Plain Living: A Quaker Path to Simplicity

"I use readings from this book for the High School First Day School class that I teach. It provides many excellent jumping off points for thoughtful discussions."
~ Written on 2008-06-19

"Plain Living is a book of quotes by Quakers from the far past to the more recent past. The quotes are divided up under headings to assist a person looking for quotes by subject area, such as death, time, suffering, etc. There are also questions at the end of the chapter to help a person think about what was read. I like quotes, and many of the quotes were not only useful but well written. A person does not have to be a Quaker to like this book."
~ Written on 2007-06-08

"Whitmire has assembled thoughtful quotes from generations of Quakers whose vision has helped shape the community of Friends. I found this book extremely informative for those who might be attempting to simplify a busy, stressed-filled life, and find a different way. It could be used effectively as a personal devotion resource or for group conversation. Very helpful in helping discern the difference between needs and wants, between things that you choose and things that have chosen you. A great place to start to rid your life of the stuff that weighs you down, both physically, mentally and spiritually. - Rev. Susan Langhauser"
~ Written on 2007-03-28

"As one who grew up in the Quaker tradition, it was wonderful to reconnect with my roots in such an accessible way. While packed with food for thought, this book on simplicity exemplifies its subject by paring down the text into short, representative quotations to get your own thinking started. It reminds me of poetry.

As a book that can be read/used over and over, I bought a copy for my daughter and my siblings as well, and I hope it will be a source of inspiration (as well as understanding of our upbringing) for them as well.

Next time I read it, I'll try to take time to ponder some of the "queries" at the end of each chapter. This is also in the manner of "Friends," in terms of truthfully asessing where we stand and where we have room for growth."
~ Written on 2007-01-09

"This book is a welcome gift for anyone looking for spiritual and moral renewal. It is a library of wise quotes from the Quaker tradition that lead the reader to find peace and inner cleansing. I have read it three times, in short, quiet doses, and will return again for more. More substantial than shelves of self-help books, less strident than relentlessly positive cheerleading, it quietly takes you to places where you can have rewarding "aha!" moments and grow within. "
~ Written on 2006-03-31