Anything But Simple: My Life as a Mennonite

The Plainspoken Series

by Lucinda J. Miller

Like her grandmother, Lucinda J. Miller wears long dresses and a prayer covering. But she uses a cellphone and posts status updates on Facebook, too. Anything but Simple is the riveting memoir of a young woman's rich church tradition, lively family life, and longings for a meaningful future within her Mennonite faith. With a roving curiosity and a sometimes saucy tongue, Miller ushers us into her busy life as a young schoolteacher.

Book 5 in the Plainspoken series. Hear straight from Amish and Mennonite people themselves as they write about their daily lives and deeply rooted faith in the Plainspoken series from Herald Press. Each book includes "A Day in the Life of the Author" and the author's answers to FAQs about the Amish and Mennonites.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Religion, Christian, Biography Memoir, Biography, Christianity

192 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2017

About the author

This author is also published under Lucinda Kinsinger.

Back in the dark ages, before popular advent of computer and cell phone, I was born.

I was born in 1986 in a small town in a small hospital to small people in north central Wisconsin. I came late on the night before Halloween, and the most memorable thing I’ve been told about my birth is that the doctor came in dressed as a clown. My parents named me Lucinda Joy, a name chosen carefully for its meaning, as were the names of all eight of us children. Lucinda is of Latin origin, meaning “light” or “bringer of light.”

I guess you could say I had a sheltered childhood. As conservative Mennonites, my parents owned neither radio nor television. I spent intense days of my childhood reading, and other intense days living the lives I read about. Slipping silently around corners as an Indian chief, crouched barefoot and trembling out of sight of the slave catchers’ eyes, galloping across the yard as leader of a wild horse band.

I was suckled on milk and Bible stories, reared with uncensored kindness and a deep sense of security. As a result, I grew up immensely innocent and ridiculously idealistic, with a heart soft as Play-Dough.

I’m still sorta like that.

Currently, I live with my parents and younger sister on my parents’ farm, in the same house my great-grandfather built eighty years ago. I teach at the little school right down the road: four students and me in the corner of our church basement.

Frequently in and out of our big old farmhouse are my three brothers–who own a house and a meat processing plant but still like the home place best–and my three married sisters and their families. I feel blessed to have all of them nearby.

I recently wrote a book called Anything But Simple: My Life as a Mennonite, where I introduce in an intimate way my family and my small Mennonite community here in rural Rusk County. “Mennonites are complicated,” a friend told me after reading it. Yes. Sometimes.

Mennonite, daughter, sister, friend, seeker of truth, human being—all of it comes with complications. Anything But Simple explores each one of these aspects of my life. It will be published with Herald Press in July 2017.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything But Simple: My Life as a Mennonite is a journey through the insecurities of the growing up years. Lucinda Miller wondered who she was and who she was to become. Her memoir takes us through the early years and we see her blossom into a caring, intelligent, more assured young woman.

As she matures, we see her acknowledge and work through her doubts about herself and her faith. She learns that although Mennonites value simplicity, things aren’t just black or white. Her experiences and new friendships show her that there are differences in people, lifestyles, and values. People have faults, and people make choices, even in whether to believe in God or not. But it is in seeing those differences that she is able to reflect upon and more clearly define her own values and beliefs.

She is a product of her upbringing and background, but it is not as limiting as she once may have imagined. Her religion doesn’t define her; it has only been one factor in shaping her. She finds her place as a Mennonite, both within the community, and as an individual. She can grow, change, and learn without losing her identity as a Mennonite.

Miller’s honesty is refreshing; her writing is clear and open. Her journey is one that we all can relate to. As we mature and take notice of those around us, we learn more about ourselves and others. We establish our values and beliefs and strive to live by them. We learn how to keep the best parts of ourselves while adapting to an ever changing world. Lucinda Miller shows us that Mennonites are no different.

[Michelle E · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars out of 5

Anything But Simple by Lucinda Miller is a the story of Lucinda’s life as a Mennonite.

