Meg Murray is a complex and relatable character. She looks up at her mother, a beautiful scientist, with a mix of admiration and resentment. Meg is convinced she is plain, not just because of her mother's beauty but also due to the taunts of the popular girls at school. They spread the cruel gossip that her father abandoned the family, but Meg knows better. Her father worked for the government and was often away, and she is determined to find out what happened to him.

Meg's little brother, Charles Wallace, is an unusual child. He didn't speak in his early years and is wrongly considered stupid, but in reality, he is highly perceptive and aware of people's thoughts and feelings. One evening, Meg and Charles Wallace decide to visit the local haunted house, believing they know who has been stealing sheets from the neighbours' clotheslines. As they approach the house with their dog, they meet Calvin, a popular athlete from school. Calvin is also at the haunted house, escaping from his large family.
The three of them soon discover that there are more strange things going on than they initially thought. In the haunted house, they meet Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who, and Mrs Which, three mysterious characters who seem to be more than they appear. These 'women' help the children embark on a journey through space and time, into another realm.
The story takes some terrifying turns as the children battle a dark and evil force. Meg finds herself alone and vulnerable, having lost the protection of Calvin and Charles Wallace. But she is a strong and determined heroine, and she refuses to give up.
Overall, "A Wrinkle in Time" is a captivating and imaginative story that will appeal to readers of all ages. It has its flaws, such as the religious undertones that may give some readers pause, but it also has many strengths, including its engaging characters and exciting plot. I'm glad I finally read it, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good adventure story.

4★

Reread this, one of the great children's classics of all time, via books on tape on the road through the American west this early fall. And it was a truly wonderful experience to have L'Engle herself, rest in peace, reading it! Hearing her voice bring her own magic words to life was a real treat. She tells us that this book almost didn't make it to print. The publishing industry was at a loss as to how to categorize it. They thought it was too deep for kids and had various concerns. However, it is truly a great book and a must-read. It has the power to engage readers of all ages, taking them on a journey filled with imagination, adventure, and profound thoughts. Whether you are a child or an adult, this classic will surely touch your heart and leave a lasting impression.

So... this story actually begins with "It was a dark and stormy night". Awesome!

I have a profound love for everything about this book. The dialogue, being old-fashioned as it was written in 1960 by a woman born in 1918, gives it a unique charm. The seamless weaving of biblical scripture throughout a story that hinges on quantum mechanics related to time travel is truly remarkable. It effectively deals with the concept of good versus evil, presenting it as light versus dark in a simplistic way that is easily understandable by children. The quirky characters add to the overall allure. And, finally, the Murry's struggle against conformity is both relatable and inspiring. In an unrelated note, it made me have the desire to name a child after Charles Wallace, Meg's five-year-old child prodigy genius little brother. His comments on everything were simply precious. ;)

I also highly appreciated the pearls of wisdom that were scattered throughout the book.

"Though we travel together, we travel alone."

"But, of course, we can't take any credit for our talents, it's how we use them that counts."

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

"Sometimes we can't know what spiritual damage it [evil] leaves even when physical recovery is complete."

There is a valid reason why this book received a Newbery Medal, Sequoyah Book Award, and Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. It is truly that good.

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

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

I read A Wrinkle in Time in grade school, which was around 35 - 40 years ago. I vividly remember really liking it back then, but unfortunately, I can't recall any of the specific details. However, with the movie adaptation即将上映, I made the decision to give it a re-read.

A Wrinkle in Time contains the seeds of numerous diverse ideas, both scientific and religious. Although none of these ideas are explored in great depth, they still manage to pique the reader's interest. I also felt that the ending was rather abrupt, leaving me with a sense of unfinished business. Nevertheless, I believe it serves as an excellent book for gifted children, as it features characters who are themselves exceptionally talented. And as an added bonus, it has to be the best novel ever written that commences with the classic line “It was a dark and stormy night.” I wholeheartedly recommend this book to young readers.

Am I the first living 64-year-old who had never read this book until now - March, 2017? That is a thought that crossed my mind.

