Woof - this was a tough read. It probably could have been 5 stars but I don't think I could read it again. The first part in this book had my eyes swimming. It was an emotionally intense book. I have mad respect though for the authors who didn't intrude or make assumptions about the Amish - they were respectful and kept away from the traumatized children. Amish Grace was primarily about the awful tragedy at Nickel Mines where a man took a gun into an Amish schoolhouse and killed and intensely wounded nearly ten innocent children. It garnered immediate worldwide attention and the media was quick to grab onto the story. The Amish however wanted no limelight and stunned the world when they said they forgave the man who murdered their children. Amish Grace describes the event itself, Amish beliefs on forgiveness, and forgiveness as a whole. It's very insightful and sad. Have your tissues ready. ( )

Amazing and deep. Very well researched and thought out.

I listened to the audio book while driving, multiple times passing not far from Bart Township on rt 30. ( )

A gunman entered a one-room Amish school in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania. He opened fire on 25 school children, killing five and leaving the others critically wounded. The blood was barely dry on the schoolhouse floor when Amish parents brought words of forgiveness to the family of the one who had slain their children. The forgiveness went beyond talk and graveside presence: the Amish also supported a fund for the shooter's family. How could the Amish do this? What did this act mean to them? And how might their witness prove useful to the rest of us?

Ten years ago, a local milkman invaded an Amish schoolhouse and took hostages. Before the day was over, ten girls between the ages of six and thirteen had been shot. Five would die, and Charles Roberts committed suicide. As the world watched, at first in horror and then in amazement, the Amish responded to what became known as the Amish 9/11 with grace and forgiveness instead of rage and vengeance.

This is the story of how these grieving families responded together as a devoted Christian community. While many non-Amish observers admired the Amish for their strength and convictions, others criticized them. Did they forgive too quickly? Was their forgiveness authentic? The issues raised in this book illuminate the many different acts of grace that can be found in the most unexpected places.

The Bottom Line: Amish Grace is a book that inspires the reader to explore their faith. By recounting this tragic incident in the history of the Amish and exploring the acts of grace in the months that followed, the authors raise many questions. This is a story of forgiveness that has been shaped by the history and culture of the Amish. Recommended for clergy, historians, psychologists, and those interested in personal reflection and religion.

For the complete review including Book Club Notes, please visit the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog. ( )

ok so i guess i am only going to read part one. i saw the movie so i got the book but only part one is the story of what happened with the Amish. the other 2 parts are about forgiveness and what it means and stuff. i will probably skim these sections. ( )