I would have liked to have seen more examples of the day-to-day living of the Miller family to see firsthand what it means to be a Mennonite. I saw more information in the last chapter of the book, the author’s day, and the FAQ at the end than throughout the book. While I enjoyed the book, I felt there was more time spent on the author longing to be a writer and have this book published into something big.

In essence, however, it was a pleasurable read.

Publication Date: 25 Jul 2017

Thanks to Herald Press and Netgalley for this Advanced Reading Copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to say? Most books reviews come easy for me. Not this one.

First of all, I am a conservative Mennonite. I belong to s different church than Ms Miller, but the things she talks about could have come straight from one of our homes as well as hers.

Second, it's difficult to criticize (good or bad) someone's memories. This is just how it is!

Here's what I think: Lucinda did an excellent job portraying Mennonites as regular people with regular problems and regular lives. We have regular dreams and wishes. We have regular families.

I liked her voice. She wrote similar to my mom! She was easy to like and easy to understand. Her dreams and wishes were so close to what mine have been over the years. Some of the resolutions were eye openers to me.

I enjoyed the church services she wrote about. Especially the song leader that left his sleeves unbuttoned because they were too tight! Don't ask me to explain why that one was a favorite- I just know so well what that looks like!!

Here's another thing I think: unless you are conservative Mennonite, don't judge too harshly! It's difficult to explain ways that can only be truly felt by living them!

My hat is off to you, Lucinda. Keep writing and I will keep reading!!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I understand what 'simple' means to Mennonites any better. Or what Mennonites actually are, really. Or who Luci is, really. But I still loved this book! And I am troubled to see that she's not written anything since this.

"How boring it must be to attend a more polite and proper Mennonite church--Shiloh, say--where ladies would never think of sitting on the grass in their good Sunday clothes."

A friend tells Luci, and Luci believes and tells us, that J.R.R. Tolkien converted C.S. Lewis to Christianity.... I'll have to look that up.

[Gayle Hereford]

I think it is safe to assume that many people have a fascination with "Plain People". Most people know very little about them and treat them as oddities that make good fudge. Maybe that's why shows that seek to reveal abuses or go "behind the scenes" are so popular. Go to any bookseller specializing in Christian books and you are assured to see an aisle devoted to romance novels centered around Amish protagonists. That is as far most people are acquainted with "Plain People".

In Anything But Simple Lucinda J. Miller does not pull back the curtain on Mennonite life. Instead, she shows us through her honest, simple writing that those who adhere to the Mennonite faith are people, just like us in the modern world. Miller talks openly about her family life and history. She describes her upbringing along with her evolution in faith as she embraces her heritage of belief. But most interestingly, she let's us see a glimpse into her friendship with an older, atheist woman and how that friendship has impacted her dream of becoming an author.

There is much to relate to in Anything But Simple. Particularly for fellow Christians, her poignant account of her personal relationship with God and faith. Miller comes from a rich heritage of faith with generations of ministers ahead of her, but a personal faith does not come easily. It requires thought and effort and discipline of ones self. These lessons are recounted beautifully from her childhood. But wrestling with faith is not just for children. Miller talks of two sides of her. One side that is in total devotion to Jesus Christ and another that desires nothing more than to be like the world. This raw honesty obviously took a great deal to be able to reveal so publicly, and Miller should be applauded. All Christians, if they were honest, would probably say something very similar to what Miller writes.

This is why her relationship with an older, atheist woman is so interesting. I will not go into much detail here because I do not want to spoil one of the most enjoyable part of Anything But Simple. But I will say this, friendship is a beautiful thing that brings out both the best and worst in people. Perhaps, in the middle of her wrestling what Miller needed was to be challenged and be forced to defend her faith. This challenging and defending is a powerful and integral process for the Christian life. Miller is blessed that she was able to encounter this in friendship.

Bottom Line: Anything But Simple is a quick read that shows the pleasant reality of Mennonite family life. Miller is an eloquent and thoughtful author who writes with beautiful honesty. Anything But Simple is a must read for anyone who is interested in the lives of "Plain People".

