Despite protests and warnings from friends and family, author Madeleine L’Engle, at the age of 74, embarked on a rafting trip to Antarctica. Her journey through the startling beauty of the continent led her to write Penguins and Golden Calves, a captivating discussion of how opening oneself up to icons, or everyday “windows to God,” leads to the development of a rich and deeply spiritual faith. 

Here, L’Engle explains how ordinary things such as family, words, the Bible, heaven, and even penguins can become such windows. She also shows how such a window becomes an idol - a penguin becomes a “golden calf” - when we see it as a reflection of itself instead of God. 

With delightful language, insightful metaphor, and personal stories, L’Engle brings listeners to a deeper understanding of themselves, their faith, and the presence of God in their daily lives.