Amish Grace was introduced to me by from friend Amanda. When we moved to Spokane, I realized that our women's organization in my church did not have a book club. I thought this was insane. Every Relief Society needs a book club. So, I took it upon myself to start one. (Of course I had to do that didn't I?) Not knowing the personalities of the women in our congregation, I spoke to Amanda. She suggested a book she was currently reading, Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy. I am quite glad we read it -- and now am nervous because I know many other women read it as well and will be coming to the afore mentioned book club. (I really hope I can pull this off.)
The book discusses the Nickel Mine School shootings, which many of you will remember. On October 2, 2006, a 32 year old man who was clearly upset and disturbed, entered a one room Amish school house. He demanded that the adults and boys leave the school house. After some time, he then shot 10 girls execution-style, killing 5. I clearly remember watching the news during that week and one Amish grandfather struck me deeply. He spoke about forgiving the man who shot his granddaughter. There was also a story of a man telling his children, as they stood next to their sisters coffin, that they shouldn't have hate toward the man who killed their sister, and his daughter. I heard that and cried. The book is about this -- forgiveness. It discusses the events that occurred that tragic day, but it more thoroughly discusses how the Amish could forgive in such a time of pain. It explains some history and their doctrine.
Amish Grace was interesting, but more importantly, it gave me the opportunity to reflect on me. How willing am I to quickly forgive? And do it sincerely? I am a Christian. How Christian-like do I live my life? Though I felt that some of the book was a bit repetitive, I really enjoyed the affect its words had on me. I recommend it.
Watch Bill Moyers here. He has a great book review with images and video. It's well done and shows the spirit of the book better than I can.
4 comments:
Jenny, I am hosting my RS book club in Feb, but I have to decide on a book now. Being new (and not having been to one of their meetings yet), I am really nervous.
Anyways, do you have any book club favorites that are good for discussion?
I can't make up my mind at all.
Thanks and good luck with your meeting!
Oooh, I am excited to read that! Hey, up, I'm wondering, for both your book club and that of adespain, could you possibly suggest Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind? It got really good reviews. There are five copies of it swimming around the Seattle area libraries and if people go in and request it, they might possibly buy more. I know it's an expensive book, to there's the rub. (I think some gal named Heidi Ashworth wrote it, but not sure . . . )
yeah, i heard about that heidi ashworth lady.:) i'll have to put in a request here in spokane.
Nertzy! I keep forgetting that Seattle and Spokane are NOT the same place. (It is a quick read, however. I have had two people tell me that they read it in practically one sitting--so people could pass a few copies around, you know, if anyone were to do it for their book group. So far, all the feedback is muy bien!
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