Running Around (and Such)
Lizzie Searches for Love, Book 1
By Linda Byler
Published by Good Books
May 2010;$13.99US; 978-1-56148-688-5
"Lizzie Glick longs to fit into her quiet Amish community. Her sisters, Emma and Mandy, are ready to get married and settle into the traditional rhythm of having children and keeping house. But Lizzie isn't sure that's what she wants for her future. It isn't that Lizzie doesn't want to stay Amish. It's just that there's so much to figure out!Stephen, her quiet, gentle friend, hints that he might be interested in a relationship deeper than friendship, but Lizzie is also drawn to the charming Amos who seems to have eyes for everyone but her.She has certainly attracted the attention of the egg-truck driver. A thrill runs through her every time the worldly man comes to pick up an order, each time extending his stay a little longer. How long will she keep this a secret from Emma -- and Mam and Datt?What will become of Lizzie? She has too hot a temper. She hates housework and dislikes babies. She loves driving fast horses but is petrified of going away from home for a week to work as a maud (maid). Is she too spirited, too innocent, and almost too uninhibited for a young Amish woman? "
Lizzie is a spirited young Amish girl, that thinks she quite doesn't fit in. She hates to do chores and thinks that no one likes her. Lizzie is also quite the drama queen in that she likes to make a big fuss over things. Lizzie is somewhat over weight and is a very emotional eater. I sometimes felt I used to feel the same way she did, back also in my teenage years. It can be hard being a teenager and not thinking that people do love you for who you are. Lizzie just has this wonderful innocence about her, but yet when it comes to a situation that may be dangerous she really seems to come to her scenes.
This book really reminded me of a friend that I had growing up. She was the middle child and so totally different than her older and younger sister and she sometimes felt like Lizzie felt, the outcast of the family. If you don't know a lot about the Amish, being a teenager can be a very difficult time in life. At the age of 16 they are allowed to "Run Around" meaning they can go with fellow youths their age and just hang out together. It is also a time where they can start dating.
I have to say I could not put this book down! All of the chapters are fairly short, so I would just keep on reading. The flow of the book is wonderful. I was also thrilled that in the back of the book there are a few recipes that are talked about through out the book. At some points in the book my mouth was just watering at all the wonderful food that was described.
This is a wonderful book that will be staying on my book shelf for many years to come. I do believe that I will have my daughters both read this book as they enter into their teenage years. It is a great book for a teenager to read and really relate to.
Author Bio
Linda Byler grew up Amish and is an active member of the Amish church today. Growing up, Linda loved to read and write. In fact, she still does. She is well known within the Amish community as a columnist for a weekly Amish newspaper. Linda and her husband, their children, and grandchildren live in central Pennsylvania.
Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this post. These are my own and honest opinions and thoughts
