Mary Dyer

Mary Dyer: Biography of a Rebel Quaker - Ruth Plimpton

The biggest review/complaint about this book is its level of writing - and at times it does read like a middle-school book report text. However, it is detailed in its account of Mary Dyer's life. I found it an enjoyable read.

Along with her many "crimes" against the Puritans of Boston, Mary Dyer had a still-born child, considered a "monster", who was secretly buried by Anne Hutchinson. This was seen as proof of her unholy choices. Dyer was led to the gallows once, among two other Quakers who were hung, but she was granted a reprieve. She later returned to Boston and was hung on June 1, 1661, for the crime of being a Quaker.

Anne Hutchinson

American Jezebel: The Uncommon Life of Anne Hutchinson, the Woman Who Defied the Puritans - Eve LaPlante

A terrific account of Hutchinson's life and struggles. An outspoken woman with an obvious calling to ministry in a time and place that did not allow for it. Hutchinson was not a Quaker, but spoke often of her "inner voice" and resisted the Puritan doctrine of the time. She was also a great religious influence on Mary Dyer, who was later hung in Boston for being a Quaker. Hutchinson was expelled from Boston (this book has accounts of her trials), and late in life settled in New York until she and most of her family were killed in an Indian raid. There is a statue of Hutchinson at the State House in Boston.

More Quaker Books

A week off has given me time to read some great overviews of Quaker writings and history. I would fully recommend each of the following:

An Introduction to Quakerism (Introduction to Religion)by Pink Dandelion

A terrific comprehensive look at Quakerism, past and present. Easy to understand and interesting.

The Quaker Reader by Jessamyn West (ed.)

This long-treasured introduction includes a rich selection of Quaker writings from 1650 to the present. The writings illuminate the tenets of a just and loving religious faith and practice, and can inform and guide those familiar with or new to Quakerism.

Quaker Spirituality: Selected Writings (Classics of Western Spirituality)by Douglas V Steere

A terrific collection of writings. The contents include: Abridgment of the Journal of George Fox — A selection of passages from the epistles of George Fox — Selections from the Letters of Isaac Penington — Abridgment of the Journal of John Woolman — Selections from Quaker strongholds by Caroline Stephen — Selections from the writings of Rufus M. Jones — Selections from the writings of Thomas R. Kelly.

The Women

by TC Boyle

The genius of Frank Lloyd Wright was both magnetic and cruel, as evidenced by the succession of failed marriages and hot-blooded affairs depicted in this biographic reimagining that drills into Wright mythology and the dark shadows of the American dream. The narrative moves backwards in time through the accounts of four women in Wrights life: Olgivanna, the steely, grounded dancer from Montenegro; Miriam, the drug-addled narcissist from the South; Kitty, the devoted first wife; and Mamah, the beloved and murdered soul mate and intellectual companion. But the novels centerpiece is Taliesin, Wrights Oz-like Wisconsin home. The tragedies that befall Taliesin—fires, brutality—serve as proxy for Wrights inner turmoil; his deeper stirrings surface only occasionally from behind Boyles oft-overbearing depiction of Wrights women. The most engaging person is Tadashi Sato, the Japanese-American apprentice and narrator who emerges via his frequent footnotes as a complex reflection of Wrieto-san and, with his inability to remain objective and his evolving view of Wright and Wrights image, becomes the books most dynamic character. Its a lush, dense and hyperliterate book—in other words, vintage Boyle.

My husband is a big Boyle fan - now I am too. A fictitious account, and yet close enough to history to be interesting for those of us who know the true stories of Wright.

New Seeds of Contemplation

by Thomas Merton

"It can become almost a magic word," Thomas Merton says of contemplation; "or if not magic, then inspirational, which is almost as bad." With these words, Merton takes us through the reality of contemplation, which is, the author says, "life itself, fully awake, fully active, fully aware that it is alive. It is spiritual wonder." Above all, contemplation is "awareness of the reality" of the Source, "with a certitude that goes beyond reason and beyond simple faith."

Great book. 'Nuf said! =)

Hands of My Father: A Hearing Boy, His Deaf Parents, and the Language of Love

by Myron Uhlberg

It's hard sometimes to get into the perspective of another's experience - this was a fascinating tale for me of a family that is a little different, but also is the same as all of us. Great read.