[Laurie Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compulsively readable, ANYTHING BUT SIMPLE is an up-close-and-personal look at the faith-filled daily lives of a Mennonite family. And while simplicity and service to others are but two of the visible byproducts of their beliefs, it was refreshing to read that “Something spiritually meaningful needn’t be solemn and ominous. Fun and silly could do just as well.” Highly recommended, the pages of this book are filled with delicious soul-food for thought.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anything But Simple is Lucinda J. Miller Kinsinger’s memoir. We learn about her family history and her growing up years. The author wrote an open and honest story. Lucinda Miller was insecure growing up. She wonders who she will become and what she will do. We get to know her family and her ancestry. The author tells us quite a bit about her preacher father. Lucinda came from a large family where she never felt that she fit in. We follow Lucinda through her early years as she grows up and blossoms into the woman she is today. We learn about her insecurities with herself and with her faith. She explains about the differences between Mennonites and Amish. We also learn about the different Mennonites (just like Amish there are different types of Mennonites). I wish there had been more about her day-to-day life. I enjoyed the frequently asked question section at the end. We get to see that Mennonites are regular people who have the same dreams, wishes, and doubts as the rest of us. I enjoyed getting to know Lucinda and the rest of the Miller family. Anything But Simple is one woman’s honest account of her growing up years and what she learned.

[Cherity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually, accounts of life with "strict" religions are divided into two types: "how horrible it was and how I managed to get out" and "how amazing it is, you all need to start believing in God and join my church now". This memoir was refreshing because it didn't fit in either of these categories. Tha author basically described her life, gave some family history and talked about writing and finding her voice. She didn't present herself or her church members as different, the Other, she talked about her normal and simple life, which is pretty interesting, nevertheless.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Books opened my eyes to a broader world, gave me a safe place to explore that did not threaten my own existence. Lost in pages, I lived the lives and dreamed the dreams of a thousand people in a thousand times. I ruined my eyes but saved my mind with books. "

This is one of my favorite quotes from Anything But Simple by Lucinda J. Miller because is exemplifies the very reason why I have loved reading books since I was old enough to read. It is the one thing that stands out in my dad's mind when he recalls my childhood. In this book, Lucinda J. Miller tells readers what it is like living as a Mennonite, the differences between being Amish and Mennonite and her own personal struggles with the guidelines that the church establishes for those living in the community in rural Wisconsin.

"I used to wonder, when I was young, what it would be like if the whole world were Mennonite. What if you'd past a gas station and see Mennonites there, pumping gas? And what if you'd go into the grocery store and there were only Mennonite families doing the shopping? The dads in the lead, smiling in a friendly sort of way and wearing long-sleeved dress shirts like the men wore to church, the wives in their dresses and head coverings pushing heaped carts down the aisles, children gathered around them in bundles.

What if you never had to worry about anyone stealing from you or doing bad things, because everyone obeyed Jesus? (As, in my childish mind, I assumed Mennonites always did.) And what if everywhere you went - to the ocean, to the park, to California - it was as if you were meeting family, because everyone was just like you?"

I guess it is something most of us forget when we look at the Amish and Mennonites is how very different they are compared to us. But what about putting the shoe on the other foot and wonder how difficult it must be for them to live among the English world and the ways that are far different from their own. Anything But Simple conveys what it is like for one young woman growing up and seeing so many things changing around her as the established ways that set Mennonites and Amish apart are now trying to hold on to their faith while living in a world quite different from their own. I really enjoyed the stories that Lucinda shares in her book about her dreams of wanting to be a writer but stuck in a sense dealing with being very different and trying to share her own personal legacy with readers in this book. I applaud them in their efforts much like as Christians, we understand how vastly different the world is around us, trying to hold on to our faith in a growing hostile world.

