Nancy Grossman

"A World Away" was a lovely story of Eliza, a sixteen-year-old Amish girl who is allowed to venture into the modern world for her rumspringa. Although, basically a romance with a predictable ending, I did like following Eliza as she experienced new things for the first time - jeans, music, movies, dancing, mobile phones, tvs, computers, etc. During her time in this new world, Eliza had to make some tough decisions and, while I respected her choice, I wish she had made a different one.

I show more thoroughly enjoyed the insights into the Amish culture and just wish it was more in-depth. Even though I liked Eliza, my favourite character was her Aunt Bec. As a teenager, she made the decision to turn her back on the Amish community and stay in modern society. Despite being shunned by her family, she made a successful life for herself and found a man who loved her. In fact, I would love Nancy Grossman to write Rebecca's story. I think it would be more intense than "A World Away", as Bec was treated poorly by those she knew and loved.

Filled with hellos and goodbyes, "A World Away" was a sweet, coming-of-age read. show less

Because she is Amish, Eliza has never ridden in a car, seen a movie or made a phone call. Now she is 16, it is time for her rumspringa or ‘running wild time’ and she is desperate to experience life in the outside world. She manages to persuade her parents to let her take a job as a nanny and her life becomes full of ‘firsts’. Everything is new and exciting and she doesn’t miss her old life at all. What will she decide at the end of the summer? Will she return to the Amish or stay show more in the new world?
Along with Eliza’s adjustment to a new life there is a also romance and the uncovering of a family secret. Eliza is a very likeable and realistic character and the glimpses of Amish life that you get are fascinating. This book will keep you guessing as to Eliza’s choice right to the end. This book would appeal to teen girls who enjoy realistic fiction and romance. show less

An interesting story about an Amish teen temporarily living in the "English world." I didn't find it all that credible that an "English" woman would invite an Amish girl she does not know to come live at her home and be a nanny to her children for several months. The girl must be trustworthy and qualified simply because she's Amish? I didn't buy it. Aside from that, it's a good, engaging mix of romance and melodrama that girls are most likely to enjoy.

I got caught up in this story from the very beginning. The dialogue and descriptions were a bit simplistic, but overall this was a great story.