The Wanderers

The Wanderers by Paul Stutzman

About The Book:

An Amish love story about hope and finding home. Everything in God's nature, Johnny observed, did what it was created to do. Everything, that is, except the human race. Johnny was born into an Amish family, into a long line of farmers and good businessmen. He is expected to follow the traditions of family and church as he grows to adulthood. But even as a boy, he questions whether he can be satisfied with this lifestyle. He wants "more" - more education, more travel, more opportunity. His restlessness leads him down a dangerous road where too much partying and drinking result in heartbreaking consequences. He's adrift, and no one seems to be able to help him find his direction. Then he meets spunky Annie, who seems pure and lovely and devoted to her God. Her past, though, holds sin and heartbreak. She was a worm, she explains, but God has transformed her into a butterfly. Johnny falls hopelessly in love; and eventually he, too, finds the power of God to transform lives. Settling down on the family farm, he forgets about the questions and the restlessness, thinking that he is happy and at home, at last. But in a few short hours, tragedy changes his life forever, and he is again wondering....and wandering on a very long journey. Entwined with Johnny and Annie's story is the allegory of two Monarch butterflies, worms who have been transformed into amazing creatures specially chosen to carry out the miracle of the fourth generation. They, too, must undertake a long journey before they finally find home.

My Thoughts:

This is an amazing story. I love stories about the Amish, and this brings all kinds of sides to the table. It is a learning experience, but fiction. And an amazing love story! I love the allegory of the Monarchs, too!

About The Author: 

Paul Stutzman was born in Holmes County, Ohio in an Amish family. His family left the Amish lifestyle soon after Paul was born. They joined a strict Conservative Mennonite Church where Paul was raised to fear God and obey all the rules the church demanded. Paul continued to live among and mingle with his Amish friends and relatives his entire life. Paul married a Mennonite girl and remained in the Amish community working and raising a family. After Paul lost his wife to Cancer, he sensed a tug on his heart - the call to a challenge, the call to pursue a dream. With a mixture of dread and determination, Paul left his job, traveled to Georgia, and took his first steps on the 2,176 mile Appalachian Trail. What he learned during the next four and a half months changed his life - and can change yours too.

Buy this book at The Wanderers on Amazon.