Book excerpt: DO THE AMISH REALLY BELIEVE IN HEXES? DO THEY HEAL BY “POWWOWING”? WHY DO THEY PREACH AGAINST “WORLDLY WISDOM” AND HIGH EDUCATION? WHY DO THEY WEAR SUCH STRANGE CLOTHING? Originally published in 1948, Rosanna’s Boys—the sequel to his successful semi-autobiographical 1940 book Rosanna of the Amish—by Joseph W. Yoder is a richly-detailed account of Amish life, and how the sons of “Rosanna of the Amish” turned out. Joseph W. Yoder writes of his own brothers and people: as one who left the plainest of the Amish, he speaks honestly of the shortcomings, and passionately of the beauty of the Amish way of life. It’s all here: quiltings, frolics, weddings, auctions, barn raisings, church services, visiting, hard work, schools and love. Learn why Amish don’t need fire insurance or government aid; why there is little unemployment, crime or divorce among the Amish; why there are so many splinter groups; why some practice “the ban;” historical beginnings and relationship to ancient asceticism. Unusual texts and notes for Amish songs, poems in “Pennsylvania Dutch” with translations.