Brad Igou on Amish Voices 2 (Interview & Book Giveaway)

Brad Igou is the compiler of a new book, Amish Voices Volume 2: In Their Own Words, 1993-2020. This follows up the original Amish Voices. Both volumes are based on collected writings of Amish people in the publication Family Life. While Amish Voices covers the first 25 years of that monthly, Amish Voices 2 picks up where that left off.

If you’d like to know how Amish people view issues such as faith, family, church, technology, and other topics, these books are a great place to “hear” directly from them. Brad does a great job of putting together a wide range of voices on diverse topics in these two volumes. As he explains below, it wasn’t always easy.

Enter to win a copy of Amish Voices Volume 2: In Their Own Words, 1993-2020

You can enter to win a copy of Amish Voices 2. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post. We’ll draw a winner at random and announce that here in a separate post, in a few days from now. And if you’re not subscribed to blog updates, you can do that in the sidebar or here.

Brad Igou on Amish Voices Volume 2: In Their Own Words, 1993-2020

Amish America: What is Family Life – who produces it, etc. – and how did you first come to it?

Brad Igou: In 1968, a group of Amish in Ontario published the first issue of a monthly magazine for Amish readers, which they named Family Life. From very humble beginnings, the magazine and their publishing house, Pathway, has grown dramatically, producing other magazines, and many books and textbooks.

I lived with an Amish family in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for three months in 1972, and during my stay was when I first saw and started to read the magazine. It gave me insights I did not find in academic books, because it was the Amish themselves who were writing or sending in articles, stories, and poems. It also provided a contrast to the Lancaster Amish, since I could read articles from communities both conservative and liberal across the USA and Canada.

For many years, I thought a book of selected writings would be a valuable “contribution” to the world of Amish literature, since these would be the words of the Amish themselves, rather than writings by non-Amish about them. It is too long of a story as to how my first book was finally published in 1999, with selections from the first 25 years of the magazine, titled The Amish In Their Own Words. About 20 years later, I was asked to create an abridged version, which became the first volume of Amish Voices, published in 2019. Retirement kickstarted my plan to put together a second volume of the next 25 years, which became the second volume covering 1993-2020. (It was more than 25 years of magazines, but 2020 seemed like a good year to stop.)

Some of the original Family Life editors are still alive but, as in my life, now there is a new generation (or two), so this is one printed publication that will be around for years to come.

What will readers find in Amish Voices 2?

By grouping selections from over 25 years of Family Life, the book covers a wide range of topics, and now provides insights into the Amish faith and community in more recent times. A few chapter titles are “Living in the Present”, “Marriage and Family”, “The Young”, “Work”, “Controversies”, and “Amish Humor”. You get the idea.

Photo: Jim Halverson

Also, many people will be surprised by the poems, and I could have put an entire book of them together, but I had to select only a few.

Over the years of reading Family Life, what changes did you notice over time? And what are some of the biggest topics of concern that you’ve noticed writers have written about over the years? 

Not surprisingly, changes in technology have resulted in many articles, with writers expressing concern about the internet and cellphones. In cellphones we have mini-computers that allow us to surf the web, take photos and video, watch movies, text and email, and talk person-to-person. Some people say this is the biggest threat the Amish currently face. The Amish tend to adopt changes more slowly than the world around them, observing the impact, but I would say cellphones really caught them off-guard, because the technology progressed so rapidly, even for some of us. Now some communities are trying to pull back. They are grappling with many of the same concerns we have. Just look at how AI (artificial intelligence) has taken us by surprise, and now everyone is debating how (and if) we can and should control it, not to mention what effects it will have on our lives.

One important topic that carried over into the second volume is the debate over farm vs. “factory,” which led to small or “cottage” industries, well-documented in Erik’s book, Success Made Simple. But now that Amish businesses have grown so big, there is concern about the wealth that has come to some, while for farmers falling milk prices and the cost of farmland continue to challenge the agricultural way of life.

I should also note that there is more openness to talking about abuse, depression, suicide, and mental illness, just as these problems have become more visible and acknowledged in our modern society. There is an honesty that may surprise readers, and not always easy answers.

How does Volume 2 compare to the first volume, as far as what’s covered?

