Meg Murry and her friends and family find themselves embroiled in a mysterious adventure involving unearthly strangers.

Her father has vanished while working on a top-secret government project, and they embark on a search to find him.

As I read the book, I'm astonished by the movie trailer. It's completely different from what I envision while reading, which is rather strange.

Not only is the portrayal of the family different, but the three women are nothing like their book counterparts.

I'm also surprised to recognize many sentences and metaphors from the story in other books. So far, Charles Wallace Murry is my favorite character.

The trailer seems somewhat pretentious to me. It focuses more on special effects and the three main actresses rather than the story and the children.

It also emphasizes skin color and feminism to a greater extent than the simple story, turning a children's book into a cause rather than just for entertainment. Enough is enough.

Regarding the story itself, it appears to be a tale of faith and loss. I'm not just referring to Meg's father; I'm also thinking about the author.

It seems that at its core, the story holds a profound message. I suppose that's why the author never liked her stories being adapted into movies, as they often lose their true meaning.

Read this as part of 2018 Ultimate Reading Challenge, Category: \\"A book by an author you haven’t read before\\".

Buddy Read with Nameeta.

This book, which was published in 1962, has won numerous awards and is regarded as one of a kind. It features a unique blend of fantasy and science fiction, yet still maintains a spiritual undertone. It sounds truly fascinating, doesn't it? However, the reality is that despite all the potential within the story, it fails to live up to 'all it could have been'.

The story is told from the perspective of Meg, whose parents are scientists and her father has been missing for the past couple of years. It has a decent start, but to truly love a book, one needs to connect with its characters. I found Meg extremely irritating. There were moments when she threw temper tantrums, and all I wanted to do was give her a smack in the face. It's not a very noble thought, but that's the reaction she elicited from me most of the time.

Apart from that, I felt that all the other characters were two-dimensional. There was absolutely no character development at all....

There is mention of the 5th dimension, and I really liked the concept. But I desired more exploration of this and less focus on the other nonsensical elements that were happening. Overall, I just felt deeply unsatisfied.

The presence of beings from other galaxies was the most interesting part for me. At least, this was one redeeming factor that prevented it from being a 1-star read.

The ending is highly anti-climatic. We build up towards this epic conclusion, and then it just ends abruptly. I was like...

All I can say is that this book could have been a completely different experience for me if Meg was a more likable character and the emphasis was on the 5th dimension and other galaxies rather than on Meg and her tantrums.

A Wrinkle in Time is a captivating children's science fiction novel penned by Madeleine L’Engle. It was first published on 3/15/1973 by Yearling Books in paperback format, consisting of 211 pages. The genres it encompasses are children's, science fiction, and fantasy, making it an ideal read for those aged 10 to 14. This book is part of a series of 5 books.

My experience with this book was truly remarkable. I began reading it on 3/13/18 and completed it by 3/16/18. This book is simply fantastic! The characters are truly endearing. They all possess unique personalities that draw the reader in. I particularly love the good sense of humor of the twins. Their easy-going and intelligent parents add to the charm, as do the oddities of Meg and Charles Wallace. What I find interesting is that despite the characters being extremely smart, they each have their own disabilities. Charles Wallace, a genius, didn't speak until he was 4 years old, while Meg is excellent at math but struggles as a student at school. It serves as a great reminder that even geniuses are not without flaws.

I read this book in anticipation of watching the remake of A Wrinkle in Time. I had seen the old version of the movie years ago, and as I read the book, certain events came flooding back to me. The story is told from the third-person point of view, following Margaret (Meg) Murry as she endures one of the lowest points in her life. Her grades are suffering, the mean girls at school are taunting her, and she gets into a fight to protect her youngest brother, Charles Wallace, even though her middle twin brothers, Sandy and Dennys, don't appreciate her efforts. The storm that follows brings in a new and strange neighbor, Mrs. Whatsit. To Meg and her mom's surprise, Charles Wallace has already become acquainted with the new neighbor. Mrs. Whatsit's revelation that a tesseract is real sets off a whole new adventure for Meg and Charles Wallace. This adventure involves rescuing their father, a renowned physicist. With the help of Mrs. Whatsit and her two friends, Mrs. Which and Mrs. Who, and Meg's classmate, Calvin, they are able to travel through tesser to faraway planets.

