Whatcha Reading? Mennonite in a little black dress

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home by Rhoda Janzen leads us back to a Mennonite community in California after the author is dumped by her husband after he meets a man named Bob on gay.com. Really – that’s how it starts.

This book is a memoir of Janzen coping with the end of her marriage mixed with observations of coming home to a strict religious community after years in academia. Janzen handles both sides of the story with humor, self-depreciation and gratitude. Janzen’s sense of humor and recounting of hilarious conversations between her and her parents lighten up the book significantly. In fact, several times, I just couldn’t help going to back to reread passages to get one more giggle. Most people will find solidarity with her stories of reconciling with your upbringing or dealing with devastating disappointment. Reading it brought back memories of some childhood traditions and the funny quirks of many of my own family members. I think you’ll like this one.