I thought it was important that readers of the two volumes could easily flow through the different topics, and see how things had changed (or not) over 50 years, so I essentially kept the same chapter titles. We did change the chapter “Choices” to “Living in the Present,” and we broke out some selections from “Odds and Ends” to create chapters on “Amish Humor,” and what I call “Amish Parables.” This follows more closely the chapter set-up of the 1999 book.

I know due to space limitations you had to leave a lot out. How did you choose which articles made it into the final version?

Your readers may be interested to know that when I had finished typing all the selections I liked from the years 1993-2020 of Family Life, I had a file of about 475,000 words, not counting the chapter introductions I wrote! I knew that was way too long, and submitted a manuscript of about 145,000 words to Herald Press. But, not surprisingly, that proved too long as well, and after various revisions, we ended up with a book of about 65,000 words, comparable to the first volume of Amish Voices. Although it was difficult to eliminate so much, it did force me to focus on what I thought was essential and most meaningful.

As I went about removing selections, I tried to cut articles that covered similar territory, were too “theological,” or more of interest to me personally. So I tried to keep those that showed how ideas may have changed, along with new challenges and concerns that I thought general readers could connect with, such as cellphones and the internet. I always wanted to keep a good balance by including a variety of selections to create what I hope is a good reflection of the magazine, with a good balance of ideas and opinions.

Which pieces made the biggest impression on you?

I found that the foundation of the Amish faith is strong, but that increasingly there are challenges with living in the modern world, the young, and how much to adapt or accommodate change. It is still fascinating to see the range of thoughts and opinions. The importance of family and community, the core beliefs of the faith, and humility are Amish values I continue to admire.

My favorite pieces continue to be the ‘parables,” as I call them. These are everyday stories or incidents that take on a broader meaning. And sometimes there was a story that was totally unexpected. When I read “Please Let Me Stay,” I knew that this enterprise of compiling a second book was worthwhile, because this is a true story that is so riveting, surprising, and touching that it needed to reach a wider audience. I don’t want to ruin it by saying more. (Have some tissues handy.)

Why do you think Family Life has been and remains popular among plain readers?

I think we all know in the last few years how important it has been for people to share their personal stories when they have concerns or problems in life. It is how we know that we are “not alone.” I think for the Amish, who don’t have social media (well, except for some Amish teenagers), this is a way for them to share their feelings, see that others are dealing with similar problems, and also to get some “Amish answers” to difficult questions. And even when there is obvious disagreement, it is not about criticizing without offering solutions, and the discussion is handled with respect. I should also add that many non-Amish subscribe to Family Life.

What will readers of Amish Voices 2 take away from the book?

When I started reading the magazines, I wondered if there would be enough “new” material of interest, but I soon found there would not be an issue with being repetitive. Our respective worlds have changed in the last 25 years, but there is much that readers can identify with; we just get to see that “through Amish eyes.” I think that provides an opportunity to reflect on our own lives and faith, and perhaps even be challenged or encouraged to make some changes. I want readers to see the Amish not as a novelty, or as “cookie-cutter” people, but as humble human beings with whom we may have more in common than we might think. Finally, I hope it reminds us to listen to and respect people who are different from us, something which is in short supply these days, at least in the USA, where I feel we spend too much time, and place a premium on, being different.

Final comment – I may not be around in 25 years, but it would be fascinating to know what Amish life and our world will be like by then. Will there be a Volume 3 of Amish Voices?

Where to get the book

You can find Amish Voices Volume 2: In Their Own Words, 1993-2020 at various outlets, including Amazon and direct from the publisher MennoMedia.

UPDATE: We’ve drawn a book winner and posted a number of unused selections that didn’t quite make it into Amish Voices Volume 2, to give you a feel for the book. Check that out here.


Thanks to Brad for his interesting answers. Check back here for the winner in an upcoming post. And don’t forget to leave a comment below to enter the giveaway.

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    74 Comments

    1. Looking forward to reading

      I enjoyed reading the first book, so I’m really looking forward to reading this one. So much fun to learn new insights in my Amish neighbors’ lives and faith.

    2. G J Stewart

      I would love a copy

      While I have complete respect for Amish I think they could be in the 21st Century better.

      (I would love a copy of the book too.)

      G. J. Stewart

    3. G J Stewart

      They could educate kids more

      While I have complete respect for Amish I think they could be in the 21st Century better.