synopsis:
In this memoir about growing up the son of deaf parents in 1940s Brooklyn, Uhlberg recalls the time his uncle told him he saw his nephew as cleaved into two parts, half hearing, half deaf, forever joined together. These worlds come together in this work, his first for adults, as Uhlberg, who has written several children's books (including Dad, Jackie, and Me, which won a 2006 Patterson Prize) effortlessly weaves his way through a childhood of trying to interpret the speaking world for his parents while trying to learn the lessons of life from the richly executed Technicolor language of his father's hands. With the interconnection of two different worlds, there is bound to be humor, and Uhlberg is able to laugh at himself and his family's situation. He recounts unsuccessfully trying to reinterpret his teacher's constructive criticism for his parents and finding himself pressed into duty interpreting the Joe Louis prize fights for his dad. There are, of course, more poignant moments, as Uhlberg tries to explain the sound of waves for his curious father or when he finds himself in charge of caring for his epileptic baby brother because his parents can't hear the seizures. As Uhlberg grows up through the polio epidemic, WWII and Jackie Robinson's arrival in Brooklyn, he also grows out of his insecurities about his family and the way they are viewed as outsiders. Instead, looking back, he gives readers a well-crafted, heartwarming tale of family love and understanding. (Apr.)

Dancing at the River's Edge: A Patient and Her Doctor Negotiate Life with Chronic Illness

by Alida Brill

Chronic illness is always in the background of whatever I do. I don't let it make my decisions, but it does interfere. In my older years I am realizing that it is a part of me, and must be considered.

This book touched me deeply, as I felt it was an accurate portrayal of my own experiences. A good read for anyone who lives with chronic illness, or with anyone who struggles with chronic illness.

Book Round-up: Interactions Between Us

These three books I read all in the past few weeks, they are all unrealted, but carry the common theme of how we interact with our environment, each other, and ourselves. All written with careful thought and wisdom.

Turning To One Another
Simple Conversations To Restore Hope In The Future
BY MARGARET WHEATLEY

"I believe we can change the world if we start listening to one another again. Not mediation negotiation, problem solving, debate or public meetings just Simple truthful conversation where we each have a chance to speak, we each feel heard and we each listen well." This book is a selection of One Book, One Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.

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

Radical Presence
Teaching As Contemplative Practice
BY MARY ROSE O'REILLEY, FOREWORD BY PARKER PALMER

This book is about our lives as well as our work, suggesting that the "secrets" of good teaching are the same as the secrets of good living: seeing one's self without blinking, offering hospitality to the alien other, having compassion for suffering, speaking truth to power, being present and being real. These are secrets hidden in plain sight. But it takes the clear sight and courage of someone like Friend O'Reilly to call secrets of this sort to our attention.

The Quakers in America

The Quakers In America - Paperback
BY THOMAS HAMM

This multifaceted book is a concise history of the Religious Society of Friends, an introduction to Quaker beliefs and practices and a vivid picture of the culture and controversies of the Friends today. The book opens with lively vignettes of Conservative, Evangelical, Friends General Conference, and Friends United Meetings, reflecting Friends' diversity in the wake of the sectarian splintering of the nineteenth century. "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." -Margaret Hope Bacon

This was a good introductory book for me - available at the Amesbury Library!

3 Marriages

David Whyte knows there are three crucial relationships, or marriages, in our lives: the marriage or partnership with a significant other, the commitment we have to our work, and the vows, spoken or unspoken, we make to an inner, constantly developing self. In The Three Marriages, the bestselling author, poet, and speaker argues that it is not possible to sacrifice one relationship for the others without causing deep psychological damage. Too often, he says, we fracture our lives and split our energies foolishly, so that one or more of these marriages is sacrificed and may wither and die, in the process impoverishing them all. Whyte looks to a different way of seeing and connecting these relationships and prompts us to examine each marriage with a fierce but affectionate eye as he shows us the importance of cherishing all three equally.

Drawing from his own struggles to achieve this goal as well as exploring the lives of some of the world’s great writers and activists—from Dante to Joan of Arc, from Austen to Dickinson—Whyte reveals that our core commitments are irrevocably connected. Only by understanding the simultaneously robust and delicate nature of the three marriages and the stages of their maturation, he maintains, can we create a real portrait of what makes us tick and a real sense of finding a place in the world.

In prose that’s at once lyrical and inviting, Whyte investigates captivating ideas for bringing a deeper satisfaction to our lives, one that goes beyond our previously held ideas of balance.

(from Amazon)

GREAT BOOK. Interspersed with Whyte's poetry, and that of others, this work resonated with me deeply today. I feel like the human relationships and interactions are understood - I am focusing on my relationship to my work these days, trying to find a balance. This book feel into my hands in a quiet moment just when I needed it.

Biblical Travels and Humor

My Jesus Year - Benyamin Cohen

Cohen, who is the son of a rabbi, travels far and wide in a year of exploring Christian faiths. His humor is entertaining, his information interesting.

The Year of Living Biblically - A J Jacobs

AJ (who read the Encyclopedia Britannica for his last work) tries to live according to biblical command. A personal look into the paradoxes of the Bible, and its traditions. Made me laugh out loud. Crazy situations, a great read that was fast-paced and fun.

