What the Amish Can Teach Us About the Simple Life

Homespun Hints for Family Gatherings, Spending Less, and Sharing Your Bounty

Christian - Living
160 Pages
Reviewed on 02/09/2013
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Lela Buchanan for Readers' Favorite

Although we live in a fast-paced world, dependent on technology, we CAN slow things down, down-size, simplify and practice the "spirit of frugality." That is the premise of the book "What the Amish Can Teach Us About the Simple Life" by Georgia Varozza. The author uses the Amish community as a model for living a personally satisfying existence in the midst of a noisy, hectic society. The Amish life is centered in family and faith and is characterized by structure, tradition, quietness, industry, and an unhurried pace--very different from the lifestyle most of us live. Varozza offers a comprehensive list of practical suggestions for taking control of your life--from a plethora of ideas for family time, to making your own household cleaning products, composting and gardening, and raising cows, chickens or goats. Don't let city life deter you, either. It is not illegal or impossible to raise goats in many U.S. cities! And did you know that you can freeze eggs? The author shares that tidbit of wisdom among many others that will enhance your life if you are willing to expend a little effort.

What do you get from simplifying your life? Varozza states, "We are increasingly living unexamined lives as we jump from one thought to the next with the click of a mouse." If you recall, the philosopher Socrates is quoted as saying that "the unexamined life is not worth living!" Our spirit, that elusive essence that makes us who we are, is nourished by taking time to practice the "spirit of frugality." Take some time and peruse this lovely little book; it is never too late to incorporate positive changes.