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.
Rating: 
Summary: Crossing Over - whatever
Review: Ms. Garrett gives an interesting look at coming out of the Amish closet. But, I think we're comparing apples to oranges. Modern Life versus the old ways. What is missing is the evolution of centuries of pop psychology. That has evolved for our lives versus what she has today. She is expecting that evolution to have taken place in a closed society that only educates to the eight grade. Or, maybe she just wishes that they loved. Not sure. She is a little bitter about her previous life and I'm not sure her current lifestyle helps! Seems like she and her husband don't care for the Amish but aren't afraid to use them to support themselves? That may be a bit harsh - I don't know. She's had a very different life than any of us will ever know. Would I read this again or another work by her - yes probably. This is not a flowery cute little Amish Book. It is just like people in life. Not everyone is perfect.
Rating: 
Summary: One Person's Opinion
Review: The book "Crossing Over" by Ruth Irene Garrett and Rick Farrant, is very interesting. The co-authors keep ones attention by giving details of the life of Ruth Irene Garrett. I enjoy studying other cultures therfore I enjoyed this book, which explains the customs of the Amish people. There is drama, facts, and a love story all in this book, which makes it more appealing than just reading a factual account of the Amish traditions and history.
Ruth Irene Garrett grew up in the strict traditions of the Old Order Amish. She tells about the struggles that she had trying to be an independent woman in a male-dominated household. She educated herself beyond the realms of her isolated existence, which drove a wedge between her and her family. This is definitely a "must read" book.
Rating:
Summary: One Person's Opinion
Review: The book "Crossing Over" by Ruth Irene Garrett and Rick Farrant, is very interesting. The co-authors keep ones attention by giving details of the life of Ruth Irene Garrett. I enjoy studying other cultures therfore I enjoyed this book, which explains the customs of the Amish people. There is drama, facts, and a love story all in this book, which makes it more appealing than just reading a factual account of the Amish traditions and history.
Ruth Irene Garrett grew up in the strict traditions of the Old Order Amish. She tells about the struggles that she had trying to be an independent woman in a male-dominated household. She educated herself beyond the realms of her isolated existence, which drove a wedge between her and her family. This is definitely a "must read" book.
Rating:
Summary: Too much fluff, not enough substance
Review: This book could have been so much more. While it makes for an interesting personal story, it is lacking in the depth and detail that could have made it so much better. There isn't really anything new here for those interested in learning more about the Amish way of life and the difficulties one faces after leaving it. Several chapters of the book seemed to be "padded" in order to stretch the story long enough to be bound as a book. For those interested in a light, easy read, it will be an enjoyable journey. For those lusting for the gritty details of Amish life, it will be a disappointment.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting Book,Questionable Character
Review: This book was interesting, and I learned a lot about the Amish culture, but I did find portions of it troubling. Take the fact that the author's family was upset by the fact that she was involved with a man who was almost old enough to be her father, had been divorced-more than once, and with whom she snuck off to sleep with before they were married. I'm not Amish, but I bet my bottom dollar my father would have something to say about that too!! I hope that the author has truly made peace with the Lord, and that even though she may have been justified in leaving the Amish culture, that she realizes there may have been a better and more moral way of doing so. Maybe I'm being too harsh and old-fashioned-read the book and decide for yourself!! Overall, it was a good read and I would recommend it to those interested in the Amish culture.
Rating: 
Summary: An important book and a great read!
Review: This is an engrossing little book which I didn't want to put down to go to bed. It is also an important book that should be read by those interested in the sociology of religious subcultures or by ecclesiastical historians interested in modern movements resulting from the Radical Reformation. It is also a useful balance to books which present an unrealistic, overly romantic view of subcultures like the Amish. Most of all, it is an interesting love story and a great read! But as you read it, keep in mind the heterogeneity of the Amish Church in North America. No one person's experience can capture a representative view of this movement. For that, read the definitive work, John Hostetler's "Amish Society" or perhaps Donald Kraybill's "The Riddle of Amish Culture".
Rating:
Summary: good book, but negative picture
Review: This was a good well written book. From the start I was disapointed on how negatively she portrayed the Amish. She had a strict father and I am sure that was difficult, but not all Amish are the same. I am mennonite and have spent quite a bit of time around the Amish. The Amish is a very close knit community, but not nearly has harsh and bad as described. Of course their are some who leave the Amish unhappy with the lifestyle, yet look at how many remain with the Amish pleased with the quiet peaceful life they live. She said women had no real worth in the Amish, but most of the Amish women are happy (yet they won't admit pride) with being good mothers, excellent cooks, seamstresses, etc. I would encourage anybody to get to know the Amish before judging this book and then decide for yourself.
Rating:
Summary: Crossing Over: One Woman's Escape from Amish Life
Review: This was an excellent book! I am very happy for Ottie and Irene! It took(and probably still does) take God's Grace and a lot of courage to leave the Amish.
I would highly recommend this book!
Rating: 
Summary: Surprised
Review: When I first saw the name of the book I was surprised. I have Amish friends that are very dear to me and at no time have ever noticed any of the repressive behavior that the book mentions.
The Amish do have a choice to continue being Amish or join "normal" society. At age 16 they are allowed to live on their own and do everything we choose to do. If they like it, they stay and adapt to modern culture.
Morals in America continue to slip and we see the Amish as a novelty or as being backward. Ask yourself, who has the richer and fuller life? But if ever given the chance to meet them I assure you you are meeting some of the nicest, most sincere people you have ever met.
I do not recommend this book. It only further construes the real truth.
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