A Ring of Endless Light

The Austin Family Chronicles, Book 4

By: Madeleine L'Engle

Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie

Book four of the Austin Family Chronicles, an award-winning young adult series from Madeleine L'Engle, author of A Wrinkle in Time, about a girl who experiences the difficulties and joys of growing up.

A Newbery Honor Book

"L'Engle has the magic storytelling gift that makes it a pleasure to lose yourself in her spell." -Newsweek

After a tumultuous year in New York City, the Austins are spending the summer on the small island where their grandfather lives. He's very sick, and watching his condition deteriorate as the summer passes is almost more than Vicky can bear. To complicate matters, she finds herself as the center of attention for three very different boys.

Zachary Grey, the troubled and reckless boy Vicky met last summer, wants her all to himself as he grieves the loss of his mother. Leo Rodney has been just a friend for years, but the tragic loss of his father causes him to turn to Vicky for comfort-and romance. And then there's Adam Eddington. Adam is only asking Vicky to help with his research on dolphins. But Adam-and the dolphins-may just be what Vicky needs to get through this heartbreaking summer.

It’s wonderful and also intense

I remember loving this book as a young girl but I’m thinking I was 15 when I read it. It deals with a lot of heavy topics. I have a very mature 11yr old who likes intense topics, she is NOT overly sensitive. However, I feel this was a bit mature for her. The first 2 books in this series were great for her and we loved them. I still love and recommend this book but it deals with a lot of death/loss of loved ones and also with early sexual feelings/ making out with boys. Which would be possibly appropriate at 14 yr because it addresses a young ladies right to set boundaries and explore her feelings in a healthy and appropriate way. Just a little too mature for an 11yr old.

Love the story line learned much from it

Just one of the best books and series I have ever read can’t wate to read the others

Great voicing of characters and depth of expression

Wonderful book! Excellent voices, great subject matter and wonderfully acted story. Excellent depth of expression and beautiful story full of complex and real truth of the human condition.

One of my favorites

I’ve loved L’Engle’s books since I was in 4th grade and read “A wrinkle in time”. I’ve read most of her books and love them all. I read this one about the time my dad died of cancer when I was in my mid-20s. It helped me a lot with my feelings at the time. I would recommend all of her books but her fiction is my favorite.

Loved this book for many years

This is a favorite from my junior high years. It was quite enjoyable to listen to as an audio book.