A Little Reading... Madeleine L'Engle

by Erin

I love to read, always have. And I love it when I come across a book that really inspires me. It may be the writing, the ideas, the story, but it is always the words. Over the years I have come to appreciate language, the art of words. Some books deepen that appreciation. Some authors are so good at making it all come together in just the right way. Madeleine L’Engle is one of those authors. And her book “A Circle of Quiet,” is one of those books. It’s one of those books that made me feel like I was part of a conversation between two old friends. It made me feel connected, like perhaps I’m not the only one that worries about being a good mom and a good wife and sometimes fails miserably at both.

(Photo: Been Caught Reading)

And maybe saying too much sometimes is all part of the process of trying to connect. And maybe saying too little at other times is even better. It made me realize I want to grow old and have my family around me, rocking grandbabies to sleep while my children and I sit on the porch and reminisce. Growing old doesn’t have to be scary. It made me realize that I should cherish the together times. Together is a good thing. So is imagination, a good thing that needs to be exercised often, regardless of age. It made me realize that honesty is invaluable, in writing and in life, especially with your emotions. Be emotional. (Just the validation this overly emotional girl needs to hear from time to time.) This is my favorite quote from her book, “Compassion is nothing one feels with the intellect alone. Compassion is particular; it is never general.” It all sounds cliché, I know. But really, for one book to make one person feel so connected is the aim of any author. And this time it worked. So glad I was the happy recipient. So, if you’re looking for a great read, you may want to check Miss Madeleine out. You’ll be happy you did.