Today I heard from the digital media manager at American Experience that a short video of several of my parts in the PBS documentary, "The Amish: Shunned" has gone live. Without further ado, here is the video:
At the same time, they also published Anna's video, which is here:
I would love to know what you all think about these two short videos. You can also go to the American Experience page to see them. If you are signed in to Facebook, you can also "like" the videos, if you want to.
One of the reasons I like "The Amish: Shunned" so much is because it is authentic. Callie Wiser really put out a quality film that I hope calls into question the "reality" of the shows put out by Hot Snakes Media like "Breaking Amish" and "The Amish Mafia." Whenever I speak somewhere, I inevitably have people asking me if those shows are "real" or referring to those films as something they learned about the Amish. Because of the misconceptions and lies these films and the numerous Amish fiction books that just inevitably get it wrong, perpetuate, I often feel like I am "breaking Amish myths." "The Amish: Shunned" is the antithesis of the films put out by Hot Snakes Media and it makes me feel a lot less like I am a lone voice in the wilderness in breaking these Amish myths.
I will be speaking at the Fletcher Free Library in Burlington, Vermont this Sunday at 2 PM. If you are anywhere near there on Sunday, please come and see us. We expect quite a crowd, so do come early to get a good seat.
I would like to thank all of you who have left me comments about the film and my new book, Bonnet Strings: An Amish Woman's Ties to Two Worlds. Whenever you feel moved, I would very much love to see more reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Believe it or not, we authors live for those reviews. Discovering each one is like receiving a present.
And speaking of Goodreads, do you know that you can have a chance at one of ten copies of Bonnet Strings? All you have to do is head on over to Goodreads and sign up. I'm really surprised not more people have signed up, which makes it even more likely that you will get a free copy. You only have until tomorrow, so if you want to sign up, you need to do it right away. You can go to Goodreads now.
I am almost finished reading the book and write a review. I rejoice for all the “Voices” that portray the Amish as they are. I found out recently that the interest in Amish Romance books have dropped by 30%.
Katie, thank you for writing a review. I agree, I really appreciate films and books that portray the Amish as they are, in all their varieties. Really… interest in Amish romance novels has dropped? I don’t know why I’m surprised… it was bound to happen when enough of us tell authentic stories and show the others to be the superficial and fake stories that they are. I think Linda Byler’s books are the only ones that “get it right” and it’s because she IS Amish. Someday, Katie, the world will get to read your story, too. Callie’s video is just the beginning.
Thanks Saloma for mentioning Linda Byler. There are so many me-too inauthentic books out there that just exploit people. When our daughter was growing up, we read the 3 book series that starts with The Pineapple Quilt which is published by Pathway. It was written by an OOAmish lady who uses a pen name. Hopefully her stuff is authentic too.
We joined a quite plain Mennonite church 16 years ago, and have a number of Amish and Amish Mennonite friends. There are many things we value in the faith and culture though we know it’s weaknesses too. I appreciate authors like you who have come forward with real but honoring books. I think the Amish Mafia type stuff is just slanderous.
I watched both videos and thought they were very well done. I’d love to hear you speak someday if ever you visit E. Tennessee.
As an “Englischer” I feel sad that Anna returned to her Amish home so soon. If she had been happy there I don’t think she would have left in the first place. But I can just imagine what a culture shock it must have been for her to go from plain life to modern with no place to become familiar and ease adjusting between the two. I truly hope she finds happiness.
Toni, thank you for your interest in my story. I just keep sending Anna good thoughts every day and hope that she is happy and well, as you said. It’s all we can do. Blessings to you.
I wanted to let you all know that I now have an RSS feed on my blog. And I also have an email subscription form, in case you want to receive updates via your email.
Saloma, I just happened to find you and these videos. Interesting!!!!
Seems I had Quaker ancestors who were excommunicated from their Society, and all I can say is THANK YOU to them for giving us, their descendants the Freedom to be what we choose to be!
I am interested in your name Saloma, as it must be a family name. Seems a Pancoast and Saloma Lewis from New Jersey had a son who married a great great aunt of mine. My great great grandfather’s wife came from a former Quaker family and my feeling is they must have known this Lewis family.
I praise your courage for leaving and following your heart. God can be worshiped in many religions, not just Amish. I hope your message will help others to follow their heart and dreams.
Nancy
Nancy, this is good to hear. I’ve often wondered how my future generations are going to view my decision to leave.
Yes, my name. I was named after my maternal grandmother. At the time I was born, this was an old-fashioned Amish name in my community. I hated it when I was growing up, but I like it now.
Thank you for your encouragement about my message. For some reason I keep feeling compelled to share my story. When I hear from people like you, it confirms that I am doing what I’m meant to be doing. Many thanks, and blessings to you.
Saloma