Front Porch Tales: Warm Hearted Stories of Family, Faith, Laughter and Love

by Philip Gulley

Wisdom and Humor from the Front Porch Master storyteller Philip Gulley shares tender and hilarious real-life moments that capture the important truths of everyday life. When Philip Gulley began writing newsletter essays for the twelve members of his Quaker meeting in Indiana, he had no idea one of them would find its way to radio commentator Paul Harvey Jr. and be read on the air to 24 million people. Fourteen books later, with more than a million books in print, Gulley still entertains as well as inspires from his small-town front porch.

Genres: Nonfiction, Short Stories, Inspirational, Christian, Spirituality, Religion, Comedy

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Philip Gulley has become the voice of small-town American life. Along with writing Front Porch Tales, Hometown Tales, and For Everything a Season, Gulley is the author of the Harmony series of novels, as well as If Grace Is True and If God Is Love, which are coauthored with James Mulholland.

He hosts "Porch Talk with Phil Gulley" on the Indiana PBS affiliate WFYI television's flagship show Across Indiana.

Gulley lives in Indiana with his wife, Joan, and their sons, Spencer and Sam—in a rambling old house with Gulley’s eclectic chair collection (64 at last count) and a welcoming back porch.

Gulley is also the Pastor at Fairfield Friends Meeting House in Camby, Indiana. If you find yourself in Camby, you're invited to attend a sermon.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories, written by a Quaker pastor, are short and written in plain language. While they are related to Christian principles, and have life-lessons to inculcate, they do not come across as excessively preachy.

You might even consider them as Quaker Oatmeal for the Soul.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved the entire Harmony series by Gulley. Front Porch Tales is a bit different. Each short chapter is about people Gulley knew in his life. People that influenced him, touched his soul and even taught him a lesson without even trying. Gulley's mention of Bible verses is very subtle but always meant to cement his very own common sense thoughts and get the message across.
I am not a religious person and do not care for religion being pushed on me, BUT Quaker Minister Gulley is never pushy! Always subtle and thought provoking. He is always funny. These short chapters are touching and funny, even some laugh out loud moments.
I loved the chapters that beg to ask "why Jesus never married" and "Never ask a man with 3 first names" for directions!
This is the perfect summer read or front porch (or deck) read! Have a glass of iced tea and enjoy. America needs its front porches again!!!!!

[Kim Hampton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the stories in this book. They were the perfect blend of humor and message. I wish there would have been more of them.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are 2 reasons that it took me 8 months to finish this little book. The main reason is that I only had it in paper and I so much prefer to read from a Kindle. But the other is that I was savoring it. Each little essay is chock full of down home wit and wisdom. The stories are true ones from the author's life, and he tells them in such an entertaining way, always furnishing an application for thought at the end. A delightful little book.

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a point in my life when I was too old for MG, too tired of drama for YA, and not quite old enough for Adult when everything I was reading was about or written by pastors. This series, which is lovely, his fictional one, the Mitford series, and Gerald Morris. I wasn't even trying to do that. But I love the short stories and the light humor in this one.

[Marvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting and could relate to many of his tales. I would like to have know him personally to share may like expereinces. Since early adulthood I've always had difficulty with pastors/ministers being a paid vocation. He comes across as being very truthful with his experiences with his flocks which I admire.
Good country folksy reading.

[Mark Einselen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book was a gift from my grandparents. I think of them and people from their time when I read these stories. Makes it extra special.

[Luann]

Very short stories with a spiritual or life lesson told with quirky tongue-in-cheek humor -- a fun little read.

Two quotes that resonated with me:
"I'll tell you where I stand. I stand for integrity and for erring on the side of grace and for reading to your children."

"Elton Trueblood talked about how we're a cut-flower world. We sever things from their life source and expect them to flourish. And we cut ourselves off from God and are dismayed when our lives wilt and fade. We spend so much time chasing after the baubles of the world, we're bankrupt when it come to the treasures of the holy. We want joy and beauty, but we want them with out having to stay connected to the One who gives them. So we look for them in the world but come up empty handed and empty hearted. If it's lasting beauty we seek, we're simply going to have to spend as much time tending our souls as we do tending our yards."

