Does This Church Make Me Look Fat?: A Mennonite Finds Faith, Meets Mr. Right, and Solves Her Lady Problems

by Rhoda Janzen

What does it mean to give church a try when you haven't really tried since you were twelve? At the end of her bestselling memoir Mennonite in a Little Black Dress, Rhoda Janzen had reconnected with her family and her roots, though her future felt uncertain. But when she starts dating a churchgoer, this skeptic begins a surprising journey to faith and love.

Rhoda doesn't slide back into the dignified simplicity of the Mennonite church. Instead she finds herself hanging with the Pentecostals, who really know how to get down with sparkler pom-poms. Amid the hand waving and hallelujahs Rhoda finds a faith richly practical for life--just in time for some impressive lady problems, an unexpected romance, and a quirky new family.

Does This Church Make Me Look Fat? is for people who have a problem with organized religion, but can't quite dismiss the notion of God, and for those who secretly sing hymns in their cars, but prefer a nice mimosa brunch to church. This is the story of what it means to find joy in love, comfort in prayer, and--incredibly, surprisingly--faith in a big-hearted God.

• ISBN10: 1455522600
• ISBN13: 9781455522606
• Publish Date: 2 October 2012
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Little, Brown & Company
• Edition: Large type / large print edition
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[violetpeanut]

I really enjoyed this book. Personal faith and religion are the overriding themes of this book but it's also an entertaining, well-written and sometimes poignant personal journey through new a new relationship, health scares and a renewed relationship with God.

Many people may be turned off by the religions themes in this book. I myself was a little but leery at first. I grew up in a very strict religious church environment that took the Bible literally. To this day I have negative associations with organized religion and do not attend any church or organized worship service, although I do believe in God. To those people, like me, who aren't interested in revisiting past religious experiences I say, give this a try. This is not a book to knock you over the head with her new faith. Ms. Janzen writes with complete honesty. She is up front about the fact that the new church she attends was a little bit over-the-top. She makes us laugh at their strange behavior and traditions while at the same time sneaking in the joy that the congretation feels and the kindness they offer to a new member.

Each section of the book tells a little bit more of the author's journey. Becoming serious with her future husband, dealing with his teenaged son, and overcoming a battle with cancer are all dealt with with sincerity and humor. Each challenge she is faced with teaches her something new or reinforces something she already knew about her personal relationship with God.

I think there are many people like me who shy away from church and organized religion but who believe in God and have personal faith. This book will resonate with them and some may find it inspirational.

I gave this three stars because, although I enjoyed it, it's not the type of book that everyone will be interested in. The plot meanders along and is not boring but takes it's time. Those looking for something fast-paced or full of drama should look elsewhere. If you're looking for a poignant story that offers honesty, inspiration and a way to joy and peace, then check this one out.