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.
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"This was one of my favorite books years ago in my adolescence. I wanted to revisit it after coming across an old copy of "Wrinkle in Time." It was as good, if not better, than I remembered! As I was reading it I was thinking about what I must have thought in my younger years reading it. I don't think I understood the profound impact this would have on me. Reading it now, I could relate more to the main character, Vicky Austin. L'Engle is a brilliant writer. This doesn't read like a typical YA book. This book has depth. I like to think that because of this book, L'Engle was my first true inspiration and the beginning of my love of reading."
— Melanie (4 out of 5 stars)
" I love this book! L'Engle is amazing, and her themes provoke thought and emotion. I wish I could write with the same eloquence and depth that she writes with. "
— Jenny, 2/11/2014" Re-reading the Austin Family series has been wonderful. L'Engle is masterfully insightful and brilliant at getting inside the heads of her characters. Reading one of her books makes me fall in love with humanity again. "
— Robin, 2/8/2014" When I was a teenager, I adored this book-- as I got older, I have certain reservations about it, but I still love it. "
— Nytetyger, 2/4/2014" One of my favorite from when I was a teen girl, trying to figure life out. "
— Heather, 1/26/2014" This was probably my #1 favorite book between the years of 1999, when I unearthed it in my school library, and, um, what year is it now? I'll love it forever. "
— Gretchen, 1/22/2014" This is a really cool tale. It's fantasy and myth and imagination. "
— Megan, 1/9/2014" This is one of my favorite books; not a long read, per its classification of Juv. Lit, but it is one of my favorite reads in growing up. Madeline L'Engle is one of my favorite authors. "
— Celeste, 12/31/2013" My favorite book in the whole world. "
— Cindy, 12/16/2013" My favourite Madeleine L'Engle book. Just wonderful. "
— Jasmine, 12/12/2013" I like to reread this when I'm sick. "
— Shannon, 12/8/2013" 2.5 stars. I would have enjoyed it more when I was much younger. "
— Deb, 12/2/2013Madeleine L’Engle (1918–2007) is the author of many books for children and adults. She is perhaps best known for the Time Quintet, especially A Wrinkle in Time, which won a Newbery Medal, and her books featuring the Austin family, including the Newbery Honor Book A Ring of Endless Light.
Jorjeana Marie has worked extensively as an actress, comedian, writer, and audiobook narrator. Her narrations have earned her several Earphones Awards. She has performed in hundreds of commercials and starred in the pilot Listen to Grandpa, Andy Ling with Elliott Gould. She is a stand-up comic who has opened for Richard Lewis, Louie Anderson, and Kathleen Madigan. Her video game credits include Final Fantasy, Crackdown 2, and Star Guardians. She loves reading so much it gets her into trouble.