I can’t imagine not giving my child a book to read because it had religious themes, whether or not these themes were Christian. I’ve read all of L’Engle’s books, my mother is a huge fan. I’m sure I was never given these books because we were Christians and the books had Christian themes, just as I know I wasn’t given “Annie on My Mind” to read so that I would switch sexualities and become a lesbian. I was given all of them to read because they are good books that talk about important things. I couldn’t agree more with the point you make about the importance of parents talking with their kids about what they are reading. I plan to always talk about books with my children. But I wouldn’t do it to make sure they weren’t getting the wrong message. If my child reads a book about a character who practices Wicca and then wants to explore that faith I wouldn’t stop them. It can only lead to one of two things. Either they find a path that works better for them than the one they are being raised in or they are strengthened in the faith they are being raised in by comparing it with others.
Sorry, that got rambly. I guess what I am saying is, would those of you who had a problem (however mild) with the Christian themes in the book have as much of a problem with a book that had a different religious theme, or is it that it is Christian?
The end.
PS: On a side note, do you have an entry on Annie on My Mind? Talk about strong female characters! That book led to my first experience with homophobia. I lent it to a friend and after her mother found it I was not allowed over to her house anymore. Amazingly enough, I’m still straight, and so is my friend. I can’t believe we weren’t “corrupted.”

For anyone reading who’s confused, the link to the article Michelle’s talking about is:

http://revolutionf.blogspot.com/

Ah yes, a link would help! Haha, I was just leaving a note, and she knew where to look, so it didn’t even occur to me. Thanks for your comment as well, I’ll be replying in a minute.

Awesome, Michelle. I saw that you’d posted your take, but I haven’t had time to thoroughly read it yet – I’ve got it bookmarked for after the con, though!

Thank you! I hope you enjoy it. And I hope you have a great time at WisCon!

For anyone reading who’s confused, the link to the article Michelle’s talking about is:

http://revolutionf.blogspot.com/

I think the conversation about Meg’s motivations is particularly interesting when compared to conversations Polly has with other people about her mother in A House Like a Lotus. I might have to post about that, sometime.

Ah, I see. I was wondering why Polly had suddenly brought up the subject. A House Like a Lotus is definitely on my ‘to read’ list, so I would love to hear your thought on that, as well.

But I think I may have your answer about Karralys influencing the People of the Wind: Unless I’m remembering incorrectly, The People of the Wind (and The People Across the Lake) are first introduced in L’Engle’s A Swiftly Tilting Planet, where Charles Wallace learns to kythe better by going inside one of the tribe’s members.

Oh, that’s right! It’s been so long since I’ve read A Swiftly Tilting Planet that I’d totally forgotten about that.

I think the conversation about Meg’s motivations is particularly interesting when compared to conversations Polly has with other people about her mother in A House Like a Lotus. I might have to post about that, sometime.

I’ll keep my eye out for your take on An Acceptable Time.

Otherwise, you and I seem to have picked up on a lot of the same things, even isolating the conversation Polly and Kate have about Meg. Hopefully, I will have my thoughts up soon. Thanks again!