An Amish Love Story About Hope and Finding Home
Everything in God’s nature, Johnny observed, did what it was created to do.
Everything, that is, except the human race. Johnny was born into an Amish
family, into a long line of farmers and good businessmen. He is expected to
follow the traditions of family and church as he grows to adulthood. But even
as a boy, he questions whether he can be satisfied with this lifestyle. He
wants “more” — more education, more travel, more opportunity.
His restlessness leads him down a dangerous road where too much partying and
drinking result in heartbreaking consequences. He’s adrift, and no one seems to
be able to help him find his direction.
Then he meets spunky Annie, who seems pure and lovely and devoted to her
God. Her past, though, holds sin and heartbreak. She was a worm, she explains,
but God has transformed her into a butterfly. Johnny falls hopelessly in love;
and eventually he, too, finds the power of God to transform lives.
Settling down on the family farm, he forgets about the questions and the restlessness, thinking that he is happy and at home, at last.
Settling down on the family farm, he forgets about the questions and the restlessness, thinking that he is happy and at home, at last.
But in a few short hours, tragedy changes his life forever, and he is again
wondering… and wandering on a very long journey.
Entwined with Johnny and Annie’s story is the allegory of two Monarch butterflies,
worms who have been transformed into amazing creatures specially chosen to
carry out the miracle of the fourth generation. They, too, must undertake a
long journey before they finally find home.
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About The Author
Paul Stutzman was born in Holmes
County, Ohio in an
Amish family. His family left the Amish lifestyle soon after Paul was born.
They joined a strict Conservative Mennonite Church where
Paul was raised to fear God and obey all the rules the church demanded. Paul
continued to live among and mingle with his Amish friends and relatives his
entire life. Paul married a Mennonite girl and remained in the Amish community
working and raising a family. After Paul lost his wife to cancer, he sensed a
tug on his heart- the call to a challenge, the call to pursue a dream. With a
mixture of dread and determination, Paul left his job, traveled to Georgia, and
took his first steps on the 2,176 mile Appalachian
Trail. What he learned during the next four and a half months
changed his life-and can change yours too. After completing his trek Stutzman
wrote Hiking Through—a book
about this life changing journey.
In the summer of 2010 Stutzman again heeded the call for
adventure and pedaled his bicycle 5,000 miles across America. He
began his ride at the Northwest corner of Washington State and
pedaled to Key West, Florida. On his journey across America he
encounters people in all circumstances, from homelessness to rich abundance.
The people he meets touch his life profoundly. Stutzman writes about these
encounters in his book Biking
Across America.
Recently Stutzman released his first novel entitled The
Wanderers. The
Wanderers is a story about Johnny, a young Amish boy growing up in a
culture he is not sure he wants to embrace. A young Amish girl named Annie wins
his heart and life is great for a time. Entwined with Johnny and Annie’s story
is the allegory of two Monarch butterflies, worms who have been transformed
into amazing creatures specially chosen to carry out the miracle of the fourth
generation. They, too, must undertake a long journey before they finally find
home.
My Review:
I found this book a bit confusing, it's about an Amish boy/man finding
himself. The story really breaks most of the stereotypes of Amish
stories.
In the beginning, the Amish in this district attend public schools, and there are wild drinking and drug parties.
Johnny doesn't know which way to go, to stay Amish and in the bond and love of his family, or spread his wings and leave. You will love his family, his Dad is one everyone would love to have. They even find the right girl for him?? There are some really warm hearted moments, and finding your way to Jesus....I loved those moments. There are some really heartbreaking things that happen, and you might want some tissues handy.
The part of switching from butterflies and back to humans, even with some points being made was a bit disconcerning. As the title tells there is a bit of wandering going on.
We are left with wanting more, and maybe there will be more answers in the next book.
I received this book through Pump Your Book Virtual Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
In the beginning, the Amish in this district attend public schools, and there are wild drinking and drug parties.
Johnny doesn't know which way to go, to stay Amish and in the bond and love of his family, or spread his wings and leave. You will love his family, his Dad is one everyone would love to have. They even find the right girl for him?? There are some really warm hearted moments, and finding your way to Jesus....I loved those moments. There are some really heartbreaking things that happen, and you might want some tissues handy.
The part of switching from butterflies and back to humans, even with some points being made was a bit disconcerning. As the title tells there is a bit of wandering going on.
We are left with wanting more, and maybe there will be more answers in the next book.
I received this book through Pump Your Book Virtual Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
The Wanderers Tour Page:
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