I received Anything But Simple by Lucinda J. Miller compliments of Herald Press. "But if you try for simplicity, is it simple anymore?" Lucinda compares some of the complex code of laws, both written and unwritten, as exists within her denomination, as the Pharisees of Jesus' day might be an excellent comparison. In the Mennonite world everything matters, clothes matter because they define you as separate in society and they define you in Mennonite circles as part of a certain fellowship or conference, a certain level of liberal or conservative. But then again something as insignificant as whether or not a man's top shirt button is closed during church service can become an important issue in certain church groups. In their world, every decision is given excruciating examination in light of the Bible and the church. This is a wonderful insightful book for anyone who really wants to know the truth about living life as a Mennonite and for that reason I give this a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Rosalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked reading this book.
In part, it is true, because I am a Mennonite myself and so much of what she says resonates deeply within me. I’ve felt my entire life that most people do not understand that we are ‘normal’ everyday people, just like everyone else. Lucinda Miller does an excellent job at portraying this, and showing peeks at what it is like being a Mennonite.
This book is also about her dream of writing and publishing a book. This is also a dream of mine…but unlike her, I’m not sure I have what it takes. ;)
This is about the doubts and uncertainties that are a part of life.

This book has a feeling of depth, authenticity, and real character. The beautiful portrayal, peeking into the very soul of the author.
For anyone who has ever wanted to know about life as a Mennonite, here you go!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

You've probably read a novel about the Amish or Mennonites as those books are very popular. But are they accurate? Miller shares an open and honest memoir of what it is really like being Mennonite.

I was impressed with the honesty in Miller's account. She tells of her struggle with the dilemma of wanting to cultivate the Mennonite tradition yet also being a little ashamed of being part of a people thought to be socially backward. She explores the idea of keeping a simple lifestyle. She wonders about being bound by outward appearance, knowing that one could look perfect on the outside but be worldly within. Would losing that separateness on the outside mean losing that consecrated heart on the inside?

I was surprised to read that the Mennonite community is just about like any other Christian community. They have their church splits. They have their conservatives and liberals, differing on the methods used to enforce guidelines.

Miller shares her experiences of joining church, communion (twice a year), and foot washing. She also shares her discovering the reward of putting feelings to words and her desire to achieve fame as an author. She takes us through her dreams, dashed and then reborn.

There is a question and answer section at the end of the book. In it, Miller shares many facts about clothing, history, difference between Amish and Mennonites, use of modern technology, and the suggestion to find out more from bloggers listed at https://themennonitegame.com/.

I recommend this memoir to those who want to get a realistic account of one person's experience of growing up Mennonite. Her writing style is not sophisticated but does give readers an enlightening account of being a single and Plain Mennonite woman today.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Marian Beaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Lucinda Miller’s debut memoir is a lot like going for a walk in a Mennonite meadow, cows mooing in the distance, family flocking around the ripening apples on family trees. But it is more: It pushes forward like a coming of age novel: childhood, adolescence, young adulthood. It also plumbs deep, the writer fathoming her faith and her place in a larger, neon-lit world, which beckons.

Sensitive and aiming to be scholarly, the author admits to being Dorky, Schoolbook Snorky, at odds with feeling both set apart and wanting to fit in. A former Mennonite myself, I could easily identify with wearing a prayer cap, taking vows of faith, and accepting the Holy Kiss of a whiskery woman after the foot-washing ritual.

Luci, the storyteller, evidently took her creative writing classes to heart as she brings to life two Turtle Bishops, one whose wife Sandra “had a face as round and wrinkled as a warm oatmeal cookie fresh from the oven and fallen in on itself.” As truth-seeker, she opens up windows in other people minds to discover her own, I think, exploring the lives of the elderly but chipper Charlene and sophisticated and muddled Mara. “Peel off the layers of my caped dress and opaque cap, and we all have the same strivings and struggles with believing," Luci Miller seems to say.

Lucinda Miller’s little/big-girl voice sounds authentic, without guile. I imagine this could be Book 1 in a series of her own collection of plainspoken stories, some wild and “off the grid.” True to her best self.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoirs are not preferred reading material for me, but this book sounded interesting and when I was asked to review it, I agreed. I like Lucinda Miller's voice, she writes open, honest, and real, and this book is definitely organized in a realistic readable way, not jumping back and forth to little kid and adult. If it does it is only because the childhood incident relates to something as an adult. It was fascinating realizing how similar Ms. Miller and I were brought up, although my Amish grandparents made a slightly larger jump of the fence from Amish to United Brethren. I grew up canning and dressed simply (in dresses) and other very plain things, though I never did wear a Kapp.

