From Powells.com
Staff Pick
Sam has enough problems — her parents are divorced and she’s estranged from her father, school is filled with social anxiety, and there’s that little matter of her old shoplifting problem. But when she starts dating an Amish guy and the cyberbullying begins, things really start to fall apart. Samantha Stonesong is a character you fall in love with — shy and awkward, but also super smart and funny — and Debby Dodds writes with a wonderful energy and authenticity. Amish Guys Don’t Call is a sweet, often laugh-out-loud funny novel about love, tolerance, and finding oneself. Recommended By Gigi L., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Samantha is already facing scrutiny and anxiety at the start of her junior year, as she’s finally been accepted into the popular girls’ clique called “The Sherpas.” But when she realizes that her new boyfriend Zach was raised Amish, Sam must tackle a whole new set of challenges! Zach has chosen not to end his Rumspringa, instigating a potential shunning from his family. Not only that, but Sam’s new friends can’t miss this opportunity to tease and torment her.
Sam has never really come to terms with her parents’ divorce, so when her world crashes down on her in the form of cyberbullying and Zach’s apparent return to the Amish community, she reverts to old, illegal habits. Does Sam even want friends like these? And, will her culture-crossed love with Zach find a way?
Review
“Amish Guys Don’t Call entices you in with Samantha’s quest for peer acceptance and love then it morphs into a tale of larger cultural and emotional issues. I relished following Samantha along the very rocky dating path as well as into heartbreak and social stigma. This coming-of-age story will leave you with a broader view of the world all while entertaining you.” LeeAnn McLennan, author of the Dormant series
Review
“Debby Dodds is the best kind of funny writer. She’s written a truly compelling story that’s full of heart, while never sacrificing a lively, comedic edge.” Beth Lisick, author of Helping Me Help
Review
“An enchanting young adult romance about star-crossed lovers from two different worlds. Honest and touching.” Felicia Day, actress, author
About the Author
Debby Dodds received her BFA in Drama/Acting from NYU and her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University. As an actress, she was featured in many independent films and television shows, improv comedy groups, stage shows at both Disneyland and Disney World, and even a special with Jerry Seinfeld. As a writer, Debby has stories published in anthologies such as My Little Red Book, SheWrites, Thin Threads, and Things That You Would Have Said, and contributes to The Living Dead Magazine, The Sun,The Manifest-Station, xoJane, Portland Family Magazine, FlashesintheDark.com, Stumptown Underground, and Hip Mama.
In Portland, Oregon, Debby now performs monthly alternative stand-up/storytelling with the comedy group Spilt Milk, and many Portland reading series including “Books and Brews,” “Grief Rites,” and “The Other Side.”
She is the proud mother of a twelve-year-old daughter, Dory.