I felt that this work had numerous similarities to The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion. However, it was marginally less despairing and melancholy. I believe that since L’Engle was somewhat of a liberal and indecisive Christian, her theology is difficult to precisely define.

Nevertheless, the book as a whole was truly fascinating. It presented a unique perspective that kept me engaged from start to finish. The way she explored various themes and ideas was both thought-provoking and captivating.

Despite the challenges in understanding her theological stance, the overall narrative and the emotions it evoked made it a worthwhile read. It offered a different take on life, love, and loss, and I found myself reflecting on many of the concepts long after I had finished the book.

In conclusion, while it may not have had the same level of hopelessness as Didion's work, it still managed to touch on some deep and profound emotions, making it a memorable and engaging read.

An Intimate and Touching Memoir about the Care of an Aged Parent

In our fast-paced and hectic lives, we frequently assume that we have an abundance of time, and that our aged parents also have plenty of it. However, the days pass by all too quickly, and before we are even aware, the evening of life draws near (or arrives suddenly).

This memoir serves as a beautiful and gentle reminder for us to cherish every single moment we have with one another, regardless of our ages. It is a celebration of a life that has been lived to the fullest, of lives that have been touched and transformed, and of memories that have been created.

We should not take for granted the time we spend with our parents, but rather, make the most of it. We should listen to their stories, share in their joys and sorrows, and show them the love and respect they deserve.

By doing so, we can create a bond that will last a lifetime and ensure that our memories of them are filled with warmth and happiness.

I have a profound love for Madeleine L'Engle's sincere battles with the difficult questions that life presents. Her ability to acknowledge the gray area and understand that there are aspects that are ineffable, beyond the reach of words, is truly admirable. I find myself deeply resonating with a great many of her writings.

Moreover, I thoroughly enjoyed delving into all the stories of her childhood and her elderly relatives. It was an enthralling experience that made me realize that I ought to be inquiring of my own family members about our ancestors. By doing so, I might gain a deeper understanding of my roots and the experiences that have shaped my family's history.

Madeleine L'Engle's works not only touch my heart but also inspire me to explore my own family's past and to embrace the mysteries and uncertainties that life has to offer.

In this, her second installment of the Crosswicks Journals, L’Engle embarks on a profound exploration.

She not only delves into the memories of the last summer her mother was alive but also uncovers the rich history of her mother’s side of the family.

As an only child, L’Engle cherished an extraordinarily close bond with her mother that endured until the ravages of dementia began to take hold.

With a raw and open heart, she pen her thoughts and emotions with great passion.

The pages come alive as she vividly describes her family history, painting a detailed picture of the people and events that shaped her.

However, intertwined with this is the gaping wound of losing her mother bit by bit.

The pain and grief are palpable, yet L’Engle’s writing also offers a glimmer of hope and a celebration of the love that still endures.

Her words serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of family and the impact that loss can have on our lives.

I liked the first one a little bit better, but this was definitely a worthwhile read. It truly engaged me from start to finish.

The story had such a profound impact that it actually brought me to tears at the end.

I felt that L'Engle's universalist theology came out more prominently in this book, and to be honest, it bothered me a little. However, I greatly respect her for her unwavering honesty about her intermingling of doubt and faith.

I think that if we were all truly honest about our doubts, we would all say more 'heretical' things. After all, facing the death of a loved one brings up a plethora of doubts, questions, and insecurities.

In the end, I do firmly believe that L'Engle comes to the right conclusions. I thoroughly enjoy reading her thoughts as she processes her questions, memories, and emotions. It's like taking a journey with her through her inner turmoil and coming out on the other side with a newfound understanding.

Overall, this book was a thought-provoking and emotional read that I would highly recommend to others.

Three and one half stars.

I enjoyed the Crosswicks Journals 1-4 many years ago. L'Engle's glimpse into her life as a writer, wife, parent and friend was truly refreshing. It was like a breath of fresh air as I myself was trying to juggle all the different aspects of my life, just like she did.

The Summer of the Great-Grandmother was especially interesting to me. This is because I live in the southern city that she refers to in her writing. I am intimately familiar with the places and the stories she tells. It's almost as if I can picture them vividly in my mind. However, I must point out that her account of the great fire of Jacksonville contains one slight inaccuracy. The fire was indeed started by burning spanish moss, but it was not set intentionally. It was accidentally set on fire at a mattress warehouse. In those days, mattress ticks were stuffed with dried spanish moss, and somehow, a spark ignited it, leading to the great fire.

Her family tree and the stories about her family were absolutely fascinating. It was like delving into a rich tapestry of history and relationships. And her overall theme really hit home. How do we honor and care for our parents and grandparents in a way that leaves them with dignity? How do we face dying and funerals and the messiness that comes with death? In a world where people are living longer and longer, when is a death a happy release for both the old person and those who survive? These are all profound questions that make us stop and think about the meaning and value of life.

