When I was a freshman in college, almost 20 years ago, I had the opportunity to hear Madeleine L'Engle speak. I hadn't read A Wrinkle in Time, A Wind in the Door, and A Swiftly Tilting Planet since I was a child, but I still remembered how much I loved them, and I wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to listen to and meet such a famous, award-winning author.

Ms. L'Engle was utterly delightful and inspiring. She talked about how much inspiration she got from both the Bible and science textbooks. She talked enthusiastically, with a mix of wisdom and childlike wonder, about her life and her writing. I went back and reread her Time series and liked them even more as an adult. I've reread them a number of times since, and my daughter just read the series for the first time.

I was very sad to learn this morning that Ms. L'Engle had passed away, but I'm happy to think about how she lived a long life and created amazing works that continue to inspire people.

If you were also touched by Madeleine L'Engle and her writing, please leave us a comment below. For more information about Madeleine L'Engle, you can visit her official Web site.