A new book called The Hutterite Diaries" is a first-hand perspective of colony life from someone who lives it every day. Author Linda Maendel explains it is a collection of happy and sad stories that capture the many aspects of communal life, all woven together with faith, family and community. "Including holidays, working together, childhood memories, hobbies, history, outreach, travel and many other aspects of our communal life."

Initially Maendell, who is from the Elm River Colony near Newton, says she didn't plan to write a book but seized the opportunity when it came up. "I"ve been writing for years, so I had many stories that would be a good fit for such a book." One story that comes to mind is A Circle Not Unbroken. "The way it unfolded was quite amazing really."

Maendell goes on to say that through her blog and in speaking with others, she's come to learn that there is a fair bit of interest in Hutterite life, especially in Manitoba. "People see Hutterites in towns but if they never have the opportunity to visit a Hutterite colony, they don't really know anything about them." For example, she says many people don't know that living communally is an expression of Hutterites' faith.

When asked what she hopes readers get from the book, Maendell said she hopes it will help others learn more about the Hutterite way of life and why they chose to live communally. "That there is more to our life than farming and manufacturing." Besides the faith aspect, she says there is also a rich history. "I also hope it will encourage other Hutterites to publish their stories."

You can buy your of Hutterite Diaries at the Grant Park McNally Robinson in Winnipeg, Heritage Books in Portage, at the James Valley Book Centre near Elie or the Hutterian Brethren Book Centre at Baker Colony near MacGregor.