Walking on Water is my absolute favorite book by Madeleine L'Engle. I can't recall where I bought my old copy but I'm thinking it was at a thrift store. That copy had been underlined and highlighted by its' previous owner in such a way that caused me to buy it out of curiosity. What was so good about this book?
Well, as one who communicates best through writing, it was a delight to find a Christian who understood and promoted the idea that God is a creator and we were created to make Art. Unlike what had been taught in many churches, artists (whether writers, painters, sculptors, cooks, gardeners, etc.) are not going against the work of the Lord... they are doing what He made them to do.
God was the first Artist and those who have been given a gift best worship Him through that gift. This book helps us understand this Truth while it reads like a novel. What more would you expect from the writer of A Wrinkle In Time?
If you are just a fan of L'Engle's fiction, then you will enjoy reading her thinking behind some of her books. If you enjoy her nonfiction books, especially written for women, then you will continue to learn more about her in this volume.
However, if you are a creator of any type of art be it writing a novel or baking a cake, then you will embrace this book as if it were a cold drink of water in a parched desert. Madeleine knows your heart and helps you to understand how the Art you make is a God given gift and how it brings Him joy.
I have read this book through a couple of times in the past years but most often I have taken it off the shelf and read just a section here and there to enjoy. This volume has a new cover, preface, and a new set of group study questions. Otherwise the book is the same. Highly recommended!
Walking on Water was provided by Blogging For Books for the sake of review but the opinions are my own.
More information can be found... here.*
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6 comments:
"Unlike what had been taught in many churches, artists (whether writers, painters, sculptors, cooks, gardeners, etc.) are not going against the work of the Lord... they are doing what He made them to do."
Which churches do you mean? All I can think of is the magnificent art in the old Cathedrals.
I have attended very conservative churches that do not view secular artistic fields as something Christians should go into. Unless they are writing Sunday School lessons, etc.
I know what you mean. Had no idea that this author wrote anything but children's fiction. Talk about ignorant...I am. Hope to remedy that.
Now I want to get my copy of Walking on Water from my bookshelves and read it again. My favorites of her books are her 4 Crosswicks Journals books, including The Summer of the Great Grandmother. A set of memoirs.
This book has been on my TBR list for years. Thanks for reminding me that it's worth looking for a copy.
Brenda,
How I love this book -- thank you for reminding me to take it off my shelf and read it again. I've been struggling with putting inordinate amounts of pressure on myself when it comes to my writing life, and I remember how 'Walking on Water' serves as a fear antidote. Have you ever read her "Circle of Quiet"? I met Madeleine L'Engle when I was just a kid in Connecticut -- she spoke at our tiny local library. I was enchanted. I still am. She's one of my heroes.
Cheers,
Laura Boggs
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