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Rating: 
Summary: Simple Persuasion
Review: The writings inspire the spirit in plain and simply terms, allowing the reader to mentality disengage from the commercialism of today. The book takes the reader on a journey of 'potentials' and illustrates thought processes on how to get there. The questions poised at the end of each chapter are reflective in nature, and I found the little glossary of Quaker terminology to be helpful.
Rating: 
Summary: An Addition to My List of Quaker "Must Haves"
Review: This small book comes packed with a wealth of information. This new paperback (July 2001) is a wonderful book to have by your side, to give as a gift, or to read with a group! We were fortunate enough to receive a review copy, which a neighbor borrowed (and we haven't seen it since)! But before it disappeared, we found it has a collection of Quaker writings and thoughts that those genuinely seeking inner peace and a simpler life will love. This is many steps beyond the books you find everywhere, with empty promises of living a simple life. Following the path Whitmire illustrates, as many have for years and years, means bringing Quaker beliefs into every day life. Reading the words of well known and not so well known Quakers made us want to read more. However, not all of the sources are from in print books -- some are gleaned from out of print editions, from speeches, from conversations remembered by various Friends, or in little pamphlets not readily available to the average reader. Which is why we had to have a book of our own, to read and reread, and mark up. Chapters, and subchapters, include: Chapter 1 Keeping to Plainness by Choosing - Simple Living; Plain Living Chapter 2 Beginning with Ourselves and Our - Work; Time; Integrity; Plain Speech (not just simple words - sarcasm goes against plain speaking); Money and Resources Chapter 3 Plain Living Day by Day in - Committed Relationships; Parenting and Mentoring; Aging; Humor, Joy and Gratitude Chapter 4 Unexpected Songs for Times of - Fear; Suffering; Despair; Death; Grief; Hope Chapter 5 Opening Our Hearts Through - Longing; Seeking; God; Faith; Prayer; Scripture Chapter 6 Discovering a Spiritual Path to Plain Living Through - Contemplative Listening; Everyday Mysticism; Leadings; Discernment Chapter 7 Growing Together in - Community; Decision-Making; Struggle and Conflict Resolutions; Reconciliation and Forgiveness Chapter 8 Let us See What Love Can Do in - Practicing Nonviolence; Seeking Equality for All; Listening to the Earth; Spirit-Led Service A pleasant surprise -- at the end of each chapter are a few "queries" (a Quaker practice, of raising questions that will prompt reflection) pulled directly from the quotes in the chapters, very inducive to group discussions. Nicely crafted book for Friends and other seekers, although the chapter titles may sound too fundamentalist to some, and new agey to others, inside the book Whitmire offers centered, essential wisdom from many sources which can improve individual lives, community and living with the earth. We're giving that borrowed copy to our neighbor, and we've ordered up many copies for our own use. We hope you'll find one somewhere for yourself.
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