[Dean McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

FRONT PORCH TALES: WARM HEARTED STORIES OF FAMILY, FAITH, LAUGHTER AND LOVE by Philip Gulley -- Having read and enjoyed Gulley's JUST SHY OF HARMONY, a wonderful collection of stories, tales, and remembrances of his time as pastor of a rural Quaker congregation, I looked forward to FRONT PORCH TALES, his first book, and was not disappointed. This first collection is less specific to his experiences as pastor than it is his experiences of life, as the title says, "warm hearted stories of family, faith, laughter and love." Enjoyable.

[Makenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful! The author weaves in humor and lots of laughs with illustrations that will split your sides, only to bring about a very valid point. This book is a definite keeper and a reminder that even in today’s society, a breath of fresh air and a porch swing will cure just about anything.

[Sally Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's not to like about Phil Gulley? He is a TRIP! His stories are funny, thought-provoking, and warm-hearted. I love his ideas about the simple life, and can't wait until I can retire and sit on my own front porch and watch the world go by.

No bad language, no divisive thoughts, nothing to incite you. Just peace and love here, friends. And don't we all need more peace and love?!

[Ferrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will forever hold special memories for me. Over the first part of 2022 I read a chapter to 93-year-old mom over the telephone as we had our nightly call. She loved the stories even though she wasn't from the Midwest and wasn't sure what a Quaker was. Thank you, Philip Gulley, for giving my mom and I something to share and talk about. Special!

[Faye Sherron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foreword by Paul Harvey is endorsement plenty...

The chapters are short and sweet; some are brief and brutal... but each invite you to try your soul and see what's wanting-- BEFORE you stand at Christ Jesus' seat of judgment... but Philip does this without hog-tying you to his opinion... he just pulls out his family and friends photo book, and you become mesmerized

[Rodney Haydon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compilation of a Quaker pastor's essays written for his church newsletter. I was a little disappointed at first, since it was sold to me as "Lake Wobegon Days-eque". that it is not, but it is entertaining.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming book of short stories that will warm your heart and keep you smiling. Philip Gulley knows how to spin a story, part humor, part history and mostly spiritual, these snippets of his life as clergy, husband and father stayed with me for quite a while.

[Daniel Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh Out Loud EVERYWHERE

I've never laughed out loud, so much, reading one book.

The author gets to the story in a matter of seconds; no worry w/ a bunch of drivel or lead in.

You're there, in the moment, and it's amazing.

[JLS10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect to read right before drifting off to sleep. Each chapter is three short pages, and is a musing on faith, families values, love, encouragement, and warm-hearted thoughts to fill your mind as you end your day. I plan to keep this one by the bedside to just pick up and read 1 per night.

[Carol Cimino cerasuolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a world of too much vulgarity, casual sex and general unkindness, I found this book to be a welcome reprieve. It was wholesome, heartwarming and funny - and I loved that the stories were only a few pages each!

[DORET · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read a library copy. Am ordering my own so I can underline all the good lines that made me think - a lot! This book contained many short essays containing memories and thoughts of living a better life.

[Jennifer Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for some light short stories to read in bed at night to transition to sleep. This book did not disappoint. These are real-life, home-spun stories. Giving an extra star since this book made me smile several times, and even laugh a few times.

[Terry F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nostalgia and time travel

Humor, fondness, and simplicity drip from the pages of this glimpse back in the author's life and memories. I enjoyed all the short observations he presented.

[Teri Pre · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book that's thought-provoking, gentle and laugh-out-loud funny, this is the book for you. Short vignettes about the author's life growing up and as a husband and father. I loved every single one of them.

[Marjorie Towers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Touching stories, probably sermons. Made me wish I had a front porch! Gulley definitely over simplifies but his messages are heart warming in a down home short story kind of way.

[Xrystabelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my style.

[Trish Boese · Rating 3 out of 5]

3* I enjoyed this collection of wisdom and entertainment from Philip Gulley's front porch. Will be looking for more of his inspirational writing.

[Dan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tales of people that the author has come in contact with or written about..

[Cathy Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful, charming, and full of grace-filled characters. I can highly recommend this sweet book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid, funny, heart-warming read. Good snippets before bed.

[Rieta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed on just about every story. Great truth and humility. Really great read.

[Kathy Dobronyi · Rating 2 out of 5]

A collection of feel-good homilies.