Book Club: Review of My People, The Amish: The True Story of an Amish Father and Son

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please see my Terms of Use and Disclosure Policy page. Thank you.

My People, The Amish: The True Story of an Amish Father and Son by Joe Keim was a very enjoyable read for me. I received an early review copy in return for my honest opinion and I would recommend this book to those individuals who are interested in the life and culture of the Amish, the life of people working through their own journey to a relationship with Jesus Christ, and those who have struggles with their own families. 

Living within a few hours of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, I found Keim’s book interesting fro the start. I have been visiting the area, “Amish Country,” since a sixth grade field trip and found the Amish fascinating to learn about and my opinions of their culture matured with me. Many people find them ‘quaint,’ but the very things that promote this stereotype seem to be the beliefs and aspects of their life that people who leave the Amish struggle with – whether for religious reasons or just because they want the English lifestyle. 

Girl's Room at the Amish Farm and House, Lancaster, PA

Keim’s journey in My People, The Amish, as he describes his childhood, youth, and adulthood, is moving as he finds a close relationship with Jesus and starts the MAP Ministry (Mission to Amish People). 

Many of Keim’s stories about his families can also be applicable for our own lives. One example is how he and his wife, Esther, relate to their own children, Jonathan and Rachel, raise them to be godly individuals, and pray over them and their families. 

Another great aspect of the My People, The Amish, is the use of multiple Bible quotations throughout as Keim recounts his journey. 

My only complaint is the structural organization as parts of the past, life living within the Amish community in Ohio, are told as they relate to more recent events in the life of Keim. At times it is a little confusing but not to the point that it is a huge distraction. 

Keim’s message of encouragement to never give up is a wonderful one that is needed in today’s world.