A demographic that has long eschewed the spotlight, who knew the daily goings on of Mennonites would draw such a massive audience? 

Friesens sales rep, Donovan Bergman, and Andrew Unger.

Andrew Unger, author and founder of the popular news website The Daily Bonnet, has written more than 1,800 articles about Mennonite life – from a satirical point of view.

The online publication has attracted more than 10 million visitors since its launch in 2016. Two years ago, it’s headlines were read in the House of Commons in support of a motion to establish a Mennonite Heritage Week. Unger’s 2020 novel, "Once Removed" (published by Turnstone Press and printed at Friesens), won the Eileen McTavish Sykes Award for Best First Book.

Unger’s latest book, "The Best of the Bonnet",is based on material from his website. It’s his second publication to be printed at Friesens in Altona.

Andrew and his wife Erin recently toured the Friesens plant, watching his book move from the beginning stages to finished product on the production floor.

“This is the moment we saw the book rolling off the presses. Getting its cover. Coming together as a fully formed book!” says Erin. “We stayed here for quite a while. It’s all very amazing and thrilling!”

The University of Manitoba graduate is a writer, public speaker, and educator from southern Manitoba. He and Erin make their home in Steinbach.

The Best of the Bonnet in production