If you are fascinated by all things plain and want a real, honest-to-goodness look at what it is like to grow up Mennonite, then Ms. Miller's ANYTHING BUT SIMPLE: MY LIFE AS A MENNONITE would be a great book to pick up. It also includes a day in the life of the author and a list of questions she answered.

A good read.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love memoirs. I like being able to climb into an authors brain and rove around a bit in there. Lucinda let me do that.

Lucinda writes in a way that makes me see and smell and taste the sights and odors and flavors of her childhood in backwoods Wisconsin. I see her question the hard things in life - the ins and outs of church life, her doubts about God’s goodness - in a way that makes me feel a part of her struggle. Maybe that’s why I wanted to read her book; I wanted a window into the life of another who has wrestled honestly within the Anabaptist community, grappled meaningfully with the world outside, and still chosen to remain.

I liked that aspect best, I think. Even though she wrestles, she comes to see the beauty of what she’s been given for what it is.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rich memoir about a young Mennonite woman. It is not a primer, a description of what it means to be a Mennonite (though there is a brief Q & A section at the end of the book). It is more than that, an honest examination of a young woman's life lived as a Mennonite in a Mennonite community, her day-to day life, thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Her writing is lyrical and lovely.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

[Rose Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this well-written, honest look at being a Mennonite! I appreciate that she writes in a kind, respectful way about her family and church community.

[Courtney Stuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

“But if you try for simplicity, is it simple anymore?” another friend asked. And truthfully, I have seldom seen such a complex code of laws, both written and unwritten, as exists within my denomination. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day might be an excellent comparison: a Jewish sect so dedicated to following the holy Law of Moses they developed many traditions of their own.

With this introduction we are brought into the world that Miller abides in in her Mennonite church. She begins her story with explaining that Plain people are people standing with a foot in two different worlds. The have the world into which they are born, considered simple and they are surrounded by the outside world with all its charms and foibles.

People from the outside often seem too have the idea that one is born Mennonite and remains that way, on a level with being born black or Jewish or female. … Plain people experience a real battle between cultures. They make a conscious decision to embrace their parents’ lifestyle or not, according to their own deeply held beliefs.

Miller takes us back to when she was the age of ten or eleven and shares some of her memories, such as listening to her father preach a sermon in her simple Mennonite church and recalling the impact if it on her both as a child and now as an adult. She gives us an overview of how her parents met and when they got married, the family they produced and the work that they did to make a living. She takes us through her short lifetime of memories of being part of the Mennonite church and what that meant to her family and herself. She shares memories about her life growing up and how she felt, as a shy girl, like an outsider in her faith group.

I am different from anyone in my family, in my church, in my world. When I was younger, I thought it might be a special different. Now that I am almost a teenager, I know it is not special, but alien.

Miller seems at pains to show that people of the Mennonite faith are no different from other Christian faith groups. She repeatedly tries to show that they face the same issues and temptations, that they have the same faith of any other people.

….I had been thinking of her question: “How are Mennonites different?” – and now I thought I knew the answer. “It’s mostly in church that we’re different,” I told her on the way to the Grand Canyon. “In our communion service and our foot washing and our holy kiss. Anywhere other than that, we live pretty much the same as everyone else.”

The problem is that as an outsider I wanted to know about the rules that make them different to
everyday western church groups. Often Miller would give examples of what she thought would be a regular family of faith, and yet there would be odd examples of things that are not routine in western church actions. One example of church rules that I didn’t understand and that wasn’t expounded upon was that Mennonites aren’t allowed to watch television or have a radio, yet Miller talks about how everyone in her family spent the evenings tapping away on their mobile phones. It was an odd dichotomy to the idea that they lead a simple life.

