Decent—but too much nature and not enough character interaction. ( )

Troubling a Star is one of my all-time favorite books. In this novel, Vicky Austin, beloved heroine of many of L'Engle's novels, goes on a cruise to Antarctica, and gets wrapped up in political intrigue along the way. The book does a fantastic job of weaving the story of Vicky's personal struggles as a teenage girl and the political situation she has stumbled into. ( )

Read by Jodine, Spring 2006:
"I chose this book because last spring I had read Meet the Austins by the same author, and I found it quite enjoyable!"

Vicky Austin is given a wonderful gift of a trip to Antarctica, but things take a turn for the more dramatic when she inadvertently crosses paths with a group of unsavory conspirators. The book opens with Vicky stranded on an iceberg, and the story unfolds as she reflects back on the events that led her to this predicament.

The book is rich with details about the Antarctic voyage, and the vivid images send a strong environmental message about this unique region. Long-time L'Engle fans will most likely enjoy some new insights about the fictional South American country of Vespugia, also featured in "A Swiftly Tilting Planet." As a character, Vicky seems a little more out of place than she did in her original appearance in 1960s "Meet The Austins" -- she doesn't ring true for me as a teenager in the present day, but after all these years I like her very much and am willing forgive the somewhat clumsy tone that has crept into L'Engle's later novels about teens.

Ms. L'engle does a good job of capturing the earnestness and concern for the world that teens and young adults often express. Liked the continuation of Vicky's story. ( )