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. ( )

Fascinating book about the Bruderhof, an alternative living arrangement/community where people live in a religious, commune style in lovely surroundings. Everyone contributes and helps take care of both the community and the members of every age. It provides much food for thought about how we all live today and other ways of living a life. ( )

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review.

The book it self is a beautiful work of art. The artwork is magnificent -- the stories of the individuals insightful. The size of the book is huge -- coffee table size - which makes it hard to hold (I had to spread it out on the dining room table). While it is an interesting book -- I think it would have a very limited audience.

Another Life is Possible is difficult book to categorize. It is part coffee table book, part history, and part explanation of the Bruderhof. The book provides the stories of various members of the Bruderhof. While most of these stories are from present day members, there are a significant number of life-stories from historical member. This book allows people to see into the life of a community of people who live together in community because they have rejected the norms and values of current society. This book focuses on the economic and social values of the community. I would have two points to criticize this book, first, it does seem to provide a very positive view of the community, which is expected for a book that is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the community. Second, I would have also like to have seen a bit more on how they handle diversity within the community. What do members have to agree on to join, where is their difference, and how do they handle difference when it appears. However, it is an interesting book that but I am not sure if this is the best book to introduce a person to the Bruderhof, though it does raise my curiosity level. ( )

Delightful coffee table book chronicling the lives of members the the Bruderhof communities worldwide. A 100 year old experiment in Christian communal living must be doing something right because they are still going. The full color photographs are wonderful to flip through. ( )