WinterSong: Christmas Readings

by Madeleine L'Engle, Luci Shaw

Have a cup of coffee and put a log on the fire, settle info a comforable chair and enjoy a winter's day with the writings of novelist Madeleine L'Engle and poet Luci Shaw. Participate in the winter season: the wonder, the solemnity, the power, and the miracles. These readings reflect on the winter world around us, drawing joy from winter days, hope from Christmas celebrations, and promise for the New Year.

This elegant collection is the natural outflow of the long-standing friendship between Madeleine L'Engle and Luci Shaw. Sharing similar themes and a reflective style of writing, they combine their two rich literary worlds.

Newbery Award Winner Madeleine L'Engle is widely known for her children's books, and adult fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent book is Live Coal in the Sea. Renowned poet Luci Shaw's most recent book is The Green Earth: Poems of Creation. Both women are widely known throughout the United States and Canada for their workshops on writing and journaling, lectures, and retreats.

Genres: Poetry, Christmas, Nonfiction, Holiday, Theology, Christianity, Devotional

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Madeleine L'Engle was an American writer of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and young adult fiction, including A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels: A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time. Her works reflect both her Christian faith and her strong interest in modern science.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly beautiful and thoughtful collection of essays, poems and other pieces celebrating Winter. This was my first experience with Luci Shaw's writing and with Madeleine L'Engle's non-fiction. I look forward to exploring both further. and to including this slim volume in my annual holiday re-read tradition (along with Dickens' A Christmas Carol).

[Kerith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I spun this out through the space of a winter yet I finished it early. It was a pleasure having Madeleine somehow present every morning. I confess, though, that Luci Shaw mostly leaves me cold. She has some jarring metaphors that really do not fly. Next to Madeleine she falls flat -- except for the poem equating snow with the "salt of the Lord". I enjoyed that one, and it often reconciled snow to me, making it a cleansing thing.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

as someone who has a deep hatred for winter, this book has served me in a poetic & gentle way. would recommend ordering well before the advent season so you can prepare.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars A poorly named but mostly lovely collection, sort of a “scrapbook” of poems and journal entries organized from early winter, though Advent, into Christmas itself, and right up past Epiphany and into the New Year. My favourite sections were those exploring the annunciation and advent, with some truly lovely poems.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. It was more poetry than I was expecting or looking for, but this was lovely. Best advent book I’ve tried so far, I think. Not heavy, but still thoughtful. And definitely not the same old thing.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful poetry and insightful reflections on the Incarnation and waiting for God.

[Janet Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed all of tis except the poetry. For some reason, it is not my thing!h

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last book club book of 2022. Some lovely poetry and prose, especially around the Advent season, led to delightful discussion.

[Jackie Law · Rating 3 out of 5]

"All that is asked of us now is that we spin the crumpled threads, & weave the filaments & fibers — sage, burnt umber, sapphire blue — into a curtain for our winter view" (13).
Beautiful!
"Crickets are past carding in our summer songs..."
- more ABCs to follow - I just found this note in an old journal from Nov 2008

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I sort of skimmed this, actually--I was more looking to see if I wanted to add it to my collection of Christmas books (I like seasonal reading). It was decent, but will not be taking up permanent residence on my shelves. Lots of poetry, which--though this might make me a heathen--is not really my thing.

[Gail]

I enjoyed the essays and poems from this book very much. It will be added to my advent reading from nowon

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who is familiar with these two authors, and their friendship, will enjoy this collection of poems and musings about the Christmas season.

[Danielle Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joy to read for Advent. There are so many beautiful poems and thoughts.