The themes of love and family unity are strongly expressed in this memoir. It also daringly takes the chance to explore personal faith and doubt and what the implications of such thoughts were. Miller comes across as a girl who is different to other Mennonite girls and their ‘usual’ life paths and is stronger for it. This is a comforting read about a young woman searching for and finding her faith and assuredness of her place in her church. It makes me want to read the rest of the Plainspoken series.


1) Chasing the Amish Dream by Loren Beachy
2) Called to Be Amish by Marlene C. Miller
3) Hutterite Diaries by Linda Maendel
4) Simple Pleasures by Marianne Jantzi

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some books you read for the story and the information they can give you. Other books are just for fun, but this one was one I’ve been wanting to read for years because I had “met” the author through her blog, and I was intrigued by her story. Some people lead wildly adventurous lives, and that’s always interesting to read about because their lives are so different from our own. But most people lead fairly normal lives, and I’m always intrigued when someone can take their “normal” life (that often feels quite abnormal to most of us!) and share it in a way that is both interesting and inspiring.

Somehow, through sharing her life story here, Lucinda does just that. She takes what was her normal and shares it as it was, but in a way that drew me in and made me want to keep reading—to understand more clearly who she was as a person and why she did things the way she did. From growing up in her large, loving family to her struggles with her faith, she paints a picture of a woman any of us could call a friend.

Hearing her story—and seeing her honesty in sharing some of her and her family’s struggles over the years—was a great encouragement to me. I came away from this book with a lot to mull over, and a greater appreciation for Christians in many different parts of the world and their different ways of seeking to follow the Lord wholeheartedly.

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author’s story is “anything but simple”. This book was not exactly what I expected—-it’s so much more in a good way. I thought I’d probably be reading a book focused mainly on how Mennonites lived during the time she was growing up. There are some of those details in this book, as their unique lifestyle does impact her story, but this book goes beyond that.


This author opens up her heart and life to us in a memorable way. I loved the way she shares her respect for her Mennonite community and her family, yet allows us to see the difficulty she faced with her Mennonite faith and her desire to become a published author. She always acknowledges her love and respect for her family and their values, yet openly shares the struggles she experienced in accepting the Mennonite faith as her own.


Her faith journey takes some turns that I didn’t expect and it made for very interesting reading. I didn’t always agree with every one of her conclusions. However, this is her story and I loved that she shared her journey with us. Even though everything in her life did not turn out as she first hoped, you can still sense the purpose and joy she has found in choosing this way of life. I’d be interested in reading more from this author and continue following her story. (From reading ”About the Author”—it seems she’s found happiness with her new husband and family.)


I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting book. Anything But Simple was a book I wanted to read in one sitting, and I did over the course of a day. I loved how the author shared the realities of life growing up Mennonite. I loved how even though she didn’t always agree with her parents, she respected them. I loved her close ties to family even as she got older. I loved how she had two very close female friends in her life who challenged her, she challenged them but yet in the end she stuck with her beliefs, her values and grew from those experiences. I loved how she talked about her parents with so much love, wishing their life hadn’t been so hard, but yet realizing that even though they were never rich materially, the richness they found in family relationships would always trump money. I love how even though the author didn’t always have the best relationship with her father because he was strict sometimes, teased her other times, and tended to be negative at still other times, she knew deep down she was unconditionally loved. That is probably the one lesson/truth I hope our children realize when they grow up and start their own lives. They were unconditionally loved no matter what. This was a book that showed real-life and that was a great glimpse into their lives.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was under no obligation to review it. All opinions are mine.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading about people's real life . But too tell the truth, this book was interesting but I was hoping to actually learn something new about the Amish and Mennonites. I would recommend this book to a reader who doesn't really know much about "The Plain Life".

I was given a complementary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Ashley Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting memoir. I have to admit that I didn’t know a lot about the Mennonite faith. The author did a good job of showing her life and the different aspects of it.

It’s nothing negative about her life or her story but it just didn’t engage me. There is a lot to make you think about how technology isn’t maybe all it is cracked up to be and simple can be better. It was an interesting read that I’m glad I had the opportunity to read.

