A Circle of Quiet

Madeleine L'Engles wonderful book A Circle of Quiet was full of many "a-ha" moments - moments where I thought, "I know exactly what she means," or, "I've thought that too." As a writer, I find her discussion of rejection to be empowering. As a Christian, I find her doubts to be reassuring because I have them too. L'Engle is frank and critical without stooping to meanness. She is often as critical of herself as she is of others or of society. Her writing is clear and vivid. I can see her surroundings and hear her family's voices as I read her words. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys memoirs.

This book (and the rest of her Crosswick Journals) have been a source of great comfort and inspiration for me. Her search for "being" and meaning provide support as I struggle with the same questions about life and faith. Her writings provide much food for thought and this book is beautifully written. Definitely a book to digest slowly. This book and her other journals have formed a good part of my spiritual reading this summer.

After attending Lenten sessions with Madeleine at the Cathedral, I began reading her four-part autobiography. What a pleasure! What an inspiration! Being a struggling NYC actor, I am often looking for inspiration to go on after all the rejections, and here it is! Her stories of rejection and dealing with it are so honest and heartfelt, one cannot help but identify. You will not find a more straightforward approach to life than the one presented in the pages of this book. I highly recommend it for anyone with questions about purpose or meaning in life.