This is a well-written story that is filled with adventures and wholesome characters. I absolutely love the illustrations in the book that help explain how traveling through tesser works. The mathematical references and the mention of Einstein add an extra layer of depth. I also appreciate how Meg's dad takes the time to teach her math shortcuts and the periodic table of elements. Charles Wallace's interest in higher learning at such a young age is truly inspiring. The glimpse of Camazotz's citizens, all doing the same thing in a rhythmic motion, is both fascinating and eerie. This book has a great family dynamic and encourages curiosity of the mind. I highly recommend it to everyone!

Pros: Fast-paced, a page-turner, easy to read, family-oriented, explores other planets.

Cons: None.

I rate it 5 stars!

***Disclaimer: I borrowed this book from my local public library and my opinions are honest.

xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details.

3.5 Stars

Anthem by Ayn Rand is indeed one of my all-time favorite books. This particular version seems to be the perfect kid-friendly adaptation of that remarkable work.

I have been revisiting many children's classics that I overlooked during my childhood, and I find them truly fascinating. It's interesting to see how they captivate young readers and to imagine how much I would have adored them as a child. At the same time, I also notice the really profound themes and allusions that I'm certain I never would have grasped as a youngster. This book is filled with numerous Shakespeare references and contains such a mature exploration of conformity and knowledge. I firmly believe that if a book can engage readers of all ages, it is a priceless achievement.

However, I must admit that the only truly enjoyable part of this book for me was the middle section. I didn't develop a strong attachment to any of the characters, and the writing style, while cozy, was rather average. Up until around page 100 when the discussion about the dystopian planet began, the book felt a bit lacking in direction. Although I don't expect to read the rest of this series since sci-fi isn't really my cup of tea, I did really relish the plot once we finally got to the good parts.

I am frequently inquired about the manner in which I arrived at writing "A Wrinkle in Time". Even with all the retrospective understanding that I am able to muster, I am unable to precisely elucidate it. It was during a period of transition.

I was deeply immersed in cosmology at that time. Partly, I surmise, it was because it fulfilled my yearning for God more effectively than books of theology. The impact of those books on "Wrinkle" is evident. I was also quite deliberately penning my own assertion of a universe that is fashioned by a force of love.

However, the book was rebuffed by publisher after publisher on the pretext that it was not classifiable. But this book, I am certain.

--Madeleine L'Engle, "A Circle of Quiet" (pages 217-8)

It was four-star stuff. The story had so much potential, with its engaging plot and interesting characters.

However, the ending really ruined it a bit. The part where Meg defeats IT by love just seemed so cliché and unconvincing. Why do people keep feeding this love-conquers-all nonsense to their children? It's like in Harry Potter, where love saves the day time and time again. Or in Doctor Who, where the Doctor's love for his companions drives him to do amazing things. And now in this story too.

Love doesn't conquer anything. In the real world, you need guns and force to get things done. In fact, I completely agree with Sherlock Holmes on this one. Love is a serious disadvantage. It clouds your judgment and makes you vulnerable. Sentiment is just a chemical weakness found in the losing side. We should be teaching our children the harsh realities of life, not filling their heads with false hope and fairy tales.

This very rarely happens to me, but I firmly believe that I will enjoy the movie adaptation of this story more than the book. Classics have never really been my cup of tea, and this particular novel serves as a perfect example. It simply failed to live up to the excessive hype that surrounded it.

This science-fiction fantasy novel chronicles the adventures of a 13-year-old girl named Meg Murry. Alongside her younger brother, Charles Wallace Murry, and their new friend, Calvin O'Keefe, Meg embarks on a thrilling journey through time and space. Their mission is to rescue their father, who has been held prisoner by an evil force on another planet.

