Rating: 
Summary: A Vivid Picture Well Described!
Review: I am very proud of Ruth Irene's courage to write this book. For I once joined an Amish sect in college, before converting to Mennonite. I can vouch that, in my experiences, what she vividly describes, is all too real in this secluded world. Now that I have written a book, I realize the zest and courage that it takes to come forth with the true harsh story of being a woman in a harsh religion. I made mine fiction; however, Ruth Irene had the courage to write a non-fiction book. For those that have never been an actual member of this religion, it may be very hard to understand how hard it is to leave and tell your story. You can go to Lancaster where I lived, or even Iowa, where Ruth Irene lived, but please get her book if you want to know how life really is.
Rating: 
Summary: Crossing Over: Into what?
Review: A fascinating book, but kind of disturbing. You get this idea that Amish life is unbearable, when I really doubt it. For Irene, it was hard, because her father was so harsh, but I have met and known Amish and the men tend to be very gentle. Yes, it is patriarchal, but that does not make it automatically "bad".
I would be upset too is my daughter, unmarried, slept with a man over 20 years older, twice divorced, disabled, obese and virtually unemployed and then ran away from home to marry him.
I can see where they considered it adultery. I sympathized with Irene, and at the same time, I feel for her family. They are all between a rock and a hard place.
Rating: 
Summary: A good, sad read
Review: As other reviewers have said, this is a somewhat short book and a quick read. Another interesting Amish book is 'Amish Society' by John A. Hostetler, which is an anthropological look at the Amish.I'm not Amish, but the town in Ohio where I grew up had Mennonites / German Baptist (not sure of the exact sect) interspersed with non-Amish (the 'English') in the rural areas. The author of this book was in an old order Amish sect which shuns more technology (such as cars) than the Mennonites. It seems that non-Amish people view the Amish as cute and quaint, sort of like one of those old-time villages tourists go to to see blacksmiths and horses and buggies and glassblowing. The difference is that the Amish don't leave the old-time village after the tourists have left. I'm surprised that I haven't read more about women's rights groups speaking out against the Amish sects since Amish women seem to be the ones most oppressed.
Rating:
Summary: very interesting
Review: As someone who finds the whole Amish existence to be fascinating, I was very interested in reading this book. The only thing wrong with it is that it was too short! It held my attention. This book provides insight into the true story of Ruth Irene Garrett. Born and raised Amish, she fell in love with an "Englisher". Wanting more out of life and searching for answers, she had to leave behind her family and was ultimately shunned by her family and the community. Her story is told with truth and Love. A real glimpse into what is certainly a society that most of us can only imagine.
Rating:
Summary: A Negative Look...
Review: Being an avid reader and researcher of the Amish customs and religious beliefs, I anxiously read this book from cover to cover in 24 hours. In doing so, Ms. Garrett portrayed her life among the Amish in a very descriptive, yet negative manner. I understand I, myself, am not Amish, therefore I am unable to make a complete analysis of her words, however, there was a very obvious negative pattern set in the very beginning that continues throughout the whole book. She obviously had a very negative family upbringing, as many of us do, that left scars and impacted her greatly. Her choice to abandon the Amish was, of course, her choice, but she paints the whole Amish culture and belief system as being negative, which, in knowing many Amish people (I live in Lancaster County, PA) I know is not true. There are strict and overbearing, mean and nasty parents out there everywhere. Not just within the Amish. I feel sorry that she abandoned her culture, parents, and way of life due to this, but I do wish her the best of luck in the future. It was an interesting book, and a very different perspective, and would recommend for people to read to get another point of view.
Rating:
Summary: A Heart Full of Grace
Review: Coming from Amish and Mennonite family background myself, and growing up interacting with cousins in Kalona, it was very interesting to read Irene's story. I have always known that there were inconsistencies within the Amish culture, however, I was surprised at the severity of her father's treatment of his family. I was impressed with her courage to leave, yet also with her ability to maintain a desire to stay in contact with her family. It is obvious that she has an understanding of the concept of unconditional love even though this was not consistently modeled for her. I have had the pleasure of meeting Irene and Ottie and was impressed with their honesty, love and unconditional positive regard they held for one another. Their book, "My Amish Heritage" is evidence of the hope that Irene holds in staying connected with her early life even as she moves on, evolving into a beautiful modern-day woman. Her heart is full of grace.
Rating:
Summary: A Heart Full of Grace
Review: Coming from Amish and Mennonite family background myself, and growing up interacting with cousins in Kalona, it was very interesting to read Irene's story. I have always known that there were inconsistencies within the Amish culture, however, I was surprised at the severity of her father's treatment of his family. I was impressed with her courage to leave, yet also with her ability to maintain a desire to stay in contact with her family. It is obvious that she has an understanding of the concept of unconditional love even though this was not consistently modeled for her. I have had the pleasure of meeting Irene and Ottie and was impressed with their honesty, love and unconditional positive regard they held for one another. Their book, "My Amish Heritage" is evidence of the hope that Irene holds in staying connected with her early life even as she moves on, evolving into a beautiful modern-day woman. Her heart is full of grace.
Rating:
Summary: I could never tell all
Review: I just recieved my copy of "Crossing Over" and what a wonderful book! There's no way I could or for that matter would, tell my life history for the world to read and see.People can be so harsh and so self rightous.Ruth Irene Garrett had the guts to tell her and Ottie's story of falling in love and her leaving the Old Order Amish for a man 20 plus years older and divorced.I believe if she was willing to tell her story then it must be true because she told her story from the heart.I felt every bit of pain she felt when those awful letters from her family arrived at her new home.She has to be a very strong person.I wish her all the luck in the world. I hope Hollywood does a great job telling her story. I'm glad I read the book before the TV movie comes out, because I'm sure they'll put their little twist to it and this way I know the story about Ruth Irene Garrett.
Rating:
Summary: A good true life story, but leaves you wanting to know more.
Review: Iif you are looking for a book that will allow you inside the Amish lifestyle, this is not the one for you. This is more about Irene Garrett's life, and her family, who happen to be Amish. I enjoyed the book very much, but longed for more information about the Amish, and what it is like on the inside. However, I have learned that she has written a book called, "Born Amish", which is to be more descriptive of her life as an Amish person. So enjoy this book for what it is, a portrait of a woman coming out of the Amish, her struggle and eventual success in the world outside, and a spiritual triumph on the inside.
Rating: 
Summary: Another "Made for TV" script - light and simple
Review: Ms. Garrett does indeed show intense courage to overcome the confines of her heritage. However, she only acknowledges the values of her upbringing quite sparingly. In fact, the only instance I recall some level of scrutiny and analysis is her comments on the crass commercialism of the "English" Christmas. The manner by which Mr Farrant has conveyed Ms. Garrett's story does not convey her internal struggles, other than her concern for her mother and resolve over her father's personality. In short, the story is a light and simple read where the narrator doesn't delve into the meanings of certain Amish practices and attitudes (e.g. materialism) but raises their significance only in symptoms as they apply to her. There is absolutely no ecunemical analysis or likewise introspection, however, that might be alright for the audience that Mr. Farrant intended the story for.
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