Local Author Has Unique Book About Amish Life Published

Anna Dee Olson, a former member of the Amish Communities in Hewitt, MN and Blair WI, has had her unique book about her trials and tribulations as a young woman struggling to survive in the Amish community published by New York Publisher Morgan James Publishing earlier this month. The book, "Growing Up Amish - Insider Secrets from One Woman's Inspirational Journey" is currently listed among the publisher's top-ten bestsellers.


"It's really a dream come true for me" says Olson. "The book is so personal to me. Writing it was such a cathartic experience and that makes having it published even more special. It was so liberating to finally put all of my experiences in the Amish culture, good and bad, on paper and let the world know what that experience was like."


Anna spent the first 23 years of her life in the Amish community living with her mother, father and 9 brothers and sisters. Although she says there are lessons from that culture that she will keep with her forever, she would not want to go back. She explains that period of her life as mostly dark, painful, and extremely negative. "I was full of self-doubt," she said. "I didn't particularly like or value myself and didn't feel that others valued me either. As Amish children, we were taught to be seen and not heard. Asking questions was frowned upon; you just did what you were told to do without question. Basically, we were led to believe that life was meant to be difficult."


Joan Sosalla, a fan of Olson's book from Whitehall, Wisconsin was impressed by Anna's real life account, describing the book as "a captivating story of real life in the Amish Community." She continues, calling the book ".. a gripping account of reality too harsh to bear, yet a fascinating look at the culture and an easy read. I couldn't put the book down until I finished it and am looking forward to her next book."


Olson's book is not only the tale of her journey away from the culture that she feels kept her repressed, she explains "It is the story of learning to value yourself," she says. "My hope is that in hearing my story, my readers will be compelled to make positive changes in their lives, to not let everyday obstacles stand in the way of their aspirations."


Olson continues to spread her inspirational story and her message of positive life changes at speaking engagements across the country. "Growing Up Amish - Insider Secrets from One Woman's Inspirational Journey" by Anna Dee Olson can be found in bookstores everywhere, or can be purchased online at Olson's website www.GrowingUpAmish.com.

Anna Dee Olson has spoken to thousands of people across the country. Many people depend on Anna to help them understand the Amish to a better degre. Anna grew up not knowing her purpose in life and only knowing that life was meant to be difficult. Today Anna has found her true purpose which you can read more about at www.GrowingUpAmish.com Submit your questions at www.TheAmishLady.com