New Books (December 2003)

Dear Friends,

My son, Simon (20 months), is a bit of a book fanatic and I often take home a book or two for him from the shop. This week I carried home BLESS THIS HOUSE: A BEDTIME PRAYER FOR THE WORLD written and illustrated by Leslie Staub to see what he thought. He ‘woozled’ excitedly as I read him the book and if he were able to write a recommendation for it, it might read like this ­ “Cat, Giraffe, Moon, Puppy, ROAR (lion), Owl, Ooowk Tree, Duck, fisht (sic), kiss, monkey, Chi Chi Chi - Lovely, special things I know and name.” Needless to say, he really loved the pictures and I liked the soothing, comforting text ­ perfect as a just before bed book. His affection for the book is so strong, we’ll choose it as a gift for a few of his ‘play-group’ pals.

Another book for young people (middle school age and up) that I’m really excited about is Quaker Press’s TIME FOR PEACE by Janet Ganguli which is just off press. Janet self-published this book in England some years ago and Quaker Press jumped at the opportunity to re-publish it when she ran out of stock. I’ve not seen any peace book quite like it. She explores the roots of violence and true alternatives to force, as well as profiling many peacemakers. It’s a really thought-provoking look at a timely subject and I’d love to be a fly on the wall listening to the conversations it will provoke in Quaker homes.

QuakerBooks has got a couple of notable adult books, many of which would make wonderful gifts. QUAKERS IN AMERICA by Thomas Hamm (also just off press) is worthy of a bit of fanfare. It’s a concise history of the Religious Society of Friends in America and provides a vivid picture of the culture and controversies, beliefs and practices of all branches of Friends today. Margaret Hope Bacon gives it her thumbs up, which always makes me take notice of a book. She says, “There has long been a need for a study of American Quakers in the twentieth century. With meticulous scholarship and a graceful style, Thomas Hamm has filled this need admirably.”

SHAKER SONGS:A CELEBRATION OF PEACE, HARMONY AND SIMPLICITY , a book and CD set compiled and edited by Christian Goodwille and Joel Cohen is a real treasure. The CD features more than 25 Shaker songs and the book includes the music and the history of each song, a brief history of the Shakers and lovely illustrations from Shaker art. I plan on giving this book to several friends this year, particularly those with whom I spend time singing ­ there are several songs that I’d love to add to our repertoire.

May your season be filled with Light and Love.

In Peace,
Lucy

Posted by QuakerBooks on December 1, 2003 4:08 PM | Permalink