These two books happened to come into the library at the same time. But it ws good to read them together, and compare and contrast.

Sesame Street Unpaved

My favorite book about Sesame Street. Interesting trivia, great pictures. Out of print (1999) but still at many local libraries!

Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street

by Michael Davis

As most of you know, I am a Sesame Street NUT. This book was rather complicated, with much information, but for a true fan it was all interesting. We have much to be thankful for in the Children's Television Workshop. How nice it has been to revisit this programming with my daughter. Skim the details, but read the book!

I See You Everywhere

by Julia Glass

I picked this novel up becuase of its complex family relationships. It was above average - satrted off very well, but I found I did not care about the lives of the main characters (2 sisters) very much as I worked through the text. Perhaps a good beach book - if only it was beach weather!

Daughters of Light: Quaker Women Preaching and Prophesying in the Colonies and Abroad, 1700-1775

from Amazon: Daughters of Light by Rebecca Larson is a startling reassessment of the place of women in American colonial history. Larson's story of 18th-century Quaker women describes women's power in popular reform movements of that era, and explores Quaker women's redefinitions of marriage and motherhood. Colonial Quakers, like their contemporary descendants, believed that "the Holy Spirit had been planted in the hearts of all humans to inwardly teach them." Although Quakers had strict rules regarding women's dress, language, and behavior, Quaker women were never denied their claims of a direct connection to God. (Their Puritan sisters, by contrast, practiced a religion that idealized female submission in both the earthly and spiritual realms.) So when Quaker women believed they were called to preach--in meeting houses, courthouses, and private homes; to other Quakers, to Native Americans, and to ecumenical audiences; in the West Indies, England, Europe, and the American colonies--they were given the freedom to do so. All domestic duties were configured to account for divine demands. (The Spirit leading Quaker women, as one wrote, "was to me like a needle of a compass ... for so it pointed where I ought to go.")

Great contribution to women's history writing in general, and Quaker history as well. This book was very detailed, but very interesting. I feel proud of the Quaker's equality after reading this book!

Talent is Overrated

What Really Separates World-Class Performers From Everybody Else - Colvin

Very similar (eerily so?) to Gladwell's Outliers in many ways. But a good book - references the K Anders Ericcson studies regarding practice habits/success of musicians. I must say, as someone who personally has always just relied on elbow grease, these books speak to me despite their self-helpy "you can fix your life too!" attitude. An interesting read, but I might read the Gladwell first, especially for the real-life examples.

Listening To The Light

How To Bring Quaker Simplicity and Integrity Into Our Lives - Pym

This was a good basic Quaker guide for me - Pym also considers himself a Buddhist as well as a Quaker. Added to the spiritual bookshelf!

The Wordy Shipmates

by Sarah Vowell.

A great read, as usual , from a witty and brilliant author and student of human character. I as aware of the larger historical pictures contained therein - but the anecdotes and personal touch made this book appealing. Like the fact that the John Carver Inn in Plymouth has a water slide emerging from a giant Mayflower replica? (added to the list of quirky "must sees" for this summer)

Also, good mention of Anne Hutchinson and Mary Dyer. Two unfortunate Quakers who contradicted the Puritans' sense of religious freedom with well, religious freedom.

American Wife

by Curtis Sittenfeld

Great Read. Loosley based on Laura Bush, and W's life - I probably enjoyed this book more after watching Oliver Stone's "W" - the bumbling Bush was present in this book as well.

It made me think about the life of a Presidential wife. How hard it must be to have to compromise, especially if your husband is wrecking the county.

This book's plot moved along, it was a good story in itself even without the Bush tie-in, which is not overstated. I alos enjoyed "Prep" by Sittenfeld - a good new writer on the scene.

Practicing: A Musician's Return to Music

by Glenn Kurtz

Guitar was the young Kurtz's passion. From lessons as a child, through summers at a guitar camp where he learned aspects of performance, on to the New England Conservatory of Music in preparation for a solo career, and actually pursuing that career in Vienna, he describes the journey that led to the recognition that he wasn't cut out to be a performer. Practice is putting love into the music, he sees, and performance is sending that love to the listener. Including discussion of the history of the guitar and of the composers of music for it, he traces an odyssey that turns full circle 10 years later when he resumes playing for his own enjoyment. He bares his soul, relating his feelings during practice, audition, and performance, as well as his experiences with teachers, mentors, and other artists. Although Kurtz writes in stream-of-consciousness style, virtually everyone who is dedicated to getting the most out of music by playing it will appreciate his insights into the art of practice for the love of music. (from Amazon)

Great read for the musician in all of us. Kurtz includes substantial interesting guitar history tidbits, as well as vivid depictions of life in the practice room.