manadabomb's review against another edition
4.0
Although I've heard of L'Engle, I don't recall ever reading any of her books, even the more famous Wrinkle in Time. I got this book on a whim and now it's one I won't part with.
Circle is book one of the Crosswicks Journals. I had, wrongly, assumed this was fiction but found that this series of books are pulled from L'Engle's personal journals. Judging from the journals alone, what a fascinating, intelligent, and insightful woman! I ended up writing in this book quite a bit and have already went back and re-read passages. She speaks of living out at Crosswicks and co-owning, with her husband, the local general store in a small village. She's a writer who teaches and she does a great deal of teaching in this book, but it feels more like great conversation with a friend. L'Engle also details her failures, the times where her books were rejected by as many publishers as they were sent to. If someone like that has trouble getting published....
While she has been deemed a children's author, she takes a more practical approach and claims she's just a writer. If she feels a subject is too harsh or complicated, she will make it a children's book because children are more open and not yet close-minded to ideas. One of her main topics is how to help children be children and how to not keep trying to "save" them from the world. Very interesting ideas are put forth that make a lot of sense.
Looking forward to reading the other journals in the series.
Circle is book one of the Crosswicks Journals. I had, wrongly, assumed this was fiction but found that this series of books are pulled from L'Engle's personal journals. Judging from the journals alone, what a fascinating, intelligent, and insightful woman! I ended up writing in this book quite a bit and have already went back and re-read passages. She speaks of living out at Crosswicks and co-owning, with her husband, the local general store in a small village. She's a writer who teaches and she does a great deal of teaching in this book, but it feels more like great conversation with a friend. L'Engle also details her failures, the times where her books were rejected by as many publishers as they were sent to. If someone like that has trouble getting published....
While she has been deemed a children's author, she takes a more practical approach and claims she's just a writer. If she feels a subject is too harsh or complicated, she will make it a children's book because children are more open and not yet close-minded to ideas. One of her main topics is how to help children be children and how to not keep trying to "save" them from the world. Very interesting ideas are put forth that make a lot of sense.
Looking forward to reading the other journals in the series.
ajgschwanz's review against another edition
5.0
My mom bought this set for me when I was in grade school. "She wrote childrens books!" It took me until high school to make it past the first chapter, but then: OH. She had me at her explanation of ontology.
marlo_c's review against another edition
4.0
Aptly named, this is a book of quiet contemplation. While a bit rambling in nature, like a long conversation you'd have with a friend over tea, it is thoughtful and honest.
skigirl1689's review against another edition
4.0
So much wisdom that could be applied across generations. I had to keep reminding myself L'Engle wrote this 47 years ago because it often sounded like she was writing about today's societal issues.
wiestli's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.0
kelsielynnhartley's review against another edition
4.0
Overall a beautifully written book of a woman pondering on events in her life. Definitely can stray into some theologically dangerous territory at times, but it’s still worth it to see her struggle with faith. It’s also especially worthwhile if you’ve read A Wrinkle in Time, to hear about some of her writing and publishing process. I definitely enjoyed it and recommend it, but just a heads up on some of the theological error. She writes in a way that inspires for sure!
“I suppose I write for children because I am not bright enough to understand the difference between a children’s and an adult’s novel.”
“...joy is always a promise.”
“I wish that we worried more about asking the right questions instead of being so hung up on finding the right answers.”
“I suppose I write for children because I am not bright enough to understand the difference between a children’s and an adult’s novel.”
“...joy is always a promise.”
“I wish that we worried more about asking the right questions instead of being so hung up on finding the right answers.”
hem's review against another edition
Gentle, loving, authentic, strikingly timeless.