I listened to the NPR interview, which was very interesting. The part of the book that had the most impact on me (actually two parts) .. the first was with the witch in the field who explained to the children the concept of time / space travel.

The other, and most important part, for me, was the way they defeated the "IT" (sort of like a giant ego Borg mind control entity) which had a whole society under its spell. They finally realized they couldn't defeat it with logic or weapons, etc... but it could not comprehend or deal with love.

Actually, I think that some of the Star Trek episodes had similar themes and encounters, and no doubt they got that idea from Madeline.

I've never read her books or any other NYT obits, but what a loving tribute that was, I'll be sure to order her books soon. Even tho adolescence is far behind, I find that those that write for future generations often have the most heart. It sounds as if she well understood her role in the universe.

ah hell it's Sunday, why not:

In the evening of life we shall be judged on love, and not one of us is going to come off very well, and were it not for my absolute faith in the loving forgiveness of my Lord I could not call on him to come.

I knew if I looked, she'd have a quote to that effect

her Newberry Award acceptance speech:
http://www.madeleinelengle.com/reference/newberyspeech.htm

there's too much goodness for any couple of exerpts, read the whole thing and let the world of geo-politics wait, some things might be more important.

I first read L'Engle when Wrinkle in Time was published and became a viral hit amongst the kids at my school. It had been turned down by publisher after publisher but when it came out, we read it and cherished it as a book of secret truth. L'Engle's influence on my generation is not credited enough I think ...

Her Crosswicks Journals - essays and notes about her life and writing - are gems and very worth the read for so many reasons.

What a glorious and true life she lived.

neophyte, I suppose it was the part about the time and space travel which always stuck with me most. I'm gonna have to re-read it again. The "IT", what a concept for us young impreasionable little minds.
Thanks dk for the link to the Newberry Award acceptance speech. I feel hooked all over again even though I am well past my adolescence.

STN