3/5

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read but not the details of life I was expecting. a little dry and tough at times. *I received a complimentary copy of this book*

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The honesty of this book enthralled me. I am from a similar background to the author and felt that she put into words so many feelings that I've never been able to explain or even understand myself.

[Wall-to-wall books - wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read lots of books about Amish life, the Shakers and even the Hutterites, but surprising this is the first book I have read about the Mennonite life. I lived a good part of my life in upstate NY and we had a large community of Mennonites (and Amish) A lot of people don't know that about NY state. I even shopped at a wonderful Mennonite grocery store. I was surprised how little I really knew about them.

I liked how this book was not only about some of the Mennonite traditions and way of life but mostly about the author's own personal life within her family, a bit of her family's history, and her start as a writer. This was definitely a very interesting read.

Parts of this book were very sweet and heartwarming but what really hooked me in was the author herself. She was so real! She seemed like such a fun-loving person, honest, upfront and even a bit quirky. There were a few moments where her sarcasm showed through - and I loved it! I really liked her personality, I think if she lived near me, we would be friends. :-)

A very quick short read, but you are in for a real treat with this one!

I voluntarily posted this review after receiving a copy of this book from MennoMedia of Herald Press ~ Thank You!

[Jenny Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing that surprised me the most about this memoir was how much of myself I saw in the author - from a shared interest in Tolkien to faith (and doubts) to a love of words. The differences between us seemed to stem less from Mennonite vs. Non-Mennonite than rural vs. suburban. I would not have expected that, which just shows how little I know about the Mennonites.

The biggest faith related difference between us was her constant obsession as she grew up with whether or not she was bad or even evil. She explains how many difficult choices (such as not going to college and not participating in a documentary about Mennonites) were made in the hope of guarding against sin. Even with the explanations, I still do not really understand why she keeps holding herself back. The book I read was by a smart, thoughtful, decent young woman who knows her own mind. I don't think she gives herself enough credit.

I'll be curious to see what Miller writes next. Perhaps something based on her father? There are a few novels there, I think.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

In areas surrounding where I live, there are communities of both Amish and Mennonite. It is not unusual to see on state highways, signs that indicate that horse and buggies travel that road. Lucinda Miller's book appealed to me because though I see Mennonite people in stores or in the community, I really didn't know very much about their way of life and their beliefs. Anything But Simple is the story of one Wisconsin Mennonite woman and her family. She captures her own struggles with her beliefs and way of life. She longs to be a writer, For anyone who has ever questioned his/her own religious beliefs, this book will resonate. What struck me, in particular, was Luci's ability to question those beliefs while still maintaining her deep-seated faith. This is a pleasant read and will perhaps answer some questions a reader might have about those people of faith, who clign to simpler ways of life in this increasingly disconnected world.

[Sandybeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had expectations of this book and because of that I was disappointed. The book was less about Mennonite life and more about Lucinda wanting to be an author. I found her writing style disjointed and the whole book lacked a flow, it seemed jumpy and thrown together and without description . There was nothing that really told me about her struggles as a Mennonite; she talked about religion, but never really explained her beliefs. I did not feel that I was in her world, that I could imagine what her home or life were like. I am glad I had read other Mennonite books as I already had an insight into their beliefs. The last couple of chapters were the most interesting as they delved more into real life and painted a picture of the Mennonite world.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself unable to put the book down. I am avid fan of Amish and Mennonite fiction but have seldom read nonfiction regarding their lives and beliefs.

Without sounding common, they have the same issues as everyone else. What is my belief in God? How do I live my life to the fullest and stay humble?

I learned a lot from reading Lucinda Miller's account of her Mennonite life. I am looking forward to reading her children's book, The Arrowhead.

Thank you to NetGalley and Herald Press for an ARC of this book to read and write an honest review based on my opinion.

[Melanie Springer Mock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great writing voice, and a pleasure to read: provides an antidote to all the Amish and Mennonite caricatures in books these days. Nicely done.