Growing Up Amish

A Memoir

By: Ira Wagler

Narrated by: Adam Verner

One fateful starless night, 17-year-old Ira Wagler got up at 2 AM, left a scribbled note under his pillow, packed all of his earthly belongings into in a little black duffel bag, and walked away from his home in the Amish settlement of Bloomfield, Iowa. Now, in this heartwarming memoir, Ira paints a vivid portrait of Amish life--from his childhood days on the family farm, his Rumspringa rite of passage at age 16, to his ultimate decision to leave the Amish Church for good at age 26. Growing Up Amish is the true story of one man's quest to discover who he is and where he belongs. Listeners will laugh, cry, and be inspired by this charming yet poignant coming of age story set amidst the backdrop of one of the most enigmatic cultures in America today--the Old Order Amish.

©2012 eChristian Inc. (P)2012 eChristian, Inc.

Beautifully written

Informative about a people I know little about. Kind in every chapter. Heart warming ending. He is gifted in writing scenes. Narrator was excellent.

Great Story of True Redemption!

This is so well written. I thoroughly enjoyed how how true the store was. Unlike a predictable fiction novel, you are not sure what’s going to happen next.
It is narrated by one of my favorite performers Adam Verner, Adam has a lot more voices in his repertoire, but this book just required him to gently unfold the story with perfect rhythm.

Amish kid can’t decide if he’s Amish

I found the book interesting in that it gives a good insight into daily Amish life from a child’s perspective. A lot of people tend to believe that an Amish life is a “sweet and harmless” lifestyle. Truth is, the Amish often cover up crimes such as sexual abuse of children and women. The offender merely apologizes before the Church and all is forgiven! They are actually an insular group who cover up crimes and exploit children and women and refuse to go to the police when horrible crimes are committed. The storybook, peaceful life that they want you to believe doesn’t exist. The author of the book is a prime example of a father and mother ignoring what their child wants for their life and what “the Amish” want. Notice it’s not about Jesus Christ at all, it’s about TRADITION, the AMISH way, OBEDIENCE, what a load of nonsense! You either conform or you are banished, very Christlike behavior! Animal abuse is rampant, they don’t treat their animals well, don’t seek Veterinary care and their animals are killed by that neglect and abuse as the author states he did and his family did. Humans are not taken to medical treatment because they would have to answer questions about abuse and neglect. There is nothing in an Amish community to admire and this book just proves it.

Truth will set you free

A strong and endearing witness to a heart gripped with the pursuit of truth and finally found grasped by Truth. Compelling. Endearing. Highly recommended to all seekers of self and Christ.

VERY informative

love the narrator, the story was well written and informative. Really enjoyed I recommend it to anyone interested in Amish lifestyle The character sure had a hard time finding himself though!