      G. J. Stewart

      1. Central Virginian

        In what way?

        What specific ways do you think private education by the Amish could be improved, and how do you think the changes would be beneficial?

    4. Carolyn Utter

      Would love to hear more Amish voices!

    5. Denise

      Amish Voices

      I think growing up some old timer in my family had acquired copies of Family Life and I enjoyed the children’s section.
      I’d love to win a copy of this book, and need to read the first one. Thanks for the article and reminder.

    6. Anne-Marie Ramsey

      Amish Brothers and Sisters

      Our Amish brothers and sisters are a kind group of people who actually live their faith. The example that would be so difficult to do would be to forgive the man who murdered the school children in Nichols, PA. The parents of these children forgave him and even went to the man’ s funeral to support his family! The Amish are a group to emulate in this broken world.

    7. ANITA FAULKNER

      Amish Voices 2

      The book sounds very interesting. What a nice giveaway!

    8. Stephanie H.

      I would love to read the story of “Please Let Me Stay”, as well as, the poems shared in this Amish book. We all definitely need to listen to what people are saying, plus respect ourselves and others too!

    9. Lisa M

      New Site Looks Great

      Thanks for always providing interesting content Erik. Your new site looks great. THis book looks very interesting too.

    10. Charles Kulbacki

      Book

      Sounds like a very interesting book.

    11. Charles Kulbacki

      Book

      Looks like an interesting book.

    12. L.L.

      Can't wait to read the 2nd volume!

      Loved the first bok- amish in their own words. Would love to read the 2nd volume! I have made a few amish aquaitences on instagram and fb cuz of their MLM’s (Eric, maybe u can do a post on young amish madoes doing MLM’s on SM?) Would love a copy!

    13. Connie Moore

      Amish Voices 2

      I lived near the Amish for 65 years! Have several friends. Would love to read your book to know more!

    14. Melanie

      Love Amish

      I love learning about the Amish and how they live. It’s so interesting! If I don’t win a book, where can I buy it?

    15. Antoinette Rudge

      Giveaway!

      Hello, I am very intrigued and interested in the Amish culture.

      I would love to win this giveaway!

      Thank you so much,

      Antoinette Rudge

    16. Central Virginian

      Family Life

      Family Life and other Amish oriented periodicals are similar to periodicals and household books I’ve read from around 1900 to 1940 or so – home, family, and garden themes from a Christian perspective. The activities covered, work and leisure time amusement, are the sorts of things people did before television.

    17. Margie Johnson

      I have Vol. 1 of Amish Voices In Their Own Words and would love to have the second book.

    18. Frank Comstock

      Congratulations on the new book

      I enjoyed your first compilation of stories from Family Life and I’m looking forward to the new book. I used to subscribe to Family Life, but fell off their subscription list after one of my many moves. Thanks for reminding me of the publication.

    19. Kim Albert

      Love Reading!

      I would love to read Amish Voices 2. I just love the Amish and their simple approach to life and making the world a better place! Thanks

    20. Cheryl Gehring

      I would love to read this. I have the first volume and found it very interesting.

    21. Carolyn

      Wonderful people

      I’m English and an Amish driver, and have fallen head over heels in love with our North Adams families, and enjoy serving them.
      Keep up the great work on the blog! I look forward to reading this book and need the first one.

    22. Heil

      Anticipating

      I’m anticipating reading this book.

    23. judy

      Book

      As always Erik, your Q & A of Brad Igou is informative and intriguing. I will certainly read the book and would love to win a copy. Always look forward to your emails!

    24. Liz Bourgeois

      A treasure to be sure!

      I have had an ever growing interest in the Amish community and life since I visited Lancaster, PA a few years ago. I understand that they are a very private people and I would love to learn more about their plain and humble lifestyle. There is a certain draw to the way they care for their families, community, and honor God that we can all learn from. I would love to read this book!

    25. PAT

      I would love to read your 2nd book.

    26. Karen M

      Oh, this looks amazing!

      I would truly love this book and even if I don’t win, I want to read it. Thanks for all you do-I grew up around Amish and Mennonites and love them and their lifestyle. Please pick me!

    27. Ken Pack

      In My Own Words...

      I enjoyed the first book, and recommended it to my local library- they added it to their collection. I’m looking forward to reading this book.