Random Thoughts.... I was truly surprised to discover that this story was about a little girl - not a wizard. What's more, I was even more astonished when I learned that Meg, who is 13 years old, has three other siblings. There are two twin brothers, Sandy and Dennys, and a younger brother, Charles Wallace Murray, who is a child prodigy. Their parents are scientists. There is a real family with real people in this book! I'm not sure why this surprised me.

I'm thinking "HOT DAMN, I might like this story" and my daughters might have too. But as far as I know, they missed reading this one as well. Heck, the first page was 'great' and the first sentence was 'classic-great': "It was a dark and stormy night". What child doesn't perk up to hear a story with those first words?

So, I continue reading, remembering that not long ago 'ELLIE' praised this book so highly as her favorite children's book (she and I both have a passion for the Velveteen Rabbit). I knew I had to finally read it. I bought a used copy at my recycle bookstore for a dollar. THANK YOU ELLIE!!!!! :) Whew... I'm glad I didn't miss this gem!!! I loved the characteristics of the kids and adults. Each is unique in their own ways.

What creative names for characters: Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Witch - 'charming supernatural neighbors'. And there is also the lovely Aunt Beast.

The three *W* women escort Meg, Charles, and another boy, Calvin O'Keefe, from Meg's school through the universe by means of SCI FI UNIVERSE TRANSPORTATION - "tesseract" - a fifth dimensional phenomenon. ET hasn't phoned home yet. They are on a mission to rescue Meg and Charles' father. Meg, and the Mrs. W's all agree that the mysterious disappearance of the father is very strange and has something to do with the term "tesseract". After all, he is a scientist and was working on a project before his disappearance.

The Trio W-women and children travel through the universe and visit different planets, including a utopian world with creatures disguised as humans. First, they encounter evil, and then they are taken to a woman to look through a crystal ball. The children are learning that there is both evil and good in the world. They see much darkness through that crystal ball on planet earth. They also see that artists, philosophers, and religious folks are fighting against the evil.

AT THIS POINT, IF I WERE A CHILD, I WOULD HAVE QUESTIONS. The child me would ask: "well, my daddy died - [I was 4]. I'd want to know if he left me because he got tired of all the fighting on earth - and since I've always wondered since the day he died - not knowing what the hell that meant - if he was coming back soon - and could I go on the mission with Meg and bring my daddy back home too?" This book might have scared me as a child. I would have needed a tender adult reading it with me.

ON WITH THIS STORY: They soon travel to a planet called Camazotz, where they find Meg's father, trapped! The planet is being controlled by an evil brain with powerful telepathic abilities, called "IT". This story begins to get MORE SCARY. I would have been on the edge of my seat. Note: I don't read much science fiction, but the children are threatened by the possibility of their minds being controlled through a telepathic takeover.

Whew..... Laughing..... I was exhausted by the end..... OF COURSE IT HAS A HAPPY ENDING.... I HATE that I felt like crying in this children's book! I hate all you people who told me it's a must-read..... because for this girl it WAS!!!!!! I LOVED IT!!! - you mean people!!!

I love believing there is GOOD in the world, so why am I sad?

A special appreciation to the Goodreads community - I might never have read this book without all the LOVE & EXPRESSION for this children's classic! Thank you!

This is truly one of the most remarkable books I have ever had the pleasure of reading in my entire life.

It astonishes me that it took me such a long time to finally pick it up. I am extremely glad that it is part of a series because a mere 200 pages of this literary masterpiece is simply not sufficient.

This book is like a cosmic dance of vivid colors and enchanting poetry, a song composed and sung by angels, taking the reader on a psychedelic journey into the realms of imagination, humanity, and the profound mystery of God.

The author weaves a multicolored blanket of words that embraces your entire being, tickling all your senses just like a sumptuous 5-star restaurant dinner.

After finishing this book, the only thought that remained in my mind was, "I just can't wait to read this again."

It begins in such a simple and ordinary way: "It was a dark, stormy night," and then suddenly catapults the reader into a plot so complex that it defies description.

