"Plain Wisdom," by Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud, Waterbrook Press, 224 pages, $14.99 (nf)
What an interesting and simple book “Plain Wisdom” is.
Basically just a series of topics compared by New York Times bestselling author Cindy Woodsmall and Miriam Flaud, an Old Order Amish woman who lives by the basics, this paperback is surprisingly compelling.
It may also surprise those of various faiths and beliefs to find that God answers the prayers of the sincere followers of Christ, no matter what religion. There is story after story of a life spared, a crop saved, a need met. It’s inspirational and heartwarming especially as neither woman is trying to push her belief system on anyone else. Their belief systems are simply theirs to share if anyone is interested.
Flaud has seven children, a hard-working, farmer husband and lives off her garden produce and the money she makes from selling handmade craft items. Her days are filled with laughter, laundry on the line, gardening, housekeeping and meal making. She doesn’t have the stress of ringing cell phones, computer chatter and Internet gossip so she literally smells the roses as she goes about her days. She works hard and clearly loves her life.
Woodsmall, by contrast, has spent years in the modern world and trying to understand the Amish way of life as she writes novels featuring Amish characters. Her life has had its share of trials and she’s come to appreciate the simple way of looking at things. She doesn’t judge or aspire to become Amish but she obviously has great respect for this way of living.
They share more than a literary bond as these two mothers, wives and spiritual sisters discuss hope, loss, and joy. They share a love of family and friends and find they are more alike than different. They talk about weddings and schooling and Christmas and letting go of a grown child. They compare bad days and good days and funny days, taking time to relish the lighter ones.
“Plain Wisdom” is not a novel nor a book of thought nuggets but rather a glimpse into lives that are enriched by simplicity.
It’s like a manual to finding common ground – with recipes, by the way.
If you go:
What: Book signings
When: March 18 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Barnes & Noble, 1104 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City
When: March 19, 1-2 p.m.,
Where: LifeWay Christian Store, 6336 S. State St., Murray
Sharon Haddock is a professional freelance writer with 30 years experience, 17 of those at The Deseret News. Reach her at haddoc@desnews.com or see her personal blog at sharonhaddock.blogspot.com/