4Real Forums: Madeleine L'Engle's The Austins

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Topic: Madeleine L'Engle's The Austins

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MarilynW
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Posted: Nov 26 2007 at 11:47am \| IP Logged

We just finished The Twenty-four Days Before Christmas. Does anyone know where the Austin family lived - my kids and I think one of the New England states.

Thanks - just one of those things that we all want to know!

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Chari
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Posted: Nov 26 2007 at 12:25pm \| IP Logged

Marilyn,

can you tell me more about the story please?

thanks!

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Leonie
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Posted: Nov 26 2007 at 3:25pm \| IP Logged

Oh, I love that book!

Loved all the Austin books as a kid - gave me a picture of what family life could be .

No help with your question, though....

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Karen T
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Posted: Nov 27 2007 at 12:14pm \| IP Logged

I agree it's one of the New England states. I'm not positive but I *think* it might be Connecticut? it's been a long time since I read those books but for some reason that sticks in my mind.

Karen T

Pamin OZ
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Posted: Nov 28 2007 at 3:31am \| IP Logged

Would you believe there's a Wikipedia site for the books?! And it just says "somewhere in New England".

Pam

Leonie
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Posted: Nov 28 2007 at 5:19am \| IP Logged

Off to check the Wikipedia site!

Thanks for the idea, Pam.

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MarilynW
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Posted: Nov 28 2007 at 9:07am \| IP Logged

Chari wrote:

Marilyn,

can you tell me more about the story please?

thanks!

Chari - the Austin series books are awesome. They are about a family written from the perspective of one of the daughters Vicky. The book I mentioned is about the Austin family preparing for Christmas - their mother is about to have a baby - they do one special thing each day in Advent until Christmas. It is one of these books that makes you want to cuddle up and read books in front of the fire. Cay has it in her Christmas Mosaic.

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Marilyn
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MarilynW
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Posted: Nov 28 2007 at 9:08am \| IP Logged

Thanks for the help everyone. We will be happy with "New England"

Just one of those things we had to know.

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Marilyn
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Chari
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Posted: Nov 29 2007 at 12:39am \| IP Logged

Thanks, Marilyn...........these sound like great fun.........wonder why I have not heard of them???

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Dh Marty 27yrs...3 lovely maidens: Anne 24, Sarah 20 & Maddelyn 17 and 3 chivalrous sons: Matthew 22, Garrett 16 & Malachy 11

Cay Gibson
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Posted: Nov 29 2007 at 8:29am \| IP Logged

Chari wrote:

...wonder why I have not heard of them???

I was wondering the same thing.

We are going to follow the Austin family again this year throughout the 24 days of Christmas...doing what they do, eating what they eat. We did this last year. And I (and you) shouldn't sweat the days we don't get it done. The things are very simple. Very. It's all laid out in Christmas Mosaic. Some of your meals are even planned out.

And Christmas picture books (not featured in the book) are mentioned through the month for extra bedtime reading.

December 1: Give each child a blank December calendar (here's a nice one)---each day they are to list something they like about Christmas. And Advent Calendar with small windows to open is always nice. Serve pancakes with applesauce and syrup and hot chocolate.

December 2: Make fun Christmas shapes from cookie dough (snowmen are easy!). Bridget has a "very basic recipe" on her blog.Eat cookies with apple cider. Read The Baker's Dozen by Heather Forest/Susan Gaber.

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Chari
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Posted: Nov 30 2007 at 1:19am \| IP Logged

Hey.........wow.....our little library has the book! Yes!

And, dd Anne 19yo reading over my should, says...."oh, the Austins! I LOVE the Austins"

Wonder how I missed that????

Thanks for a new book!

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Chari...Take Up & Read
Dh Marty 27yrs...3 lovely maidens: Anne 24, Sarah 20 & Maddelyn 17 and 3 chivalrous sons: Matthew 22, Garrett 16 & Malachy 11

Kelly
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Posted: Dec 22 2007 at 1:01am \| IP Logged

I loved the Austins, too. For years I insisted that we keep a record player in our kitchen so I could listen to classical music there-just like the Austins did.

As for Austin Home Base, I think it was either Connecticut or Massachusetts-probably based on the happy years the author spent as a college student in Massachusetts, or more likely, her happy family years in Connecticut. Can't remember specifically, though.

I may need to go back and revisit the Austins, now that I think of it!

Kelly in FL

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