Adult Reading List
Listed below are the books that are recommended by the USFW International Literature chairman for the 2009-2010 Reading Course. Iowa USFW encourages each member to read a total of 4 books each year. Three of these should be from the reading list and one can be a book of your choice. Our state literature secretary records names of those who complete the course each year and sends out certificates. It is our pleasure to recognize ladies who have completed 25 and 50 years of reading with a small gift during our Celebration of Service.
FICTION
The Note - Angela Hunt
A reporter sets out to find the person for whom the note was intended. A story of second chances that includes love, forgiveness, and hope.
Hidden - Shelle Shephard Gray
Young woman seeks refuge with an Amish family: a beautiful love story of two people from different cultures.
Quaking - Katherine Erskine
A troubled young girl moves in with a Quaker foster family and learns to trust herself and others.
BIOGRAPHY
A Brief Memoir of Elizabeth Fry (1781-1845) - David Goff.ed.
Introduction to a pioneer of prison reform for women and children. Contains study questions.
The Heavenly Man - Brother Yun with Paul Hattaway
Story of a Chinese Christian man, who worked to spread God's word throughout China.
Through Flaming Sword: George Fox - Arthur O. Roberts
A spiritual biography that explores Fox's thoughts onthe Church and Christian holiness.
DEVOTIONAL
Sacred Compass: The Way of Spiritual Discernment - J. Brent Bill
Guides the reader to finding their own path to "living in a constant state of discernment and obedience to God."
Rumors of the Resurrection: Seven Meditations on Easter - Joshua Brown
Meditations to reflect on the significance of the Resurrection.
GROWTH AND CHALLENGE
The Messenger that Goes Before: Reading Margaret Fell for Spiritual Nurture - Michael Birkel
Takes the reader through the practice of "reading within." Contains study questions for group or individual use. Pendle Hill Pamphlet 398
Mistaken Identity - Don & Susie Van Ryan and Newell, Colleen & Whitney Cerak with Mark Tabb
The true story of the faith, hope, and courage of the two families whose daughters' identities were switched following a tragic accident.
The Ultimate Gift - Jim Stovall
A work of fiction that sparks reflection: a young man strives to fulfill the provisions for an inheritance.
BY OR ABOUT QUAKERS
Hill of Vision Pamphlet Series
No. 1: Quaker Leaders for the 21st Century - Robert a. Carter, MD, MPH
No. 2: Widows and Orphans: "True Religion for Friends" - Simon Bulimoh & Patrick Nugent
Addresses the issue of HIV/AIDS in Africa, and discusses the hope and possibilities for confronting the reality of this disease.
No. 3: Quaker Origins, Worship, & Identity: Reflections from Kenya - Donald B. Thomas
No. 4: Signs of a Healthy Church: Pathway to the Future for Friends - Mary K.Rehard
Focus is on the Quaker church in Kenya, stilll, a reader can relate to the history and future of Friends in any location.
An African Trilogy - Mary Kay Rehard
No. 1: Acacia Reflections: The First Year in Kenya
No. 2: Simple Gifts: Household Ecology in Africa
No. 3: Stars in Africa
This trilogy was on the USFWI reading list in 2006-2007. However, as USFWI members prepare for the upcoming Triennial in Kenya, the reflections and facts on the life, living, and beauty of the hosting nation are valuable.
Enduring Hope: The Impact of the Ramallah Friends Schools - Patricia Konic Edwards
Tells of the impact and importance of the "best school" in Ramallah. for all interested in missions.
Occupied with Non-Violence - Jean Zaru
Almost autobiographical, Zaru defines her testimony of nonviolence and living that testimony in modern Palestine.