LISTENING TO THE LIGHT by Jim Pym

This book is an essential contemporary introduction to Quakerism written by a noted British Friend. Using many quotations from Britain Yearly Meeting's Faith and Practice and other prominent sources, Pym summarizes Quaker thought and spiritual practice without over-simplifying it. This book is a useful guide both for inquirers and seasoned Friends who long for an accessible, clear and contemplative presentation of the core elements of our faith today. Includes advices and queries, a fine bibliography and other resources in the appendices

PLAIN LIVING: A QUAKER PATH TO SIMPLICITY by Catherine Whitmire

This book is a collection of the sayings of Friends (ranging from Margaret Fell and Isaac Penington to Jan Hoffman and Patricia Loring) which speak to every aspect of living a spiritually centered and simple life. Topics explored include work, plain speech, money and resources, committed relationships, grief, fear, leadings, community, practicing non-violence, spirit-led service and inward simplicity. Each section is followed by queries. An excellent resource for study groups. "Plain Living will be a well-loved, well-thumbed book, touching on every aspect of our personal choices, as ... we try to walk the challenging walk of holy simplicity." - Elise Boulding

QUAKERS: A VERY SHORT INTRODUCTION

Not quite a History of Quakers, not quite a theology, and despite its title I wouldn’t say it’s very short either…but it is pretty detailed and pretty good.

SILENCE AND WITNESS: THE QUAKER TRADITION by Michael Birkel

This is a meaty and inviting introduction to Quaker thought and spiritual life. The detailed examination of discernment about when to speak in meeting and other leadings is worth the cover price. His chapter entitled 'The Facing Bench' lifts up well selected quotations of prominent Friends on topics such as 'The Immediate Presence of God,' 'The Universal Light of Christ,' and 'The Spiritual Basis of Peace.' His chapter on the inward experience of worship is both an excellent introduction and a seasoned examination of centering techniques. This is a book that belongs in every meeting house and in every new attenders' home.

QUAKER WAY from FGC’s R.E. Committee illustrated by Signe Wilkinson

Up-to-date faith and practice handbook for upper elementary and middle school youngsters –and older folks as well. Useful to new attenders and seekers. Sections on history, meeting for worship, how the society works, prayer and more. Includes a Quaker glossary, bibliography, and fun illustrations from a Pulitzer Prize winning Quaker cartoonist.

HOLY SILENCE by Brent Bill

"There is the silence of monastic discipline, of contemplative prayer, of Zen meditation - but the particular ways of Quaker silence are distinctive. And that distinctiveness has contributions to offer across spiritual traditions. J. Brent Bill, in this beautiful reflection on the Quaker practice of silence, makes these gifts available to a wide range of contemporary readers. . My counsel to you regarding the book is this: find a quiet place, settle down with the book, and listen for holy silence." - Stephanie Ford for Friends Journal

SILENCE AND SPEECH by Richard Allen

New meeting resource for newcomers! Keep a stack of this inviting pamphlet near the meetinghouse door. Written as a letter, Silence and Speech is both practical and deep-from "hints" on the conventions related to unprogrammed worship to the gift of arriving at the "still center." It is as if Richard Allen accompanies readers into the meeting room and leads them toward "a quiet, unseen process, which is seldom exciting or dramatic, but can in the long run have deep and far-reaching effects