I have a penchant for reading these journal books of L'Engle's at a leisurely pace, perhaps a chapter a day or thereabouts. This allows her words to truly soak in and to linger and swirl around in the recesses of my brain. I do this because she possesses a truly unique gift. She has the remarkable ability to penetrate to the very essence of things, people, and different periods of life. She discovers the ousia, that fundamental and essential nature, and then shares it generously with her readers. This gift was of particular significance in this book as she delves into and shares about the process of her mother aging and ultimately dying.

As a member of the millennial generation, it was truly incredibly beautiful to witness the family and communal living that was such a prominent feature in the L'Engle Crosswicks farmhouse. The idea of having a "village" come together and work in harmony to accompany L'Engle's mother through her final summer seems to me almost like a miracle. When I look at the present and envision the future, it is a rather disheartening sight. Most parents will unfortunately find themselves pushed aside in their old age and relegated to nursing homes. This is because the younger generations are either unable or unwilling to have their aging parents in their own homes. I can't help but wonder and think that our generation is truly losing out. We seem to care more about the constant stream of information on our Facebook feeds than about the precious stories of our grandparents and the times when people and human connections mattered far more than the ever-advancing technology.

This book had been sitting on my to-be-read shelf for an incredibly long time.

It seemed as if it was just waiting for the perfect moment to be discovered. And that moment arrived precisely when I became a great grandmother.

Reading this book was an absolute eye-opener. It made me reflect deeply on my life and the many experiences I have had.

It also made me appreciate the little things that often go unnoticed.

There were so many valuable lessons and insights within its pages that I will carry with me for a long time.

I am truly grateful that I finally picked up this book and gave it the attention it deserved.

It has enriched my life in ways I could not have imagined.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those who are at a stage in their lives where they are looking for meaning and purpose.

It is a book that will touch your heart and make you think.

Like the first Crosswicks book, this one offers a warm, candid, and thoughtful look into the private life of L'Engle and her family.

However, while the first volume was rather lively and unrestrained in its musings on faith, art, and mystery, this one is much more structured.

It is divided into four sections. The first is a poignant diary-entry-style account of caring for a loved one in the final stages of dementia.

The second and third sections attempt to recall the loved one's history and the history of the broader family line, and to understand how those roots influence the individual and the family in the present day.

The fourth section is a sort of epilogue that delves more into grief and changing family dynamics.

I perhaps enjoyed the first book in the series a bit more, but this one is invaluable in its exploration of the complex web of family, identity, endings, loss, and new beginnings.

In fact, since most of us will likely face the mental and physical deterioration of a parent at some point, most of us would probably gain a great deal from this enlightening volume.

I've recently loaned this book to a few friends. They have found themselves in a very difficult position. They are trying to figure out how to best care for an ailing parent. It is not an easy task. The book seems to help them in ways that I can't. It provides them with valuable information and practical advice. It gives them hope and strength. I am glad that I was able to share this book with them. I believe that it will make a difference in their lives.

A great book that everyone with aging adults, or with elderly parents who have recently passed, should read.

The book is written during the final summer of L'Engle's mother's life. It vividly details her gradual decline into senility and ultimate death. Just like in The Circle of Quiet, there are four generations of the family living in the L'Engle household. In this, the second of the Crosswick's Journal, the dignity of the elderly is firmly affirmed.

At the same time, all the problems, frustrations, guilt, and pain of watching her mother's slide into senility are poignantly described. She grapples with the fact that the care one often desires to give can easily come into conflict with what can actually be provided.

Although the book centers on the decline and death of an aged parent, in reality, it focuses on life by closely examining many of the attitudes that today's society holds about the aged. It makes readers reflect on how we treat and view our elderly, and how we can better understand and support them in their final years.

This book is not only a personal account but also a powerful commentary on the state of our society's relationship with the elderly. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the aging process and the complex emotions that come with it.

I truly liked delving into L'Engle's family history. It was fascinating to learn about how she interacted with her family members, especially her mother.

The book seemed to be filled with a great deal of autobiographical wisdom from the author. However, there was one caveat that somewhat detracted from the otherwise gracious tone of the book.

L'Engle appeared to hold a certain condescension towards those who did not share her specific ideas regarding certain aspects of spirituality.

For me, the introduction of these aspects seemed rather out of place within the framework of the novel. The author's complex stance of being "against the world" disrupted the smooth flow of the book, leaving stagnant emotional voids on what was otherwise a lively canvas of family stories.

Despite this one criticism, I really relished reading about the multi-generations of L'Engle women. Their stories were engaging and provided a unique perspective into the author's life and family.