I truly attempted my best to convey to my friends what this book is all about, but it was simply impossible.

The characters, the creatures, and the incredibly rich imagination make this read both incredibly whimsical and absolutely believable.

Not to mention the lovable characters, the creepy enemies, and the adorable protagonist. And those creatures... Oh, the creatures!

I find it hard to believe that this is a children's book. But then again, so is "Harry Potter"!!

Anyway, why are you still here? Stop reading my silly review and pick up this book!!!!!!!!!!

This post is part of the 2016 Classics Challenge.

WHEN I Discovered This Classic
It's a children's classic that I've been aware of since joining the book community. It's extremely popular in the US, yet not as widely known in the UK. Last year, Puffin reached out to offer me a collection of newly redesigned and published Puffin Classics. I simply couldn't refuse and requested A Wrinkle in Time.

WHY I Chose to Read It
A Wrinkle in Time is not only a highly regarded classic, having won the 1963 Newbery Medal, but also a much beloved one. I was excited to finally pick it up and explore its pages.

WHAT Makes It A Classic
This novel,看似 for 9 to 12-year-olds, actually delves into highly complex themes. The battle between good and evil, represented as light and dark in the story, and the conflict between conformity and freedom are intricately woven into the plot. It's both scientific and philosophical, and some even say it has religious undertones. Jean Fulton wrote: \\"L'Engle's fiction for young readers is considered important partly because she was among the first to focus directly on the deep, delicate issues that young people must face, such as death, social conformity, and truth.\\"

\\"A straight line is not the shortest distance between two points.\\"

WHAT I Thought of This Classic

I was intrigued, especially by the concepts of wrinkling time and tessering, which involve folding the fabric of space and time. Meg, Charles, and Calvin are promised that they'll travel from one area of space to another and return home five minutes before they left. Regarding the characters, I adored 13-year-old Margaret \\"Meg\\" Murray and her younger brother, 5-year-old Charles Wallace, who is both a genius and telepathic. They are the key to saving their father, a scientist studying tesseract, who is being held captive on the planet Camazotz.

A Wrinkle in Time is one of the few children's science fiction classics I've read. It's impressive, challenging, and ambitious. Given that my experience with science fiction is mainly limited to dystopia and post-apocalyptic genres, which have easier concepts to understand, I just about managed to wrap my head around the science in this book. However, I appreciate that it was explained. I attended an event about writing children's science fiction a few years ago, and a comment was made that it's easier to write for children because there's less to explain. I'm certain Madeleine L'Engle wouldn't agree. Instead of simply \\"travelling through time\\", the reader becomes more invested in how this might occur and what could potentially go wrong.

Even so, A Wrinkle in Time was often a little too strange for me, as someone who generally reads contemporary fiction. I had hoped to get more deeply into the story than I did. But I thoroughly enjoyed the personal journey that the children embarked on, and it's one that I'd be willing to give another try.

“The only way to cope with something deadly serious is to try to treat it a little lightly.”

WILL It Stay A Classic
I'm sure it'll continue to be popular in the US, but it may be a bit too peculiar to be reintroduced to the UK. However, time will tell as a new adaptation is currently in the works!

“They are very young. And on their earth, as they call it, they never communicate with other planets. They revolve about all alone in space.\\"
\\"Oh,\\" the thin beast said. \\"Aren't they lonely?”

WHO I’d Recommend It To
People who have a passion for science fiction and those who enjoy stories that explore complex and challenging themes.

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

I also reviewed this book over on Pretty Books.

This is still a crazy book...

Meg and her brother Charles encounter a stranger one night who reveals to them the existence of a tesseract (wrinkle in time). It turns out that their father is trapped on a distant planet, and together with a group of new friends, they must undertake an epic adventure to rescue him from the evil "IT" (and no, we're not referring to Stephen King's work here). Can Meg summon the courage within herself to save her father?

I read this book many years ago in school and found it extremely strange and dull. However, I decided to give it a reread as an adult to see if my perspective had changed.

The book begins well, but during the second half, it starts to become a bit tiresome, and I found myself skimming through most of it.

