Runaway Amish Girl: The Great Escape

Growing up Amish and leaving the fold, Emma Gingerich left her Amish community in Eagleville, Missouri, at the age of eighteen. Her memoir Runaway Amish Girl: The Great Escape captivates even the timid reader. Disagreeing with the beliefs of Amish traditions and upbringing, the pressure became too much for her to bear. Forced to make a personal decision, Emma found the courage to leave the only life she had ever known. She had no idea the emotional turmoil she'd inflict on her family and friends. The emotional reaction of her parents, brothers and sisters, are gut wrenching. Considered no longer a daughter and a sister, temporarily exiled, Emma finds a way to be free. Education becomes her priority as she finds her place in this "English" world. This true story is a rare glimpse into the life of a brave young woman - Runaway Amish Girl: The Great Escape.

This book tells more about the Amish way of life, their so-called dating, what is expected of women, of men and of children, and thoroughly goes into the many reasons this young girl decided she had to get away from the Amish life in order to grow spiritually and go to college. She had no idea what to expect when she left her parents' home and had to be told by other Amish who had escaped, how to live in a world of freedom where she could decide for herself how she wanted to live. She had to be told to shave her legs and underarms, to use deodorant, and that there were guidelines about how to dress even in the "English" world. The reader feels her excitement when she finally gets a truck and learns how to drive it. She also learns that all English are not to be trusted when she is raped and didn't even know what had happened to her. The Amish don't tell their girls anything about sex or life in general, they learn it when they need to know it. Young Amish women are pitifully unprepared for life. I liked this book because the author wasn't afraid to tell the truth. - Jane A.C. Anyone wanting the truth about the strictest of Amish orders needs to read this book. I stayed awake reading till 12:30. Expect to not put the book down once you start. Emma is a very brave girl as well as determined. - Sarah Ayers Heartbreaking, the grief of a human's life without freedom to grow both physically and spiritually. Liked the description of Amish community and it has been the greatest amount of information given. I admire Emma and her courage, her dissatisfaction with their church, determination to be happy and most of all, be able to have peace free from others judgment. Recommend this book and look forward to more of this. - Anna Lozada de Flecha

Excellent story about a brave woman who decided she wanted more.....and did something about it. Many of the stories of the Amish sugarcoat the stress, especially upon women within the faith. I have lived close to the Amish all my life and although, to the outside (English) world, they appear happy and content, I wonder, sometimes, how many scholars, writers, professionals are canning peaches and green beans and wishing for more freedom. Janet K. Anderson