A Wrinkle in Time (Time #1)

I first read A Wrinkle in Time at some point during my elementary school career, probably for class, although I'm really not sure now. At the time, I was completely blown away by it. My memory of the plot and characters was not completely accurate, even though I believe I reread it sometime in high school as well. Like with The Giver, A Wrinkle in Time is a beloved book from childhood that does not retain all of its majesty when read as an adult.

This is not to say, of course, that it's not an interesting read or a good book, just that some things I didn't notice then I recognize now. For example, there's a definite theology to the book that I missed entirely. The references to God are minimal, but full of impact when they occur. Without doing a careful study, I cannot say precisely what L'Engle's theology is, but I'm not entirely sure that I like it.

Another thing that displeased was the ending. The resolution of the story comes suddenly and was, at least for me, pretty unsatisfying. I do wonder whether that resolution had some effect on J.K. Rowling, because it is in some ways reminiscent of the end of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Another comparison I was able to make was that the science fiction bits remind me rather of the first book in C.S. Lewis' space trilogy.

What I loved about this book, and still do, was the understanding that intelligence comes in many forms, and that people are not always whom you expect them to be. Meg and Charles Wallace are both considered slow because they do not live the way 'normal' smart people do. Calvin seems normal, but is actually a huge nerd, who, unfortunately, I do not love quite so much now as I did as a child. He was definitely one of my first loves. A Wrinkle in Time urges the reader to think of the world in a new way, and that is fantastic.

Plus, it has dystopian elements. Hurrah! (Should I be cheering for that?) Anyway, the dark thing that is surrounding planets and instilling negative feelings is working on Earth. It's good to know that much of the trouble humans have is actually not our fault, right? Dystopia via giant, evil alien attacker. Sweet. You could maybe also include the planet Camazotz, which is another kind of dystopian society, although one that was in good functioning order.

Reader reviewed by Kit-Kat

There were truths buried underneath this book. The lessons and the ideas were thought-provoking. The story is endearing.

I think many teenage girls will be able to relate to Meg, who is going through a lot of the issues we have today as teenagers. Charles Wallace is a loving small brother - who wouldn't want that? The Mrs. W's are exceptionally wise, yet their characters still manage to be funny in their own way.

This book was very nice, altogether.

Reader reviewed by swim freak

meg's father is on a secret mission to fight the dark thing like many millions of other creatures. he hasn't come home for a very long time so meg and her brother charles tries to find out where her father is and rescue him.

Reader reviewed by chick box

i this book! its by Madelyn l'engle. the author did a great job with writting this book. you can tell she has a great imagination and you can tell by just reading the first page that it will be great. this book is for everyone who likes sci/fi. books

Reader reviewed by linda

One dark and stormy night, the tesseract-touting Mrs Whatsit, visits Meg and Charles to introduce a secret to them about their parents. Meg and Charles Wallace and their new friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a perilous quest through space to find their father. They travel behind the shadow of a wicked power that is corrupting the universe, one planet at a time. The travelers must rely on their individual and collective strengths, to help good triumph over evil. This is a nice science fiction/fantasy book that I would recommend to people who love adventure books.

Reader reviewed by chick box

ok i admit this book is a little strange. but its cool cause it makes you think. how in the heck madeline l'engle came up with this, i have no clue. i did learn some cool things and it makes you thins... so if you lik those kinda books, read it!

Reader reviewed by sara

This book is for you if you like the weird fantasy/supernatueral stuff.I though it was ok but I found it a little confusing/boring because i don't really care for that type stuff.It would have been better if i was into it though.SO if you are then read it.

Reader reviewed by Rae

I really loved the beginning of the book. I loved the characters and being introduced to them. The relationship between Charles Wallace and Meg is really neat. Once the story really took off, it got a little confusing and just odd. Once I started getting used to the oddities and new characters I found the book to be enjoyable if not a little disturbing in spots, to say the least. Overall the book is worth reading and thinking about. I haven't gotten around to reading the sequels, I think I need time to rest from A Wrinkle In Time first, but I plan on continuing the journey soon.

Reader reviewed by katie

A Wrincle in Time is slow at the begenning but it starts to make more sence near the middle. This book is kind of romance and kind of mystery. I like it!