As I delved into this classic novel, I found myself experiencing a complex mix of emotions. I constantly had to remind myself that this was classified as children's literature and that it was published way back in the 1960s. Perhaps, if I had read it during my childhood years, I would have been able to appreciate it more fully.

5+++++ Stars!!!!

“A Wrinkle in Time” - how could I have never read this before? It's as if I've been living under a rock my entire life!

This book was truly DELIGHTFUL. It was amazing, funny, scary, brilliant, and crazy bold. In short, I absolutely loved it. Okay, I admit, I didn't actually read it. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Hope Davis, and she was simply amazing. That being said, thank you, Madeleine L’Engle, for creating this mystical, magical, and fantastical world.

Thirteen-year-old Meg Murry and her little brother, Charles Wallace, embark on a thrilling trip (without their mum or siblings) to the 5th dimension. And they don't go alone. They are joined by Mrs. What-Its, Mrs. Who, Mrs. Witch, and a young man named Calvin. Yes, the 5th dimension exists, my friends, and the trip takes only a second or two (I knew it!). It's a terrifying journey, but they go anyway. Why? To find and save Meg's father, a scientist who has been trapped on Camazotz for years. With the help of Calvin, the three Mrs., and a friend she meets named Aunt Beast, Meg is sent off to do the impossible.

Camazotz is an evil planet, being controlled by “IT” (not Stephen King's “IT,” mind you). IT controls everyone and everything, and if IT gets control of you, there's no escape. Finding the strength to fight IT requires something special, something that's inside every human. Meg just has to discover it.

“A Wrinkle in Time” completely surprised me. I had no idea how much I would love it. It was amusing, frightening, intense, intelligent, and oh so magical. I simply adored it. I wanted to read it before the movie came out in a few months, and I'm so glad I did. If, for some reason, you're like me and have never read it, I highly recommend either reading it or listening to the audiobook. You won't be sorry. “A Wrinkle in Time” will leave you breathless, with a huge smile one minute and clenching your teeth the next, scared for Meg, Charles Wallace, and Calvin, hoping against hope that everything will turn out okay.

Published on Goodreads, Amazon, and Twitter on 10.15.17.

How could this book never make my radar before now?!!

If it were not for the upcoming movie, I do not think I would have sought the book out. It is truly unbelievable that such a profound piece of literature was never brought to my attention, especially when I was younger.

\\n  A Wrinkle in Time\\n is a simple and beautiful story. It weaves love, faith, and strength into a tale of science and fantasy. There is no doubt that Madeleine L'Engle was deserving of receiving the Newberry Medal in 1963. Even by today's standards, it is phenomenal to have a school-aged girl as the primary character. Meg Murry's resilience and determination are truly commendable. She is a true warrior, willing to protect her family and the world she knows.

If you are in need of a story of unconditional love and joy, then consider reading or rereading this book. You will not be disappointed. It offers a world of adventure and exploration that will capture your imagination and touch your heart. The themes of the book are timeless and relevant, making it a great read for people of all ages. So, pick up a copy of A Wrinkle in Time and embark on a journey you will never forget.

\\n  “We look not at the things which are what you would call seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal. But the things which are not seen are eternal.”\\n

If you're a beginner in the world of science fiction and want to give it a try, I'd suggest this book. Although it's classified as a YA book, I believe it's more appropriate for middle grade readers. The writing is good, and the plot is quite evident. However, it didn't really leave me with a strong desire for more. It was just average, which is why I gave it three stars.

\\n  “Life, with its rules, its obligations, and its freedoms, is like a sonnet: You're given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself.”\\n

A Wrinkle in Time is a touching and exciting story about traveling through time and space. Meg, Charles, and their classmate Calvin embark on a journey through the universe in search of Meg and Charles's father. Their father is a scientist who was attempting to combat an evil shadow that often loomed over the Earth's surface. Unfortunately, his plans failed, and he is now imprisoned on a mysterious planet by evil forces.

