Katrina Hoover Lee on From the White House to the Amish (Book Giveaway)
From the White House to the Amish is the new book from Katrina Hoover Lee telling the story of Thomas E. Kirkman, who lived a remarkable life which took him from the highest corridors of power to becoming a convert to the Amish.
The book is a real page-turner. Katrina wrote Kirkman’s story as a biographical fiction, which she explains in the Q-and-A below.
Enter to Win a Copy of From the White House to the AmishÂ
To enter for a chance to win a copy, simply leave a comment on this post.
I’ll draw a winner and post it here on Friday (update: it turns out we need to push it to next week, so look for the winner here Monday).
Katrina Hoover Lee on From the White House to the Amish
Amish America: Who was Thomas E. Kirkman?
Katrina Hoover Lee: Born in southern Indiana during the Great Depression, Tom grew up during World War II and the 1950’s. Though he was raised by Christian parents, he turned against God after the loss of the most important person in his life. Although gifted as an artist, spy, and inventor, Tom’s life spiraled into depression and bitterness toward God. Through an unexpected voice and an unpretentious Amish man, Tom Kirkman was forever changed.
Amish America: What is remarkable or unique about this story?
Katrina Hoover Lee: As a young man, Tom worked in the White House under both the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations and spent time in the CIA. Later, he joined the Amish church.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I consider myself a lifetime writer although my first book came out in 2010. I’ve written a total of eight books through Anabaptist publishing houses. Raised in central Wisconsin, I now live in Elkhart, Indiana, with my husband Marnell. We are expecting our first child, a girl, in May.
What’s one thing you learned in your research that surprised or moved you?
Although Tom passed away before I was able to speak to him, his son Brad was full of helpful stories he remembered from his father. Some of Tom’s stories were so out of the ordinary, I felt like I should doubt them until I found good evidence, even though this book is a biographical fiction. Several discoveries in my research reassured me that Tom’s word was trustworthy. These revelations thrilled me!
When writing a story inspired by real people and historical events – how does that work? How much do you rely on the real-life facts and what parts do you need to “fill in” or create yourself?
I always have to decide first whether I’m writing a biography/memoir, or whether I’m writing a biographical fiction. Since Tom was no longer living when I took on the project, it seemed fitting to make the book a fiction book based on truth, or a biographical fiction. I did my best to stay true to what I did know about Tom Kirkman. But in many cases, the details went with Tom to his grave. In order to offer the reader a readable narrative, I added details that seemed to fit Tom’s character and the the information I did have.
What other books have you written, and what was different about this one?
Of my other eight books, Blue Christmas and Captain Garrison are the most loved by readers. With the exception of my very first book, all the books can be seen at my website. From the White House to the Amish is the first book I’ve written set in the mid-1900’s. It was fascinating to research President Eisenhower in particular!
What will readers take away or learn from From the White House to the Amish?
I hope the book inspires people to think about what is most important in life. I also think people who remember the Eisenhower and Kennedy years will enjoy the book even more.
What do the Amish think of this book?
I was concerned about this myself. Even though I’m a conservative Mennonite myself, I’m not a part of the Amish culture and I was hoping the book would not be offensive, particularly since Tom did not remain with the Amish church until his death. However, I was pleased to hear that the book was recommended as a great book to read on the Midwest Amish Chat Line. This is a telephone conference that many Amish listen to for news. Hearing this made me much more easy in spirit! I have also heard positive comments from a number of other Amish people.
Where can readers find From the White House to the Amish?
I encourage readers to buy directly from my website if they are able, since that supports my own author journey best. I send autographed paperbacks directly from my house in Elkhart, IN. The paperback, ebook, and audiobook can all be purchased directly from me here.
However, the ebooks are available on Apple, Nook, Amazon, and more; you can see a list of the retailers here. The paperback is available from Amazon, but it will be more expensive than if you buy it directly from me. We recently released the audio version with narration by Conrad Bear. This can be accessed from our website as a digital download or a CD set. Also available from Apple, Audible, Nook, Kobo/Walmart, and various others.
Are you giving a coupon to readers of Amish America?
Why, yes! If you purchase from my website, don’t forget to use coupon code Amish15 for 15% off any form of From the White House to the Amish (paperback, ebook, audiobook).
Wow!
This book sounds amazing! Love these different Amish books.
From the White House to the Amish
This book looks fascinating.
Wow
What an amazing story I would love to read.
Book give away
Certainly sounds interesting.
From the White House to the Amish
Would love to read this book!!
From the White House to the Amish
I would very much love to read this book. I’ve read 2 of Ira Wagler’s books, Sherry Gore’s book, a couple more of non-fiction books & hundreds of fiction books. I’m always interested to read a book involving the Amish. If another lucky person wins this contest, please let me know where I can buy a paperback. I can only find the e-books. Thanks so much & have a blessed day.