It was interesting to see how the different generations interacted and how their experiences shaped them. Overall, it was a thought-provoking read that left me with a greater understanding of L'Engle and her family.

Madeleine L'Engle's second Crosswicks memoir is a poignant account of her final summer with her ailing mother. Her mother is suffering from what L'Engle describes as atherosclerosis, but which seems to bear resemblance to Alzheimer's. This was in the 70s, and the understanding of Alzheimer's may have been limited then.

To counter her mother's fading memory and awareness, L'Engle delves into her own memories of her mother and shares what she knows about her early life and family background. Amidst these flashbacks, she also reflects on the challenges she faces in dealing with her mother's decline.

The book is both sad and profound, as is typical of L'Engle's writing. The family history she presents is truly fascinating. L'Engle's maternal ancestors hailed from the Jacksonville area, and she provides first-hand accounts of the 1901 Jacksonville fire and other aspects of North Florida history.

Reading this memoir has inspired me to take the initiative and learn more about my grandparents' early lives. I realize that time is fleeting, and it's crucial to ask them about their past before it's too late. This book serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving family history and the power of memory.

Madeleine L'Engle has a certain charm that makes me eager to sit down and start writing.

She vividly describes the summer when she witnesses her mother's deterioration at their family's country residence. Unashamed to disclose her thoughts and emotions, she truly captivates me and draws me into her world.

I happened to read this book during the period when I was mourning the loss of my own mother. Her words had a profound impact on me, providing solace, presenting challenges, and inspiring me.

Madeleine L'Engle's writing style is so unique and engaging that it allows readers to deeply empathize with her experiences. It's as if she is sharing her most intimate moments with us, and we can't help but be moved by her honesty and vulnerability.

This book has become a source of strength and inspiration for me, and I will always cherish the lessons I have learned from it.

This is a remarkable book that was specifically designed for a Spring 2017 Brite Pastoral Care course. It is a truly lovely memoir/tribute dedicated to Madeleine L'Engle's mother's final summer.

The story within these pages is both poignant and sad, yet it also has an endearing quality that tugs at the heartstrings. As I read it, it vividly brought back memories of my own dear Mom.

According to the publisher, this journal presents a loving and deeply moving portrait of L'Engle's mother in her old age. It focuses more on the essence of living rather than the inevitability of dying. It showcases the beauty and significance of the moments shared, the relationships that endured, and the wisdom that was passed down.

It is a book that invites readers to reflect on their own relationships with their loved ones and to cherish the precious time they have together. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of aging and the approach of the end, there is still so much life to be lived and so many memories to be made.

Another gem in the Crosswicks series!

It's truly remarkable. Who could have ever guessed that Madeleine L'Engle had all these lovely, wise, beautiful, and generous memoirs hidden away?

She seems to be a woman of such depth and character. Just imagining sitting down with her and having a chat is a wonderful thought.

One can only imagine the stories she would have to share, the insights she could offer.

Her memoirs are likely to be a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration.

They might take us on a journey through her life, filled with joys and sorrows, successes and failures.

Reading her words would probably be like having a personal conversation with her, as if she were right there in the room with us.

I can't wait to explore more of her memoirs and discover the gems that lie within.

It's like uncovering a hidden world of beauty and knowledge.

Madeleine L'Engle's memoirs are definitely something to look forward to.

It is always a great pleasure to hear L'Engle's voice. During the intense season when her mother is with her family at Crosswicks in poor health, she not only imparts wisdom but also reveals her world, life, and family to the reader. She truly values and loves her mother, and goes to great lengths to arrange for many others to offer support and love to her mother. This aspect alone is worthy of our knowledge and imitation.

On the other hand, I did not find the reading about her privileged ancestors enjoyable. It simply gave the impression of someone chatting aimlessly about people in whom I have no interest. However, it did provide the necessary background to understand her rather unusual upbringing. I guess this is what one should expect when reading someone else's journals.

This book has truly hit so close to home for me. It is so good that it has now taken up a permanent residence on my bookshelf.

I am simply marveling at the fact that Madeleine L'Engle's descriptions of her emotions and reflections while she was caring for her mother just before her mother's death are so incredibly accurate and clear. They delineate so many of my own experiences and feelings under similar circumstances.

Although the people, places, and history in the book are different from mine, the essentials are very much the same. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story about the people and places that were so influential and such a vital part of her life.

As a result, I appreciate my own life even more, if that is possible. This is truly a wonderful book! I am now all set to begin the third installment in the Crosswicks Journal set.

I can't wait to see what new insights and emotions it will bring. I highly recommend this series to anyone who is looking for a deeply moving and thought-provoking read.