CROSSING OVER Irene Garrets courageous story is compelling and important on many fronts, because the Amish, even those who have left the fold, rarely talk about their culture and beliefs, Ms. Garretts account represents a unique insight into the inner working of the Amish from someone who has lived among them. As such, it portrays a different view than the publicly held warm and fuzzy notion that the Amish way of life is forever pristine, eternally free from strife.  Ms. Garretts story is also a story of spiritual triumph. In essence, she is suggesting that no institution comes before the words of the Scripture, and the no man “-- or woman”be allowed to serve as judge and jury when it comes to matters of faith.  She is a woman who was oppressed in ways that most of us cannot fathom in this day and age of independence. She serves as inspiration to other women trapped in cycles of abuse and control.  And, finally, her fresh and sometimes humorous perspective on modern-day life demonstrates how many things we take for granted.