This particular book didn't resonate with me as powerfully as A Circle of Quiet did. However, I firmly believe it's simply because I'm not currently in the same stage of life as the themes presented in this book.

I have a strong desire to recommend this book to my mother-in-law. Her mother is residing with her and is gradually succumbing to senility. But I'm also somewhat hesitant as it might strike too close to home for her.

The structure of the book is truly captivating. It commences in the present and then steadily delves deeper and deeper into the past. This progression makes the lives being described increasingly distinct from my own experiences.

Even L’Engle's life, which involved traveling to numerous European countries and being sent to boarding school, appeared so incredibly exotic and glamorous, at least on the surface. Of course, she was prompt to highlight both the arduous aspects of that life as well as the more favorable ones.

Throughout the entire book, we witness L’Engle's profound affinity for living life to the absolute fullest while simultaneously grappling with the ever-looming threat of mortality.

Now Reading

Just a month after relocating back to my home state of Georgia, I was filled with excitement as I had the chance to attend the Decatur Book Festival, which is renowned as the largest independent book festival in the US.

As a volunteer at this remarkable event, I was presented with a wonderful opportunity - to choose books from a used book tent for free! I joyfully picked up "A Lost Lady" by Willa Cather, a novel about an unconventional woman. I also grabbed "Home Economics" by Wendell Berry, a collection of essays on our stewardship responsibility, and Madeleine L'Engle's "The Summer of the Great-Grandmother".

I have a penchant for reading a combination of fiction and nonfiction, and currently, I have my nose buried in each of these delightful books. However, considering the decline in the health of both of my grandmothers this year - a major reason for my move back home - it is the latter book that is captivating my attention the most.

I can identify with L'Engle's pursuit of peace, and I truly appreciate her account of her mother's final year of life, not only for its honesty but also for the way she steers clear of sentimentality. "I want my mother to be my mother," L'Engle writes, "And she is not. Not any more. Not ever again."

Literary Mama's full Now Reading post can be found here: http://www.literarymama.com/blog/arch...

I truly love Madeleine L'Engle's unique style of writing. Her Crosswicks Journals have always been among my all-time favorite books.

She has this remarkable ability to tell the stories of her family and her life in a manner that vividly creates pictures in my mind. It's as if I can see every scene unfold right before my eyes.

These books are the absolute best reads.

This particular story is about her mother's last summer spent with the family. It's a touching and poignant account that delves into the relationships and emotions within the family during that significant time.

L'Engle's writing brings this story to life, making it a memorable and engaging read.

Her words have the power to transport the reader into her world and make them feel as if they are a part of the family's experiences.

I can't wait to explore more of her works and continue to be inspired by her beautiful writing.

Madeleine L'Engle's book is not my absolute favorite of hers, yet it still has its lovely moments and is largely satisfying.

I am fortunate enough not to have yet experienced the struggle of caring for a sick parent. However, I can envision that when that difficult time arrives, I will turn to this book again and find her words even more comforting. Only time will tell.

In this particular work, I wish she had delved deeper into the realm of "confronting death." I have the impression that she has done a more remarkable job in that regard in other books. But perhaps this was not the intended focus for her in this particular piece.

Nonetheless, it is still an excellent work, characteristic of Madeleine L'Engle. Her unique writing style and the profound themes she explores make this book well worth reading, despite not being my top pick among her works.

I love Madeleine L'Engle to a ridiculous extent, and this affection grows with each book I read.

Her moving memoir about her mother's life and death is truly poignant. Amidst her tribute to her mother, there are numerous thoughts and wonderings regarding the nature of death, the purpose of living, and so forth.

L'Engle is incredibly incisive. She has the ability to reach right into the core of an emotion and then present it with perfect clarity.

I deeply wish she were still alive. I would give anything to have a conversation with her.

Her words have had such a profound impact on me, and I can only imagine the depth of wisdom and insight that would come from a direct exchange with her.

Her work continues to inspire and touch the hearts of countless readers, and I am grateful to have discovered her writing.

I will forever cherish the lessons and emotions that I have gleaned from her books.

I think this particular installment worked more consistently for me compared to the first book in the series.

It didn't reach some of the same lofty peaks that the first one did, but on the other hand, it also didn't have as many sections that left me feeling disappointed.

I believe having a more central and focused subject matter to build upon was beneficial in this regard. However, that core subject didn't hold as much personal significance for me as some of the themes explored in the other book.

In the end, I guess I'll just have to settle on this one being fairly decent and leave it at that. It wasn't outstanding, but it also wasn't a letdown. It had its strengths and weaknesses, and overall, it was an enjoyable read that kept me engaged from start to finish.