A Ring of Endless Light

The author's granddaughter narrates her introduction, in which she shares the special meaning that the semiautobiographical series The Austin Family Chronicles has for her and her family. Jorjeana Marie then takes over to narrate this fourth book in the series, featuring Vicky Austin's coming of age as she spends one last summer with her grandfather before he dies. Marie gives graceful poise to the contemplative and mature Vicky, who grapples with the reality of death while also dealing with the attention of three boys. The arrogant, flip tone of the troubled rich boy, Zachary, contrasts with the guileless tone of Vicky's old friend, Leo, and the intensity of the college boy, Adam. Marie's slow, relaxed narration perfectly matches the pace of life on the quiet New England island and emphasizes the comfortable stability of the Austin family. S.C. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine