The Miting: An Old Order Amish Novel By Dee Yoder

I received this book from Kregel Publications for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description:  

Leah is seventeen and Amish. Like many her age, she has lots of questions, but the temporary flight of freedom known as rumspringen is not the answer for her. She does not desire Englisher fashion, all-night parties, movies, or lots of boyfriends. Leah is seeking to understand her relationship with God, to deepen and broaden her faith by joining a Bible study hosted by an ex-Amish couple. She wants to know why Amish life is the only lifestyle her family accepts, why the church has so many rules, and . . . most disturbing, how godly men can allow her best friend to be abused in her own home. In the pressure-cooker environment of church and family, Leah is not allowed to ask these questions. When finally she reaches the breaking point, she walks away from the Old Order Amish life that is all she has known. Though adapting amiably to the Englisher world, Leah is tormented with homesickness. Returning to the community, however, entails a journey of pain and sorrow Leah could never have imagined. The miting—shunning—that will now be Leah’s unendurable oppression every day is beyond her most devoted attempts to believe or understand. All the bishop and her family ask is that she abandon her practice of reading the Bible. Is that a price she is willing to pay?



My Thoughts: 


The Miting is Dee Yoder's first book and well it is SPECTACULAR. As my followers know I am a HUGE fan of Amish Fiction, it's one of my favorite genres, so when I saw this book I was drawn to it. This book is fiction but is based on true stories and experiences.  Leah Raber is part of an Old Order Amish community in Ohio.  She has been to the New Order communities and doesn't understand why her community cannot step into this new order.  The rules and expectations leave Leah feeling confused and stifled. She wants so much to please her family but feels drawn to something else. Her best friend, Martha confides in Leah about an abuse situation and the bishops really don't do much about. Treating Martha like she is the problem so Martha tells Leah she is leaving the order to move in with her boyfriend, also Amish, Abe Troyer.  Abe and Martha are doing wild things like drinking, smoking, drugs, driving, and being reckless.  One day Leah is invited to a bible study at the home of an  Ex-Amish couple, The Schrooks, feeling she wants to know more. She attends and finds herself drawn to Christianity and that it gives her peace. When her parents find out they are livid. Now Leah has to make a choice to turn away from Christianity or have to be put under the miting, which is basically shunned. Leah has to decide what she wants for her life.

The Miting is SPECTACULAR. As a HUGE fan of Amish Fiction and of debut books this book fit both bills and I am so glad I read it.  Dee Yoder writes with such heart and expertise on all things Amish, both new and old order, the laws in Ohio, abuse within the communities, and help for the Amish looking to leave.  As I read this book, I could really feel Dee's heart in the words.  This book is not a typical Amish Fiction book. The issues addressed and the experiences are much different than the ones I have read in the past.  This book really made a huge impression on me, especially how issues are handled in this Old Order Amish community. I could not put this book down.  I enjoyed the characters in this book especially Leah. My heart felt for Leah in her struggle to find herself and make decisions.  I truly felt like I was there watching this story unfold. I found myself crying in parts and holding my breath in others as Leah went through all of her trials and successes. I just can't do this book justice! I hope Dee Yoder is continuing with this series, as I would like to know whats in store for Leah and her life. The ending definitely leaves you wanting more, in a good way. For anyone interested in Amish Fiction, I HIGHLY recommend this book to them! You will NOT be disappointed. I cannot wait to read more for this spectacular author. I give this book 5+ Stars.