Out of the Ordinary

Author: Ruth Smith Meyer
Genre: Memoir

With vivid memories of her very early life, Ruth Smith Meyer has spent more than seven decades processing what has made her feel different or unusual. Whether it was being born into a conservative Mennonite family, the differences in her physical composition, or the events of her life, they all contributed to the struggle and growth she experienced as she faced them one by one.

Each of us is a unique being with our own special personality and genetic make-up. Some of us are more aware of the disparity than others. Smith Meyer's candid recounting of her life from childhood to her senior years will keep you engaged. You will often relate to her struggles, grappling with inner conflicts and growth, and identify with the changes and decisions she needed to make.

---

Reviewer: Mary Hemlow

An endearing autobiography by a woman struggling with the human condition; that of feeling different from everyone else. Growing up in post Second World War rural Canada, northeast of Toronto, the author engages the reader with her down to earth humour and candour . Her social distinction as a Mennonite being raised by strict parents is accompanied by her many physical challenges and seemingly unusual physical characteristics. Her faith and trust in her Saviour in facing her many challenges is uplifting, including the challenges she and her husband faced in their marriage.  Once past the first few chapters, it was difficult to put down.  Overall, an entertaining and encouraging read, however, in this reviewer’s personal opinion, a lot of stories did not relate to the main theme.  Eliminating them from the book would give it more cohesion and make it even more enjoyable. Random individuals were also introduced making it difficult at times to connect their significance to the plot. The book felt like starting out on a  journey with a stranger, but who, by the end of it has become a close friend.

---