Sue Wilfinger
Awesome
I haven’t read Katrina Hoover Lee yet, but if her writing is anything like Ira Wagler or Ora Jay/Irene Eash, it should be great. Look forward to this book 🙂
Great Book
This book sounds so interesting.
I would love to read it please.
Thank you
Books
Reading how you responded made me want to look up your website. Will be buying some of your books for sure. I enjoy finding out how things happen to people.
From the White House to the Amish
I would very much like to read your book “From the White House to the Amish.” My husband and I have made many trips to Amish areas in Holmes County, Ohio through the past 8 or 9 years. It is such a peaceful area. I have read probably 60 Amish fiction books and just love them! Through our visits, staying in an Amish-run bed and breakfast each time and reading books and The Budget Newspaper, I feel like I really have a good grip on the Amish beliefs and lifestyle.
So excited!
This book sounds amazing! I love books about people who converted to the Amish faith. I have wanted to convert to either old order Amish, or Old Order Mennonite faith since I was 11. I’ve done so many years of research and these books are part of it!
I wanna win!
Would love to read this book!
I have read a lot of Amish books and would love to read this one and find out if it was hard to join the Amish.I can see why a person would want to but the difficulties had to be enormous.
Katrina Hoover Lee on From the White House to the Amish (Book Giveaway)
This books sounds very interesting and one that I would like to read. I have been interested in the Amish since I was 10 years old and my husband and I spent over a year living in an Old Order Mennonite community while investigating them. We are still interested in the Mennonites and are re-investigating them again.
Ffom the White House to The Amish
It sounds like the kind of book I would enjoy reading. Thank you for allowing me to join in this giveaway.
Very Interesting!
This would be a great read, thanks so much for this opportunity!
Thank you!
Thank you for the opportunity to receive this book! I have read several non-fiction books concerning the Amish, and this one sounds good, too!
From the white house to the Amish
I’m sure this would be a very interesting read. Thank you for the opportunity!
From the White House to the Amish
Sounds like a good read
Wow, I never heard about this before! Would love to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity.
Interesting
This will be an interesting story.
Interesting
Love that Amish books based on some true life facts. Live near holmes co Amish In ohio. Look forward to reading your books
Something new
This should be a good book.
Very interesting
This is a very unusual book that I look forward to reading.
Love learning about Amish
I am very interested in the transition of White House to Amish. Thank you for caring about people who support Amish. We have some lovely Amish friends in our county.
From the White House to the Amish
This looks like a very interesting book to read. I have read too many to count Amish fiction and a few Amish non fiction and I would love to add this book to my list. Good luck to all and thanks for the offer of this giveaway.
From the White House to the Amish
This one sounds like a must read for sure! I’ve all a multitude of books about the Amish, both non-fiction & fiction & am always looking for more to read.
From the White House to the Amish
This sounds like a very interesting book I read Amish books and this one sounds different & a must read I would love to read this
Amish book!!
I would love to win this book!! I love reading about the Amish!!
Looking forward to reading
Thank you for the opportunity for a chance. I’m looking forward to how a man went from working a busy government life to a busy Amish life.
This is definitely on my wish list. Love the cover.
Sounds like an interesting book.
Sounds like an interesting book.
From the White House to the Amish book.
This books sounds very interesting. I would love to read it. Thanks for the chance to win.
From the White House to the Amish book
I enjoyed reading this interview and hearing about the impetus behind this book. Thanks for sharing. I can hardly wait to turn the pages on this book.
Would love to read this book!
This book sound so interesting! I cant’ wait to read it!
From the White House to the Amish
Looking forward to reading the book. Hope to win the giveaway, but if not are there any places in Elkhart or Shipshe or LaGrange, or anywhere in between that are selling your books?
From the White House to the Amish
Katrina Hoover Lee Thank you for offering to share your talents with others who enjoy Amish Stories. Be blessed in your endeavors
From the White House to the Amish
I would love love love to read this book.
White House to the Amish (Give Away)
It would be an honor to read your book. I have visited several states and visited with the Amish families. I just love the tender hearted folks. I love the way they care for their families and raise their own food from Gods green earth. I love reading any and all about the Amish. Thank you for allowing me to try to win. Congratulations to whomever does win! Sincerely, Rhonda Smith, Gladewater Texas
I want this book!
I would love to win! I enjoy reading about the Amish and this book sounds amazing!
Amazing story
I would live to read this book as it sounds very intriguing.
book comment
This sounds like a very interesting book. Can’t wait to read it.
Must Read!
This is going on my Must Read list!!!!
From The White House to the Amish
My favorite books to read are about the Amish because I love their simple lifestyle. This book sounds very interesting to go from a life in the White House to living Amish. And based on true facts is even better.
I love this book. If I win it I will give it away as a gift.
From the White House to the Amish
I have not read your new one yet, but am still planning on buying it unless I can win it!
I would love to read this book, sounds so interesting!!!
I would love to read this book, sounds so interesting!!!
Interested
I’m interested in your new book! Sounds like a good story!
I would love to have this book! It sounds so interesting.