Scan barcode
rachelb36's review against another edition
2.0
I'm always curious about intentional communities, especially when they literally "hold all things in common."
Reading this, I can appreciate that people work together and do jobs that aren't necessarily within the realm of their degrees. It seems the community takes care of college costs and provides opportunities for travel and things, which is nice.
The women's clothing was a huge turn-off to me. I understand that they all share their clothing… But then, why do the men and boys get to wear normal jeans and shirts, but the women and girls have to wear shapeless skirts and blouses that appear 4 sizes too big?
There seemed to be several marriages that broke up after a couple joined the community… and the women and children would stay in the community while the man just left… I wish these stories had included a bit more detail. Were there legitimate reasons for these separations, or was the community perhaps usurping a role of authority in the marriage that belonged to the man? It all seemed a bit questionable.
But mostly, the book just didn't offer as great a variety of stories as I was hoping to see. The vast majority of members are white Westerners, apparently descendants of the Germans who founded the community. They seemed to have somewhat cookie-cutter personalities, which I know can't be true. The interviews needed more depth and nuance.
Reading this, I can appreciate that people work together and do jobs that aren't necessarily within the realm of their degrees. It seems the community takes care of college costs and provides opportunities for travel and things, which is nice.
The women's clothing was a huge turn-off to me. I understand that they all share their clothing… But then, why do the men and boys get to wear normal jeans and shirts, but the women and girls have to wear shapeless skirts and blouses that appear 4 sizes too big?
There seemed to be several marriages that broke up after a couple joined the community… and the women and children would stay in the community while the man just left… I wish these stories had included a bit more detail. Were there legitimate reasons for these separations, or was the community perhaps usurping a role of authority in the marriage that belonged to the man? It all seemed a bit questionable.
But mostly, the book just didn't offer as great a variety of stories as I was hoping to see. The vast majority of members are white Westerners, apparently descendants of the Germans who founded the community. They seemed to have somewhat cookie-cutter personalities, which I know can't be true. The interviews needed more depth and nuance.
davidglick's review
5.0
I first opened this book back in February, more than two months ago. It's not that Another Life Is Possible isn't a page-turner (it is), or that it's a long read (it really isn't). Rather, it's that each story captures you in a different way - as stories do - and reading slowly seems right for this book.
Another Life Is Possible is a collection of short stories from members of the Bruderhof over their 100 year history, with each story telling the tale of an different individual or a family. The stories are both informational and formational, with each one detailing a different aspect of the communal life, or another person's take on intentional community.
Unlike other Anabaptist groups, the Bruderhof do not practice birth membership. Even children born within the Bruderhof must wait until adulthood to decide whether or not to commit to a life in the community. Hence, many of the stories include an element of decision: "This is what drew us to the Bruderhof", or "This is why I decided to stay when I became an adult." If you are like me, an outsider who is deeply committed to community, you'll find this part of each story intriguing.
As always, there are stories the book doesn't tell. Others have not found life in the Bruderhof to be for them, and have left for various reasons. Many of these stories are accessible elsewhere, and some are quite painful. Regardless, I found the book to be fair in its objective and its bias. Many people have found belonging, purpose, and joy in the Bruderhof communities, and their stories are told here. Another life really is possible, and the broader Christian church has much to learn from the communal witness of the Bruderhof.
The book itself is a delight to read, and is formatted beautifully. The photography of Danny Burrows and the skillful editorial weaving of Clare Stober work together well with the bright colors, and the quotes and anecdotes placed throughout. You'll find Another Life Is Possible very accessible, and a joy to page through.
I recommend Another Life Is Possible without restraint. Whether or not you profess Christian faith, you'll find the stories inspiring and refreshing, and likely be challenged along the way.
*I received this book from Edelweiss and Plough Publishing House in exchange for an honest review.
Another Life Is Possible is a collection of short stories from members of the Bruderhof over their 100 year history, with each story telling the tale of an different individual or a family. The stories are both informational and formational, with each one detailing a different aspect of the communal life, or another person's take on intentional community.
Unlike other Anabaptist groups, the Bruderhof do not practice birth membership. Even children born within the Bruderhof must wait until adulthood to decide whether or not to commit to a life in the community. Hence, many of the stories include an element of decision: "This is what drew us to the Bruderhof", or "This is why I decided to stay when I became an adult." If you are like me, an outsider who is deeply committed to community, you'll find this part of each story intriguing.
As always, there are stories the book doesn't tell. Others have not found life in the Bruderhof to be for them, and have left for various reasons. Many of these stories are accessible elsewhere, and some are quite painful. Regardless, I found the book to be fair in its objective and its bias. Many people have found belonging, purpose, and joy in the Bruderhof communities, and their stories are told here. Another life really is possible, and the broader Christian church has much to learn from the communal witness of the Bruderhof.
The book itself is a delight to read, and is formatted beautifully. The photography of Danny Burrows and the skillful editorial weaving of Clare Stober work together well with the bright colors, and the quotes and anecdotes placed throughout. You'll find Another Life Is Possible very accessible, and a joy to page through.
I recommend Another Life Is Possible without restraint. Whether or not you profess Christian faith, you'll find the stories inspiring and refreshing, and likely be challenged along the way.
*I received this book from Edelweiss and Plough Publishing House in exchange for an honest review.
More...