This is one wild book! The characters are somewhat confusing and difficult to keep track of. Additionally, events seem to occur out of nowhere, which can be rather perplexing for the reader (whether young or old). I also recall being very confused as a child. If I remember correctly, there was actually a point where I had no idea what was happening in the book and was completely lost.

Nevertheless, this book is a classic, and I do respect it as such. However, like many classics, it is a bit challenging to fully enjoy. Of course, it could be the writing style, the characters, or the crazy world that the author has envisioned for us. It may also simply be because we have become so modernized (even in our reading) that books like this no longer seem to resonate.

Then again, it could simply be that this book is not for everyone. Similar to "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Catcher in the Rye," I find this book in the same vein - a respected classic but not for me.

I would recommend this book for its status as a classic. Definitely for younger readers, but I don't think adults would enjoy it as much as teenagers or preteens.

The book that initially inspired me to tentatively pick up my pencil and my marbled black-and-white composition notebook (oh, those memories!) and start writing was truly remarkable. This happened way back in 4th grade. The influence that Madeleine L'Engle herself and her work have had on my life is simply immeasurable.

Many, many years later, during my college days, I had the opportunity to meet her. By then, she was well into her 80s, but she was exactly as I had pictured her - full of spirit, engaging, and challenging. When I nervously and shyly told her that she was the one who gave me my very first inspiration to write, she looked me straight in the eyes. With a genuineness in her tone that I struggle to describe, she thanked me. I then gave her my book to be autographed. She signed it and handed it back to me. As I walked away, I read her inscription, which said, with love and a flourish, "Ananda!" I admit, I had to look it up to discover its meaning. And when I did, my respect for her grew even deeper. "Ananda" means bliss or joy. It was just so perfect that I nearly cried.

This is not just about an amazing book but also about an amazing woman who had a profound impact on my life.

Meg is really struggling to cope. Being a teenager is extremely hard for her. It appears that the sole thing she has an affinity for in school is math. She is highly hyper-sensitive and has a rather temperamental nature. Socially, she is awkward and seems to be quite invisible in the eyes of her teachers.

However, her twin brothers are completely normal. Her baby brother Charles is exceptionally gifted. Her father, who is renowned for being engaged in a top-secret mission with the government, has not been heard from for numerous years.

And then, suddenly, 4 remarkable individuals burst into Meg's life and everything begins to change. An exciting adventure unfolds.

Years later, Meg's character and her idiosyncrasies still feel relevant and relatable.

At that time, the book was on the verge of not being published as they were at a loss as to how to categorize it. Now, we can regard it as a work of magical realism, fantasy, or perhaps a touch of science fiction.

It has even been adapted into a film.

No matter how one views this story, it presents an opportunity for children to envision possibilities and celebrate their individuality.

I do not like Meg. In fact, I really do not like her at all. She comes across as a stubborn, whiny little brat.

My interest in this story didn't peak until they reached the planet of Camazotz. Then, it began to resemble a kids' book version of Brave New World, with "IT" replacing "soma."

"On Camazotz we are all happy because we are all alike. Differences create problems." This statement really made me think.

"We let no one suffer. It is so much kinder simply to annihilate anyone who is ill." Such a harsh and disturbing concept.

I'm not overly fond of the blatant religious references in the book. That kind of thing should be used more subtly or perhaps not at all. However, it's possible that this was more common during the time the book was written.

Mrs. Whatsit is my favorite character. I think I'll start taking my fashion tips from her. I also like Mrs. Who, with all her goofy quotes. They add a touch of humor and lightness to the story.

Overall, while there are aspects of the book that I didn't enjoy, there were also some interesting and engaging elements.

A classic of children's literature,

this book has truly withstood the test of time. Even on re-reading it as an adult,

I was amazed at how well it held up. The story is filled with engaging characters and a plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

The vivid descriptions bring the settings to life, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of the book.

It's not just a story for children, but one that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The themes explored are universal and still relevant today.

Whether you're looking for a nostalgic read or a new adventure,

this classic of children's literature is definitely worth picking up.