Surviving and Thriving - Reviews

Madeline L’Engle {Herself}
Reflections on a Writing Life
Compiled by Carole F. Chase

Review by Margie Hillenbrand

Madeline L’Engle {Herself} was a gift I bought myself last Christmas. It isn’t a how-to. It’s a touch of the concentrated essence of a great writer- a
potential importation, at very least an inspiration. The writer/compiler has
gathered excerpts from Ms. L’Engle’s workshops (almost like a book of quotes
but 1-2 page long quotes) where Madeline L’Engle, herself, shares her
artistic insights into the work, the craft, and the letting go that any
creative work requires.

She is not just a writer but an artist making sense of life* and this book
focuses on the insights that she’s gleaned along the way. Though the speaker’s profound faith is integral to the warp and woof of the book, Ms. L’Engle
speaks about Creating (the verb) with the tender understanding of a close
friend.

Madeline L’Engle’s brilliant insights are thought provoking and encouraging.
Her perpetual childlike wonder and awe are contagious.

*Ms. Chase includes a time line at the back of the book highlighting life
events and publication dates.

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