by Madeleine L'Engle
Austins, reader. Reader, Austins. Now that we've made the introductions...
This is a good book. This is a sort of life-is-being-lived book. You can't really say that nothing much happens, when in fact a child's life is altered, a potential girlfriend is chased away, and a dog becomes a hero. Let's face it, these things happen in every book. There is a difference though. In this book, shockingly, no one saves the world, however, they do have a few jolly good family sing-alongs.
I like these books. Once in a while, it's nice to read something where the world doesn't get saved, nor in fact does it need saving, at least not in the immediate future. Still, if I had to choose, the dualistic Wrinkle in Time series is a lot better than the Austins series. Both series, however, showcase L'Engle's excellent, friendly characters. Normal people, and what is more, decent people. I like that, because they are easy to empathize with.
Anyhow, the story is about Vicky Austin and her family. One day they receive the terrible news that their Uncle Hal and his copilot were killed when their experimental aircraft exploded. The copilot's now-orphaned daughter Maggy is sent to live with the Austins while her upper-class grandfather comes to a decision on her future. 12-year-old Vicky tells the story of her family and how Maggy comes to fit in with them despite problems encountered upon the way.
Sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic, always honest.
A good book. Not a spectacular one. For that, read A Wrinkle In Time.
for: older children on up
Content rating: 5/5
My enjoyment: 3/5
Austins, reader. Reader, Austins. Now that we've made the introductions...
This is a good book. This is a sort of life-is-being-lived book. You can't really say that nothing much happens, when in fact a child's life is altered, a potential girlfriend is chased away, and a dog becomes a hero. Let's face it, these things happen in every book. There is a difference though. In this book, shockingly, no one saves the world, however, they do have a few jolly good family sing-alongs.
I like these books. Once in a while, it's nice to read something where the world doesn't get saved, nor in fact does it need saving, at least not in the immediate future. Still, if I had to choose, the dualistic Wrinkle in Time series is a lot better than the Austins series. Both series, however, showcase L'Engle's excellent, friendly characters. Normal people, and what is more, decent people. I like that, because they are easy to empathize with.
Anyhow, the story is about Vicky Austin and her family. One day they receive the terrible news that their Uncle Hal and his copilot were killed when their experimental aircraft exploded. The copilot's now-orphaned daughter Maggy is sent to live with the Austins while her upper-class grandfather comes to a decision on her future. 12-year-old Vicky tells the story of her family and how Maggy comes to fit in with them despite problems encountered upon the way.
Sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic, always honest.
A good book. Not a spectacular one. For that, read A Wrinkle In Time.
for: older children on up
Content rating: 5/5
My enjoyment: 3/5
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