Ben's Wayne

A book about the Amish could easily be didactic and grade-school dreary, but this gentle tale glows with decency and a sense of life's goodness. Ben's 18-year-old sensibilities ring true. Problems of the Amish -- limited education, inbreeding, young men who violently reject the Amish way (or worse, become violently xenophobic)--are all faced straight on. But Ben finds beauty in farm and family life. He survives the loss of his betrothed and remains untouched by the big city. When he returns to the farm to help his aging father, we know he is home for good. The writing is impeccable.

This is a portrait of six months or so in the life of Wayne Weaver, an 18-year-old Amish boy. It relates his thoughts and lifestyle. As a picture of Amish life from his perspective, it is very interesting. Wayne has some doubts about his life, but his thinking is clarified by certain events. I believe the Amish are portrayed favorably, and I gained insight into their way of life. This book is simply told and thought provoking, and Wayne's essential goodness of character is attractive. I intend to read this book again.