\\n  “There will no longer be so many pleasant things to look at if responsible people do not do something about the unpleasant ones.”\\n

The three children, with the assistance of three Celestials - Mrs Which, Mrs Who, and Mrs Whatsit - battle the evil forces and bring back happiness. I also adored the philosophical elements of this book. The author beautifully showcases the strengths and weaknesses of each character. The travels to different planets made me view the Earth from a new perspective, as I imagined myself as a Celestial. I loved all the characters for various reasons.

\\n  “We can't take any credit for our talents. It's how we use them that counts.”\\n

CHARACTERS

Meg
Meg is resolute in her determination to save her father, but her anxiety sometimes clouds her judgment when it comes to solving other problems that emerge.

Charles
Charles is an extremely intelligent boy, yet his pride gets the better of him at times, and it doesn't always work out well for him.

Calvin O'Keefe
Calvin is kind and helpful, especially when Meg craves warmth and affection. However, he is a bit reluctant to take risks.

They form the perfect trio, ready to face anything that stands in their way!

Will I continue reading this series?
Yes, I might. The book didn't end on a huge cliffhanger, so I may pick up the second book in a few days.

\\n  “Like and equal are not the same thing at all.”\\n

**A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet #1) by Madeleine L'Engle**

A Wrinkle in Time is a captivating science fantasy novel penned by the talented American writer Madeleine L'Engle. First published in 1962, it kicks off the remarkable Time Quintet series that follows the Murry and O'Keefe families. The story has had a significant impact, spawning two film adaptations by Disney. The first was a 2003 television film directed by John Kent Harrison, and the second was a 2018 theatrical film directed by Ava DuVernay.

One fateful night, thirteen-year-old Meg Murry encounters an eccentric new neighbor, Mrs. Whatsit, who mentions a mysterious concept called a tesseract. Meg later discovers that it is related to the scientific work her father was engaged in before his mysterious disappearance. The next day, Meg, her child genius brother Charles, and their schoolmate Calvin visit Mrs. Whatsit's home. There, they meet the equally strange Mrs. Who and the unseen voice of Mrs. Which, who promise to assist Meg in finding and rescuing her father.

The book has been published with various titles in Iran, such as "چین دادن زمان", "چینی بر زمان", and "سفر شگفت انگیز". It has been translated by different translators and has had multiple editions. The story takes readers on an extraordinary journey as Meg and her companions venture through the universe in search of her father and to save the world from a greater threat. With its imaginative language and thrilling plot, A Wrinkle in Time continues to be a beloved classic.

This is a short and easy-to-read piece that scores a 4.4 on the Flesch-Kincaid reading index. This indicates that it requires a 4th - 5th grade reading level. However, this rating is based solely on aspects such as sentence structure, vocabulary, and paragraph size.

What the statistics don't convey is the depth of emotion and the profound scope and significance within this book. Madeleine L'Engle's sentences might be relatively simple, but her concepts of good, evil, love, and dedication are elevated to a cosmic level. This isn't just ordinary sci-fi or fantasy; it's a magnificent and awe-inspiring form of Humanism.

L'Engle never condescends to her child or young adult audience. Although she targets their level, there are numerous weighty and inspiring themes for adults to relish. The child-centered focus gives it a degree of simplicity, yet also an intense purity. She masterfully weaves in issues related to childhood, adolescence, parent-child relationships, maturation, acceptance, and social stigma. All of these make the book completely relatable, even when the kids are transported to fantastical or dreadful new planets in distant galaxies.

There are some religious undertones, but they are more cosmic than strictly religious. Even the stars in the galaxy are engaged in a battle against the great darkness. She employs some of the language of Christianity to express her idea of universal love, but I don't think this should be regarded as making the book a Christian text. As an agnostic-bordering-on-atheist, none of the language repelled me. Christians are free to embrace it as a highly expansive view of Christianity, but non-believers should be able to recognize that she has a vision that transcends the language used.

I can't fully do justice to the book here. Just pick it up and immerse yourself in it. It's only about a 4-hour read for most adults and is easily well worth it.

Do enjoy.