A House Like a Lotus

Rating:
Summary: Makes you think
Review: The first time I read this book as a teenager, I was shocked by it. I had checked it out of the library, and I didn't like it at all, and certainly didn't think it was a young-adult fiction book. But, I am an unabashed L'Engle fan so I kept on reading. And re-reading. And while it still isn't my favorite of L'Engle's books, I think it is one of her most important. It is a book about forgiveness. It is about learning to allow people to be imperfect by your standards and loving them anyway. I didn't truly learn everything I needed to learn from this book until I was an adult - and about the third time I re-read it. And I'll probably learn more from it the next time I read it. I would not give this book to young teens as they likely aren't ready for it. But older teens (truly young adults) can benefit greatly from this book - ESPECIALLY if it shocks or upsets them ... keep reading it. You WILL learn something from it. But, adults should be aware that some parents will not like their children reading this book, so when giving a gift, be sensitive to that. This is probably the most controversial of L'Engle's books - but that's really not saying much since L'Engle is as uncontroversial as they come.

There is nothing lewd about any part of this book. The use of the term "lewd" in conjunction with any of L'Engle's books is absolutely laughable. It is neither homophobic nor immoral - one of the many points of this book is that we are more than our sexuality ... much more and that is a lesson many people could stand to take more to heart. It is a beautifully written book that tackles some very difficult issues with class and sensitivity. It is very much a book that takes the middle road and emphasizes empathy, understanding, kindness and compassion to everyone. Apparantly, that is too shocking for some people, but I personally think that only people who need to be shocked are truly shocked by this book.

Rating:
Summary: A sensitive, thought-provoking novel; absolutely brilliant!
Review: This book is my favourite out of the Murry series. The other books in this series are A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, Many Waters, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, The Arm of the Starfish, Dragons in the Waters, and An Acceptable Time. A House Like a Lotus is probably also my favourite Madeleine L'Engle fiction book. I was especially impressed with the sensitive, compassionate treatment of a painful and controversial issue which this book offers. Polly is one of Madeleine L'Engle's deepest and most complex characters- I would love to know what she ends up doing when she grows up!

Rating:
Summary: One of her best
Review: This book is very compelling as books go. It is not what you expect, and is not really what you normally can expect from L'Engle. It is a bit different. I enjoy reading about the kids from the original books being all grown up and having their own children roaming the world and having adventures. I look forward to more.

Rating:
Summary: Heart warming and breath taking
Review: This book is wonderful,sixteen-year-old Polly O'Keefe, the oldest of Meg and Calvin's children has traveled to Athens and on her way to Cyprus to be working for a man named Khris. While in Athens she meets Zachary Grey and finds herself in a mess. She feels attracted to Zachary but throughout the story Zachary makes a few mistakes. This book is like Polly's journal or diary. She tells you about what happened in her past and tells you her deepest secrets, when something in the present reminds her of the past. If you do read this book i also recomend you read "An Acceptable Time" which also involves Polly and Zachary.
Both are wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Generally a good book
Review: This is a good buy and if you are into Madeline L'Engle you will probably like this. It is a good book with good characters, all together a good novel.

Rating:
Summary: Generally a good book
Review: This is a good buy and if you are into Madeline L'Engle you will probably like this. It is a good book with good characters, all together a good novel.

Rating:
Summary: An honest read
Review: This is another of L'Engles masterpieces. This book is honest, and at times hard hitting. It deals with the struggles of accepting the world around you when it no longer fits into your perception of it, and when you get knocked down by it. It is probably too heavy for young readers, but I recommend it for most ages. Some parents might find some of the topics too controversial, but I think it is a wonderful book that takes an honest look at some tough issues that everyone eventually faces in their life. Polly is one of my favorite heroines, and whether opposite Vicky or Polly, Zachary always provides an interesting contrast to the heroine. This book also gives the reader a glimpse at some well loved characters from the Time Trilogy.

Rating:
Summary: this book talks about very important issues for young adults
Review: This is her most serious book. It could be to heavy for some young readers, but it addresses issues like homosexuality and being independent from parents that have nener been touched on with as much tendernss or love. A great book.

Rating:
Summary: one of my favorite books
Review: This is one of my all-time favorite books. I recommend it to adults as well as teenagers. I reread it whenever I am having difficulties with other peoples' flaws or my own.

Rating:
Summary: "Lotus" intricately, carefully written
Review: This story starts out in the middle of the action and the present and past are intertwined. It is done well, so it's not confusing. The book deals with older teen and adult issues, so it may be confusing for younger readers. But any fan of L'Engle should read it.