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The Kitchen Table

My Friend, the Writer

12 years ago

I know I have mentioned my friend before...he is ex-Amish and wrote a book about it.

We are just casual friends, But I am so proud of him. Although the book has been out over a year he continues to stay on several best seller lists.

And this past week he was asked to accept an honorary doctorate from his first college he attended (on only an 8th grade Amish education).

He went on to receive his law degree, passed the bar and gave it up for a simpler life working at a small building supply store.

He is so humble in his life..he didn't start out with a goal to ever publish a book...just started a blog and with lots of encouragement, a phone call from Tyndale.. and well...he is enjoying the ride while it lasts.

Check out his blog if you like...his book is called "Growing Up Amish"

Here is a link that might be useful: Ira Wagler

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Comments (11)

sjerin
12 years ago
Heyyyyyyy, he's your friend?? I have read his blog for a couple of years and bought and read his book when it came out. He's a wonderful writer and his stories are fascinating to me. I had no idea he put himself all the way through law school! I have to finish reading his posts but find it a little tough because of the red background against the small type. (Wow, I make myself sound old.) Are his parents still alive?
Sally Brownlee
Original Author
12 years ago
sjerin, yes, his parents are still living, I believe his Father is 90.
They live in Kentucky with one of Ira's brother. His Mother has fairly advanced alzheimers. I believe they have spent the last several winter months in Sarasota, FL
Ira lives about 100 yards from where I work and I met him several years ago when we both belonged to a tiny gym across town.
We would chat occassionally. But since I dropped my membership I hardly see him anymore, but I am happy for his sucess.
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Oh my gosh! Wonderfully written. Witty! I can't say enough. Except that I was having a horrible day and now I can't stop smiling. I can't decide which thing I love the most. The eyes, tradtional crabs, the name tags... oh it's all fantastic! Great friend you have there. -R
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sue_va
12 years ago
I enjoy reading anything re the Amish, especially if it is first person.

Sjerin, I went to the link, and yes it is like you said, red and small type. You can easily enlarge the type by holding the Ctrl button and turning your mouse wheel.
I did and it works, but I don't enjoy reading a lot on line. I'm going to see about getting his book.

Salgal thanks for posting this. How nice to have him as a friend.

Sue
jackie_ok
12 years ago
I have read his book and I thought it was excellent. I will go look at his blog now.
breenthumb
12 years ago
That is very hard on the eyes. As Sue Va said, you can make it larger by holding control button and scrolling larger. Also, right click and choose "select all". That will highlight the print, making it much easier to read.
sjerin
12 years ago
Thanks, Sue, I'll do that. I'm sorry to hear his mother has Alzheimer's and hope that Ira is able to see both of his parents once in awhile. I seem to remember they visited a year or two ago.
Sally Brownlee
Original Author
12 years ago
sjerin,
I thought you may be interested...I think Ira is going to be on the National Geographic series "Amish: Out of Order" some time in May. He is friends with Mose, the guy that is the main focus of the series.
I do not know what episode, but I do know he was interviewed.
sjerin
12 years ago
Thank you, salgal! I'd love to see that. Is the NG series on pbs or a cable channel? I don't have cable or a dish but I'm sure I could find it online, once it's been aired. I look forward to seeing Ira "irl," so to speak. I did leave a comment on his blog about a year ago having to do with politics--we're far apart on that score!
Sally Brownlee
Original Author
12 years ago
It is on cable and 2 episodes have aired so far so you may be able to find it.
neesie
12 years ago
Sounds like a great book - I love autobiographies!
sjerin
12 years ago
Well, I think they're about a month behind so I'll check back in a few weeks. Thanks for the heads-up!

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