Broken Roads

Returning to My Amish Father

By: Ira Wagler

Narrated by: Ira Wagler, Kevin Stillwell

In this insightful memoir, the New York Times bestselling author of Growing Up Amish tries to reconcile his father, family, and heritage after leaving his faith behind.​ In Broken Roads, Ira Wagler uses his singular voice to unapologetically, but compassionately, illuminate the inner world of the Amish community through his story of life after leaving, what feels like his inevitable return to his Amish father, and how they might mend the relationship between them before it's too late. Through difficult reunions, struggles confronted, and betrayals revisited, Wagler explores burning questions of faith and identity shared by millions, whether Amish or not. Readers may recognize themselves along these paths with Wagler, as he grapples with choices, faith, family, the past, and the future.

Critic reviews

A nuanced account...[Ira's] tale of restlessness looks acutely at the clash of family ties with love of freedom. The memoir is worthwhile as much for its Amish insights as for its exploration of one man's emotional turmoil, regret, and shame."
—Publishers Weekly on Growing Up Amish

In this wonderful sequel to Growing up Amish, Wagler repairs the broken roads-the endless rifts with his father and others.
With audacious candor, Wagler reveals the darkest crevice of his heart, the sensitive soul of his people, the yearning of the human spirit. He fearlessly tells the unfettered truth. Raw truth about love, empathy, sin, salvation and reconciliation. His honesty refreshes. His brilliance informs. His courage offers hope.—Donald B. Kraybill, author The Riddle of Amish Culture

Great read

Just like his 1st book, it gave a great view in to a world most don't fully understand.

Very detailed recount of his post-Amish life

Great stories about Ira Wagler's life after he left the Amish all the way up until recently. The narrator was excellent and did a great job on the emotional stories. I would highly recommend this book.

Authentic, riveting

Great writing. Love his diplomatic honesty. From a former Amish perspective I highly recommend.

Ira Wagler great author

Having lived in Bloomfield, Iowa and had the opportunity to be a guest in an Amish home, I really enjoyed reading this story about the Amish people.