feature Part Two with Saloma with an interview and another opportunity to enter to win a copy of her book.

Why I Left the Amish

Saloma Miller's life may have looked idyllic from the outside, but in reality, it was not. You might say that her family was dysfunctional and then some. Many people probably think that Amish society is mostly hard work, sunshine, and a peaceful existence. Not always true. They have their problems, perhaps even more so since they've chosen a different and separate lifestyle.

How does Saloma cope? In this memoir, she recounts events, her highs and lows, and the ever present struggle to fit into the Amish community. What's it like to feel like you don't really belong, but must conform? To have a father who lives a tormented life and shuffles that torment along to his family?

We join Saloma with her sometimes raw, sometimes poignant memories in various stages of her life, from her early school days to her brave escape and marriage to her beloved husband. We get to know a little about the adult Saloma has become, through the eyes of freedom and relief.

Saloma's journey from her childhood home to her current life is a testimony to her strength and bravery. Stepping out from a strangled existence to a world of new freedom is a huge step indeed, and I admire her courage. This book provides a unique perspective through one who has indeed endured and flourished. Thank you, Saloma, for telling your story.




To contact Saloma, visit her website. While you're at it, hop over to her blog where she shares more of her insight on Amish life, writing, and other interesting topics.


Giveaway Details


To enter, please leave a comment with your email address on this post. Entries without email address are not eligible.

• Receive an extra entry by becoming a follower, or by reminding me that you already follow.

• Receive bonus entries by posting about this giveaway on Facebook,Twitter, and/or your blog. Please be sure  and comment (and link where applicable) letting me know.

• This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents.

• Deadline to enter is noon Eastern Standard Time, Sunday, January 23, 2011. Winner will be announced Monday, January 24 and notified via email, and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.


Don't forget to join us on Thursday for Part Two for an interview with Saloma.

What would you ask Saloma if you had the chance? Do you think you would have the courage to do what she did?

Happy writing!
Karen

This book was provided for review purposes only by Michigan State University Press. No compensation was received.

48 comments :

  1. Sounds like a VERY fascinating story!

    (I did tweet this)

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  2. How interesting. I'm due to read a memoir! I'm already a follower and will Tweet at cr8stories.
    lp(dot)lynnjdesigns(at)gmail(dot)com

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  3. My what an interesting story. I might have to get this for my Mom. She is fascinated with the Amish women. Thanks, I'll come back for part 2 :)
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  4. I'm a follower. In PA when we visit my inlaws, there are a lot of amish buggies on the road. I can't imagine how hard it was for her to make that decision and then flourish away from family and friends.

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  5. Hi, girls! Karen, so excited to see you're reviewing Saloma's book. I just 'met' her recently on her blog, and we've been chatting. What a treat.

    It goes without saying that I'm a follower. My email address is rschrockmt@yahoo.com. I would love to win this book!

    Waving happy Monday waves at you both,

    Rhonda

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  6. Jennifer,
    It IS interesting! So glad I had the opportunity to review it. :)

    Lynn,
    Thanks! Got you on the list.

    Jules,
    Your mom might like this. Let me know if she does. :)

    Laura,
    I hail from the Lancaster, PA area, so had a lot of exposure to the Amish community over the years. That's part of what made this more interesting.

    Rhonda,
    Got you down! Glad you're getting to know Saloma.

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  7. Hi, Karen - I came over here from Saloma's blog, which I've been a follower of for a while now. I'd be so excited to win her book. I enjoy reading what she posts, and am sure the book will help fill in any blanks I've been wondering about from her blog. Thanks for this opportunity!

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  8. Oops - forgot to add my email. You can get to it by clicking on my blogger profile, but to make it easier for you, it's snowflakes2hotcakes {at} gmail {dot} com Sorry about that!

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  9. A very interesting story. WOW.

    I am a follower.

    mculi at aol dot com

    I'll tweet next.

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  10. Very, very interesting story. Kimberly@kim-franklin.com. And I'm pretty sure I'm a follower! :)

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  11. Hi, Karen. I thought a was a follower! Now I am officially one.

    The Amish have always fascinated me. I can't imagine what it would be like to live cut off from the world. I'd like to read this book.

    tmilstein at gmail dot com

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  12. This sounds like my kind of read! I want to win a copy!!!

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  13. I would enjoy having the chance to read this book.

    ajoyfulnoise@live (dot)com

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  14. Michael,
    Indeed it is! Got you on the list, thanks.

    Kimberly,
    Thanks. Hope you are enjoying your break!

    Theresa,
    I thought you were a follower too. Oh well, thanks so much! :)

    Anne,
    Joyful Chaos,
    Thanks for coming by! Got you on the list. :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  15. Would love to win! Having had Amish grandparents would make it doubly interesting to me.

    timburk@verizon.net

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  16. I think it must have taken a great deal of courage for Saloma Miller to break away from her dysfunctional famly and a way of life that she had been participating in since she was a baby.

    +1 I am a Google Friend Connect Follower

    +1 I tweeted. My Twitter name is Carolee888

    http://karenelange.blogspot.com/2011/01/why-i-left-amish-book-review-giveaway.html Book giveaway!

