This book is not a documentary on the life of the Amish. It is not a psychoanalysis of these people. It is not about which lifestyle is better. It is like reading someone's journal--the entries are personal and intimate. They relate to the author's life and her struggle to find a common ground between the Amish values and the values that her current lifestyle embraces.
I found the book to be very affirming of my own values and very thought provoking. As an artist, I was also interested to read about how her artwork changed as a result of this encounter. I applaud the author for having the courage to follow the "still small voice" and then to write about the questions rather than being tempted to write about the answers!
Her journey begins with a simple quilt that catches her eye in a museum. Something about the stark yet vibrant quality of the quilt speaks to her heart. Sue's busy and chaotic life style has taken a toll on her artistic spirit. In the simple Amish quilt she finds the calmness that she wants to capture for herself.
Sue arranges to spend several weeks living among the Amish community, going back to the basics of a simpler time. She is surprised to learn that her Amish friends are as curious about her as she is of them. Laughter, love, acceptance and humility are only a few of the lessons Sue learns. Taking those lessons back to her own life style is her challenge.
This is one of those books that will remain within easy reach. When I feel my spirit lagging, I'll reach for Plain and Simple to remind myself of the lessons learned in this book.
