Written with the benefit of having lived in and outside the Hutterite community, Mary-Ann Kirkby's book is a real jewel. Firstly it gives an amazing detailed description of daily life in a colony. The resourcefulness and efficiency of these people blows me away. But most importantly the book details how they look after each other and value each other. Their emphasis on the nurturing and education of their children is amazing. I loved the recipes and description of how the meals were grown/raised and prepared. We have much to be thankful for in Canada, but the role these communities play in our country is invaluable.