The book is very rooted in the writings of Margaret Fell and is more or less in four parts, the introduction which explores the rationale behind writing the book and how to address the concept of hope, depending on how you look at it and what you understand as the psychology of hope. The format for the following three sections is asking questions, offering examples for responses and then suggestions for exercises to explore our own inner workings. I like this reader-engaging approach, though not all the exercises resonated with me, they may well do with others of course. We are led through some options in this first part, witnessing, helps the reader to clarify how they view hope and what it might mean to us personally as well as within the Quaker tradition. All the three main sections of the book pose us some pertinent questions and exercises to try out to see how we might open our minds more deeply, to explore our creativity and find hope in there. In the end we must all find our sources of hope and our understanding of it too, and this little book will be a valuable resource to many on that path, a valiant attempt for a very tricky topic ~ Sylvia Clare

In her new book, In Search of Hope, Joanna Godfrey Wood expands upon Margaret Fell's invitations to “turn to the Light,” and to to witness "a living hope” as a blessing to others. Yes; we become like the object of our focus, and abiding in the Light indeed witnesses to experiential hope in our fraught and divided worlds today. ~ Paul Anderson - Professor of Biblical and Quaker Studies at George Fox University

In Search of Hope is a vibrant, practical book, which draws on the deep roots of the Quaker tradition to provide immediate and useful spiritual help. Through story, example, personal reflection and history the reader is guided on an exploration of the living hope which was experienced by Margaret Fell and which we can experience today. ~ Rhiannon Grant, Deputy Programme Leader, Centre for Research in Quaker Studies, Woodbrooke, Birmingham, UK, Honorary Senior Lecturer, University of Birmingham

In Search of Hope is a packet of seeds. As you read you are gently encouraged to plant these seeds in your own soul and you never know what will germinate and blossom. When you re-read you find that the stories stay the same but the exercises change each time, because your responses grow into something new and often unexpected. Don't try to skim-read this book and don't read it in one gulp. It's far too rich and will give you spiritual indigestion. It will hopefully become a favourite gift, which gives the reader a sense of true communication with other seeking souls. ~ Frances Sutherland, Resident Quaker, Muswell Hill Meeting, North-West London Area Meeting

Joanna Godfrey Wood offers a highly readable exploration of what it means to live an actively hopeful life. By cultivating "witnessing", a special kind of attentiveness to the apparent ordinariness of everyday life, hope can be found as an energising power in the present. This is a practical book grounded in both the wisdom of early Quaker Margaret Fell and stories of contemporary life. Readers searching for spiritual sustenance and revival in a difficult world will find much to enjoy and draw on here. ~ Mark Russ, author of Quaker Shaped Christianity

This little book offers really helpful resources to anyone searching for hope in these turbulent times. Drawing on her own experience, Joanna Godfrey Wood expertly weaves together stories, personal reflections, and simple practices that help us to keep focused on a light that shines in the darkness. This is needed now more than ever. ~ Stuart Masters, Programme Coordinator (History and Theology), Woodbrooke, UK

“Perhaps hope is a continuing ‘forward propulsion’, found in the unexpected.” I took this part-sentence as a very helpful focus as I read Joanna Godfrey Wood’s book, In Search of Hope. As an arts psychotherapist I believe that depression or an inner world of negative chatter can kill “hope.” Joanna, in a simple and engaging way, involves the reader in a series of vignettes and exercises to connect to meaningful and beautiful moments of being in the “flow” of hope. The book says that if we can only stop and listen mindfully beyond the busy-ness of our lives and our minds, within the stillness is the bigger picture of hope and positivity – and she gives us many tools to aid that experience. ~ Isa L. Levy, Quaker artist and arts psychotherapist

The unique way the author addresses the complex concept of hope means that the book begins with questions and ends with challenges. Looking at hope using personal stories means readers are allowed our own understandings and perspectives. In this way we can better understand Margaret Fell’s and the author’s own ideas about hope. The use of creativity, sometimes discouraged within Quakerism, is positively promoted here. So often a book will talk “at” us with its philosophy. This book suggests creative ways to find our hope, and ourselves. It asks us questions, encourages us to try things, observe things, to stop, to look, to listen. To live adventurously. ~ Clair Chapwell, writer and arts facilitator, member of Muswell Hill Meeting, North-West London Area Meeting, UK