This book review is for Lives that Speak: Twentieth Century Quakers, which may be available through Pendle Hill. It was published in 2004. There are many daring, courageous, inspiring human stories included in this book, including Quakers who won the Nobel Prize. For more books to consider, see the Book Reviews and Study Guides page.

Have you ever wondered about who the larger-than-life Quakers might be from the last 100 years? Wonder no longer: here is a list of sixteen Friends, including 12 from the United States, two from Canada, one from Norway and one from Palestine. Each Friend has lived lives that speak powerfully for build a better world.

Audience

This book is intended for a middle school and early high school audience, though it is also appropriate for adults.

Friends Highlighted in “Lives That Speak” Include:

• Steve Angell, Alternatives to Violence Project.
• Elise Boulding, world peacemaker.
• Calhoun Geiger, conscientious objection to war.
• Gordon Hirabayashi, resisting martial law in the United States. 
• Fay Honey Knopp, racial integration and service.
• Bill Kreidler, gay rights, education.
• Sigrid Lund, Nazi war resistance.
• Marlene/Steve Pedigo, urban ministry, anti-racism.
• Barbara Reynolds, protesting nuclear war.
• David Ritchie, work camps.
• Bayard Rustin, civil rights in the United States.
• Floyd Schmoe, peace activism and service.
• Carol Reilley Urner, local development.
• Gilbert White, Quaker diplomacy, ecology.
• Signe Wilkinson, cartoon as commentary.
• Violet Zaru, Palestinian / Israeli peace process.

It also includes Quaker Nobel Prize winners Emily Balch (peace prize), Philip Noel-Baker (peace prize) William Vickrey (economic science prize).

Lives that Speak: Twentieth Century Quakers has 168 pages, with the option to start anywhere. Each story stands on its own merits, including pictures of the hero/heroine at various stages of life. If you are wondering about the Civil Rights movement, turn to Bayard Rustin, the man who first went to prison for refusing to sign his draft card. Rustin went on to advise and support Martin Luther King, Jr., in Alabama and coordinate the March on Washington.

If you are wondering about nonviolent change, look up Steve Angell, or Gordon Hirabayashi, or Phillip Noel-Baker. All are powerful exemplars of people putting their lives on the line for matters of conscience. Perhaps you or your meeting are focusing on urban renewal? Read about Marlene and Steve Pedigo in Chicago. Are you an artist? Read about cartoonist Signe Wilkinson. 

Each chapter has a short study guide with questions and activities. Some chapters include links to websites for further research and information. Some have crossword puzzles with words from the text. 

Lives That Speak is not theologically doctrinaire. The brief, vibrant accounts in this volume speak to That which gives forth the Word.

Credits

Based on a review offered by Ian Graham of Hamilton Monthly Meeting (Canadian Yearly Meeting)