When we lived in Montana, we lived not far from two or three Hutterite communities. We often saw them on the sidewalks and in the stores in our little town, as well as in Great Falls. I was intrigued by their lifestyle.

I was happy to have a chance to read Hutterite Diaries, and learn a little bit about their community life. Especially fascinating to me was Linda's sharing of the history of Hutterian Brethren in Euroupe, as well as that of the Anabaptists. My own family ancestry traces back to Anabaptists, as well (so I have been told).

If you are interested in learning more about the communal life of the Hutterites, you will find this book fascinating. ( )

A well-written and interesting collection of memories, which give an unprecedented look at the lives of Hutterites in Western Canada.

Living in Alberta, I have seen Hutterites, driven by the colonies, and even purchased food at Farmer's Markets, but I still didn't know anything about everyday life. Linda Maendel gave me a glimpse of ordinary daily life, customs, beliefs, celebrations and disasters. I very much appreciated reading this book. ( )

A well-written and interesting collection of memories, which give an unprecedented look at the lives of Hutterites in Western Canada.

Living in Alberta, I have seen Hutterites, driven by the colonies, and even purchased food at Farmer's Markets, but I still didn't know anything about everyday life. Linda Maendel gave me a glimpse of ordinary daily life, customs, beliefs, celebrations and disasters. I very much appreciated reading this book. ( )

A well-written and interesting collection of memories, which give an unprecedented look at the lives of Hutterites in Western Canada.

Living in Alberta, I have seen Hutterites, driven by the colonies, and even purchased food at Farmer's Markets, but I still didn't know anything about everyday life. Linda Maendel gave me a glimpse of ordinary daily life, customs, beliefs, celebrations and disasters. I very much appreciated reading this book. ( )

“Creating word pictures is like collecting treasures; it makes me take a closer look at things. Via my blig and newspaper articles, I get to share my musings with people around the world.”

Hutterite Diaries is a slim volume of these very musings. Therein lies the problem with many slim volumes these days. The collections of blogs and articles of most bloggers and article writers aren’t always required reading. David Foster Wallace, Roxanne Gay, Woodward and Bernstein or Mitch Albom are a varied list of YES writers that come to mind. Linda Maendel would not probably make my “must be bound” list. She writes interesting blog entries and articles about Hutterites and if my eleven-year-old had to write a report on the subject I would hand her this book.

It is very factual. Hutterites are modern with equipment like tractors and trucks but not dress. The book is very informative with …information. But not much else. The author’s brothers died in a fire. The author finds out Hutterites were slaves in Cyprus until the 1800s. The author travels to other countries. All subjects seemingly surrounded with emotions and stories. Right? Wrong. At lest not for this version. The lack of feeling or personal observation and reflection were a missed opportunity to make this a true “diary”.

The author does tell the reader how many French fries the potato shed holds. But no spoilers here! Read it for general info and to know the difference between the Amish, for example. Otherwise stick to reading Maendel’s blog. It is very informative. http://www.hutterites.org/author/lindamaendel/

Provided by publisher ( )