As I was cleaning out my garage, I came upon a box of books
from my teen years. One of the most
moving and memorable books of my youth was among the treasure trove, A Ring of Endless Light, by Madeleine
L’Engle. I brought it to class with me
the following week, and it was immediately in the hands of one of my most
voracious readers who finished it in just a few days. It is now quickly making the rounds with my 8th
grade girls, which is a great review in itself.
What I remember most about this book is relating with the main character,
Vicky, as she worked her way through life’s complexities. I distinctly remember her confusion over the
three young men (Adam, Zachary, and Leo) all vying for a space in her life, and
her equally confusing feelings that she had for each one of them, albeit for
different reasons. With 8th
grade being a time where love interests are developing, I found this to be a
very relatable story of examining one’s own feelings and those of others as
well.
What complicates this story even further is the backdrop of
the main character’s beloved grandfather’s impending death. Many life lessons are passed on, often with a
comedic undertone, but the messages are powerful ones that Vicky takes to heart
as she ponders her own life during her summer visit to her grandfather’s island.
L’Engle mingles her poetic and sensitive writing against the backdrop of
working within the magical world of dolphin research, making this book almost
irresistible to young teen girls.
-Kelly Sporrer - EDRL 524
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