    28. M

      Book

      Thank you for your research!

    29. Linda DeMoss

      Amish Voices 2nd volume

      I already bought the first volume by this author, Amish Voices – A Collection of Amish Writings and I already receive and read all of your postings, Erik. I would love to receive the 2nd volume of Amish Voices so I have a complete set. Love your posts and anything about the Amish. They are such a great example for me since they, for the most part, try so hard to be humble and live the life Christ wants us to live.

    30. Anticipating Book #2

      I have the first of Brad’s books and thoroughly enjoyed it. I buy any reputable book on the Amish that I can find, I love reading and learning more about the Amish. So I am eagerly looking forward to his new book and would love to win one! I also look forward to and enjoy Amish America!

    31. Bob Neipp

      Book

      I would love a copy of the book.

    32. Wendy Stetson

      I’d love to read this book! Thanks!

    33. Lancaster Pennsylvania

      My mother was from Lancaster, Pennsylvania
      I always had great respect for the Amish people .
      Love the area too ; beautiful country side .
      Downtown Lancaster too .
      Craig Pettengill

    34. April Harshbarger

      Book giveaway

      Thank you for offering the book giveaway. Your interview was very interesting. I’m sure it is hard to reduce cell phone usage when many use them for businesses.

      April H

    35. Patricia Douglas

      Sounds like an interesting book.

    36. Mary Moeller

      Amish Voices

      I’ve seen the Family Life magazine in the thrift stores around Wayne and Holmes County. I’ve never bought one but now that I see there is a book about it I would be interested in reading it and some of the magazines.

    37. s. Gros

      This sounds like a very interesting read. Thanks for the opportunity to win. My family will be vacationing in Ohio and Indiana this summer as we respect and enjoy Amish communities. There is such a sense of family and community-such a welcoming thing in today’s world

    38. Leslie Harris

      Amish Voices

      Great article – now I’ve been inspired to look for both the 1st volume of Amish Voices, as well as a copy of Family Life (as well as the Budget newspaper).

      Looking forward to the 2nd volume of Amish Voices!

    39. book

      What a fascinating glimpse into another culture this book would be – as there are no Amish in the country where I live, this, to me, would be a fascinating read.
      Many thanks to Brad for this compilation and his generosity in donating two books as a giveaway.
      Blessings
      Maxine

    40. Greg Kaler

      Intrigued by Amish

      I’m intrigued with the Amish lifestyle.
      I would be very interested in reading
      Amish Voices 2.

      Greg Kaler

    41. Keydron DeRosa

      QUINTESSENTIAL authority on all things Amish

      Am THRILLED that Brad has composed a SECOND volume … what is NOT to LOVE; one can hardly WAIT!

      Written by a septuagenarian who was reared among the Amish communities located at the Penn-Ohio line.

      Thank you and (obviously) l hope to WIN a copy of the book.

    42. David King

      Good article

      well written,thanks

    43. Lydia Good

      Amish Voices

      This sounds like an interesting read.

    44. Al Cantwell

      This would be interesting

      Personally, I’m curious about the impact technology has had on the Amish, particularly now but also 25+ years ago when TV and perhaps CB radio and FM radio would have been the then-new technological “intruders.” I’d especially be curious about whether the use of solar and other sustainable forms of energy are a topic of interest to Family Life contributers.

    45. Theresa Sajdak

      Treasury of wisdom

      I look forward to reading this book. I have not read the 1st one, but I do read The Budget when I am able and always find something that makes me stop and think about the life we live in today’s world.

    46. Helen Curtis

      Amish Voices 2

      Sounds interesting.

    47. Cathering

      Book

      Sounds very interesting! Would love to read it.

    48. Kelly DiPari

      Amish Voices 2

      Have always enjoyed reading. Especially about other
      groups of people. I really love how the Amish live their
      faith. If I don’t win the book, can you tell me where I
      can buy it? Thanks, Erik. Keep up the great work.

      Kelly

    49. Amish voices 2

      I was born in Pottsville pa.but now reside in tn I would love to win a copy I love to read Amish books and about them.

    50. Sherri Patko

      Great life lessons!

      Congratulations on having such a productive retirement Brad! I hope this second book has even more success than your first! Can’t wait to read it. God bless!!