In Plain View: The Daily Lives of Amish Women

This is a compelling and thoroughly enjoyable book, describing both the common bonds of a large Amish community and the individuality of that community’s members. Clearly organized and written, it speaks to the reader very directly, especially through numerous quotes from the author’s many Amish friends. And its beautiful photography draws you immediately into the Amish life.For me, the book is valuable is not only its focus on Amish women, but for how it illuminates issues common to many inward-looking, rules-based societies (including non-religious ones): how to maintain the society's structure, and keep it attractive to the group’s younger members, even as the outside world changes – and intrudes – at warp speed?Stavisky approaches this question first by describing the central and overlapping bases of the Amish experience: a deep religious core, rooted in living on and from the land, and the detailed rules, based on that core, that define daily Amish life. She then notes the modern challenges to continuing to live that life -- from a supply of farm land increasingly insufficient for an ever-growing Amish population to live as farmers and work on the land, to smaller but ubiquitous questions raised by technological change like cell phones and social media,Stavisky’s writing invites her readers to experience these dilemmas from the many perspectives of her Amish subjects and friends. In doing so she helped me think in new ways about the values and practices of the culture in which I was raised.

As an author of Amish fiction who is unfamiliar with their customs and ways I found this book to be a great resource as well as a great read. People are so fascinated with the lives of the Amish and Judy’s book does so with love and care. Highly recommended!

"In Plain View" was terrific. I was very impressed with the research and how many years Ms. Stavisky put into the book. The ability to gain trust and gather info is evidence of a great researcher. The writing with pictures interspersed is a plus as I reflected on my many visits to Ohio Amish areas. (I live in Central Ohio.). I thought I knew a lot about the Amish, but learned so much more in this well organized and detailed work.Among the many things I learned in the chapters were the following: Amish use of phones, that farming was not the primary source of income, that Ordnung reminded me of Kosher Laws, the removal of wiring when buying a non Amish home, others do the chores of an ill friend, nine is a boy’s passage age to adulthood, and ministers do an hour long sermon. I also found of interest the info on church food, use of propane refrigerators, the author’s invitation to participate in cooking and canning , the children’s plays, and shopping at COSTCO,, I smiled when I read the teacher’s request for new books as a math problem cited gasoline at 25 cents a gallon.It was really well done, reflecting Ms. Stavisky’s great research as I mentioned earlier. I highly recommend the book...a must read and sharing with others.

Judy Stavisky's book In Plain View was such a fascinating and memorable account of Amish life in Lancaster County, a place that I have driven through several times in the past. Seeing it through Judy's eyes and conversations gave me a very meaningful perspective and appreciation for the traditions and values that make the daily life of Amish women so special and unique. It seems to be a life that is at once simple and hard. I was struck by the strong work ethic and structure that binds the community together and the faith that flows through all aspects of a very simple existence. At the same time I tried to imagine life without some of the modern conveniences that most of us take for granted. Far from simple!I was especially interested in the way that the Amish people approach education of their children and the "coming of age" rituals and transition to adulthood.The book was clearly a labor of love. It is so amazing that Judy was able to forge such trust that led to these friendships. The beautiful photographs were an incredible bonus. They were stunning. If I am lucky enough to drive through this area again, I will see the people, especially the women, in a whole new, certainly better- informed way. I have recommended this book to my "reader" friends.

Judy Stavisky has shared with the reader her personal journey of friendships, cultural inquiry, discovery and simple joys inside the Amish community of women. What a delightful adventure she set out on that resulted in this beautiful book. It is meditative, enlightening and sometimes just a very normal perspective of ordinary and extraordinary lives. The photography is stunning, the writing is engaging and comfortable and the revelations are all quite human and sweet. I encourage anyone curious about this community to read this book to educate yourself on this shared journey. You will be delighted.

I liked the book because it gave a lot of easy answers to questions I have on Amish ladies and customs of daily life. I live amongst them but never got familiar with their life.

Ms. Stavisky gives us an intimate look into Amish life from schooling to marriage, churchgoing, shopping and more. For most of us in the 21st century accustomed to such "luxuries" as electricity, tv, automobiles,internet and cell phones, it gives us a new respect for a community that thrives without these things which we take for granted. We get to see a typical day at school as well as a detailed explanation of the canning process (a little too much detail about that!). Too numerous to mention are the many other aspects of Amish life described in detail. All-in-all an immensely readable book supplemented by beautiful photographs. Highly recommended.

This book is fantastic for anyone wanting to know more about the actual lives of Amish women. It's great for research if you're a writer, and just for people who are intrigued by the Amish lifestyle. Beautiful photos, lots of great information, and it's hardcover, too! The price makes it an easy decision to pick it up. I write Amish fiction, and found some really good information for my own research. The author is knowledgable and respectful of the Amish faith.