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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  17. I'll cut to it-- I want to win this book! I used to live near the AMish in PA and have always enjoyed stories about them.
    terri dot tiffany at yahoo dot com

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  18. Wonderful review, Karen. I've always been fascinated by the Amish.

    cluculzwriter at yahoo dot ca

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  19. Twila,
    Nice to meet you! Oh yes, I can see how that would. Would be interesting to compare experiences.

    Carol,
    Thanks for spreading the word! Got you down! :)

    Terri,
    Yes, that's right, you are a PA native. Added you to the list!

    Joylene,
    Thank you! Me too. :) Entry noted.

    Blessings all,
    Karen

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  20. This sounds like a fascinating book! Thank you for the opportunity to win it. I've always been interested in the Amish lifestyle and would love to read about it from her point of view.

    kjv1611as at gmail dot com

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  21. I'm a follower too!

    kjv1611as at gmail dot com

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  22. Karen, wonderful book. The Amish always intrigue me. The way they live and everything about them. Very nice. If I don't win, I'll buy it anyway.

    Love you Karen. :)

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  23. Oops, forgot my email. robyn@robyncampbell.com

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  24. Sounds like a wonderful book. It's always a gift when an author opens up a personal world into something most people find a curious oddity.

    Thanks for the review. The book looks amazing!

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  25. Would love to have this book.

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  26. Michigan State University Press ... how cool. I grew up in Lansing and bleed Spartan green and blue. Best wishes for your continued success!

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  27. I so admire you. Thank you for sharing your story!
    xo, misha

    1missmisha@gmail.com

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  28. T. Anne,
    It is an interesting read! I learned a lot.

    Amanda,
    You are very welcome. Nice to meet you, and thanks for following!

    Robyn,
    Hey girl, love you too! I think you may find this interesting and worth purchasing if you don't win.

    Lydia,
    Well said. Very enlightening to the ins and outs of what goes on in the world.

    Jntskip,
    Nice to meet you; appreciate you stopping by!

    Stephen,
    Ah yes, I forgot that you hailed from that area!

    Misha,
    Nice to meet you! Saloma's story is interesting and inspiring.

    Blessings all,
    Karen

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  29. Hi Karen: I'm in! Put my name at the top, okay. hee hee Susan

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  30. It sounds fascinating - thanks for the chance to win it :)
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

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  31. I follow you on GFC :)
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

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  32. Karen:
    I follow you here at blogger.
    I enjoy the Amish stories. There is usually some aspect of each story I have read that sometime parallel stories about the Englishers.
    Please put my name into the drawing
    cll4himATsbcglobalDOTnet

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  33. Hi Karen -

    I've often visited Saloma's blog, and learned aspects of Amish life not readily available elsewhere. Congrats on your book, Saloma!

    I'm a Follower. susanjreinhardt AT gmail DOT com

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  34. Hi Karen - This sounds fascinating. I hope the book will be available for Kindle. I do follow you, and my email is: writinginthebuff(at)hotmail(dot)com.

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  35. WoW, as I’m moving through the blog-osphere I’m coming across some great *rec* reading! This looks like another great one, Karen, thanks for all this info!!

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  36. Susan W.,
    Good to see you! :)

    LA Musing,
    You are welcome! Thanks for following too. :) Got you on the list.

    Cecelia,
    Oh lots of parallels, for sure. I think you might enjoy this. Added your name!

    Susan R.,
    Got you down, girl. Saloma is a blessing!

    Lisa,
    Your name is on the list! Thanks so much. :)

    Lindsey,
    I know, all sorts of good stuff out there! Always good to see you. :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  37. I'm in! I've been needing a good read. alisahopewagner(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  38. Hi Karen,
    Enter me in the drawing -- 1
    I'm already a follower -- 1
    I'm going to tweet this -- 1
    my email is everythinghomewithcarol at yahoo dot com.
    Thanks for the review. Sounds interesting.
    Blessings,
    Carol

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  39. Alisa,
    Entry noted! Thanks so much!

    Carol,
    You are welcome! Got you down on the list! :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

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  40. I'd love to read this book silenttributary at yahoo dot com

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  41. Saloma was one of my neighbors in Shelburne. Loved to take the children trick or treating at her house. She always had delicious baked treats for the trick or treaters.
    I would love to win her book.

    tmcguinness802 at gmail dot com

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  42. Hippie4ever,
    Thanks for coming by. Got your name on the list!

    Tracy,
    Thanks for that Saloma trivia! Added your name to the list.

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  43. I would LOVE to win this book! Thanks for the chance.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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  44. I am a follower

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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  45. I would love to win and read this book! How courageous Saloma is, not only to leave, but to share her experiences. Bravo!!!

    jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com

    I am a follower.

    Thanks to you both!

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  46. Love to read this thanks so much
    aunteegem@yahoo.com

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  47. follow blog as jelaw5
    aunteegem@yahoo.com

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  48. http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fkarenelange.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fwhy-i-left-amish-book-review-giveaway.html%3Fspref%3Dfb&t=Why+I+Left+the+Amish+-+Book+Review+%26+Giveaway
    Julie S Laws
    aunteegem@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!