Putting it into Words

I just finished Madelaine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time. I don't know if I had ever read it before. It did not seem familiar as childhood books usually do, so I doubt it. I loved it! Thematically there are many similarities to Harry Potter, and it is helping me to put into words what I love so much about these books. I am and have always been a sucker for a good story. There are many books I enjoy on that level, but these are even more than great stories. They are fiction books that deal with the real and central (to me) elements of life: Good and evil do exist. They are bigger and more powerful than we can even imagine. We do have choices to make because of good and evil. Choosing to resist evil and stand for what is good matters. Ultimately, love is more powerful than evil. Love is victory.

Sounds simple, but if you've read these books you'll probably agree they are wonderfully complex.

I won't say there aren't elements to Harry Potter that parents don't need to exercise caution about if or when their kids become interested. But I think very few things in our society actually guide our kids to consider the reality of good and evil and the choices they need to make in response. Both of these stories do.

Just some thoughts. I can't wait to get the next few books in the L'Engle Time series. Would love to hear others' thoughts.

My FOUR year old is now awake and wants mommy. Yep. You read it right. As of this past Saturday I have a four year old. I can't believe it. More on that later.