New & Recent Books

The North American Christian church of the early twenty-first century finds itself in a period of decline. A growing percentage of young adults are not entering the front doors of churches while at the same time older and previously dedicated Christians are leaving. Coinciding with the deflation of the Western church is the explosion in popular culture of the mindfulness movement, which emphasizes meditation practices derived from Buddhism. These concurrent phenomena—the decline of Christendom in North America and the rise … Read More

There is no greater privilege in the Christian life than to serve as a spiritual leader within the body of Christ. Unfortunately, we are in the midst of a genuine crisis in the church today. Pastors and other spiritual leaders are leaving vocational ministry faster than we can replace them. This is due primarily to the crippling effects of burnout, a pastoral pathology resulting from a lethal combination of extraordinary job-related stress and woefully inadequate self-care. Most of us know … Read More

Charlie Walker and the Civil Rights Movement by Brenda Walker Beadenkopf In this narrative biography of her Quaker father, Charles Walker, author Brenda Walker Beadenkopf tells the story of her father’s involvement with the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s. Walker became a key trainer and writer of training materials for the civil rights movement and a steadfast supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King’s nonviolent campaign. This book provides a unique inside view of the training and support … Read More

A poem she wrote has been translated into multiple languages, set to music, and featured in a best-selling book on spirituality and the twelve steps. But until recently, the author of “Breathing Underwater” has been virtually unknown, and the collection containing that famous poem has never been published. Richard Rohr calls it “stunning”; other writers and poets describe Carol Bialock’s debut collection as “brilliant and luminous”; “lighthearted and holy”; “dynamic, immediate, ecstatic”; “a book of love and God … bursting … Read More

Sweetness of Unity: Three Hundred Years of Quaker Minuting. Judith Roads, 2019. ISBN/Price: 978-1-5272-4085-8 (Paperback) £5.00 / €6.00. 64 pages. This book is speaking mainly to those with some experience of Quakerism and those who understand something already about Quaker processes. Others interested in language or historical aspects of business Engish may also find snippets of new learning. Judith Roads has dug deap into the fascinating world of Quaker minute-producing in past generations, and introduces us to the processes, topics … Read More

HESTER AND SOPHIE     a novel by John Lampen Thirteen-year-old Hester and Sophie were best friends, but Sophie has now gone. A troubling dream and an inexplicable message start Hester on a journey of discovery—the journey from grief into new hope, and from childhood into adolescence.  What readers of this book have said about it: In John Lampen’s sensitive, unsentimental story, we get to know Hester, a lively and thoughtful young woman finding her way through the ordinary complications of … Read More

An Invitation to Mystery and Joy This astonishing new collection from poet Bethany Lee weaves the thread of her keen attention around life’s joys and sorrows, draws them tightly together and offers them into our hands. With unflinching courage she extracts beauty from her journeys as seafarer and grief-tender, makes her way into the present moment, and invites us to come along. The Breath Between offers good company for hard days, water for the thirsty spirit, and a summons to inhabit … Read More

“A big Hollywood canvas and an intense family focus, emotionally devastating, funny and charming all at once”   OUR CHILD OF THE STARS is a mainstream novel with a wonderful speculative flourish. Set in 1960s America, it tells the story of Cory, a lost boy with a remarkable appearance, the lengths his adopted family will go to protect him, and the secret that refuses to stay hidden. It is a rare novel of warmth, goodness and generosity. Molly and Gene … Read More

Quaker Quicks is a new series from Christian Alternative focusing upon aspects of Quaker faith and theology. Beginning with Quaker Roots and Branches the series will build into a valuable resource for Quakers and others interested in this unique Christian expression. Watch out for upcoming titles on Quaker theology, faith and practice, and studies in social aspects such as economics and pacifism. First Title: Quaker Roots and Branches   Quaker witness in the world today, its rationale, and how it … Read More

Hiking Naked – A Quaker Woman’s Search for Balance (Homebound Publications, 2017) is a personal narrative of what Iris Graville learned in the remote mountain village of Stehekin, WA, about work, community, and leadings of the Spirit (as well as dealing with six feet of snow in the winter, ordering groceries by mail, and living without a telephone). Available in paperback, e-book, and audiobook. 978-1-938846-84-7