 | It’s a dark and stormy night. Meg Murry, her small brother Charles Wallace, and their mother are in the kitchen for a midnight snack when a most disturbing visitor arrives. |
|
My Thoughts 
Over at Kailana’s blog she is hosting a readalong that involves reading a book a month from Madeleine L’Engle’s Time series. January was the kick-off with Book 1 A Wrinkle In Time.
For some reason this is a series of books that I hadn’t read as a child (or that I cannot remember) so this was the perfect excuse for me to pick them up. I also hadn’t watched the television movie based on the books, which meant I had no real expectations going into the reading. With that said and after reading the first book, I’m not sure this is a series I would continue on my own. Not that I didn’t like A Wrinkle in Time, but I just didn’t love it either. This is one of those books where I’m more interested because of ideas within the story than the actual story itself.
What I did love about this book was the characters, or rather the mixture of personalities. This book features 3 children (Meg, Charles Wallace and Calvin), as the main characters along with extended family (mom, dad, older twin brothers), a trio of helpful ladies/entities (Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, Mrs. Which) various aliens and non-earth creatures, and the token villain – IT (person, entity, idea?)
I didn’t like all the characters, in fact I felt a strong dislike for some of them. But that I think is what made them so appealing. Just like in real life there will be people you just can’t relate to, as well as people that intrigue you. Certain things were really relatable about Meg and she was a girl who I tried my hardest to like or even understand, but found her to be a little too whiney and (for her age) naive. Charles Wallace on the other hand came across as a total void personality-wise, but his above-average intelligence fascinated me.
Of all the characters the otherworld creatures were my favorite, in particular Aunt Beast. She is from a race of non-humans on the planet Ixchel, these beings cannot see visually, but seem to be stronger mentally because of this. Last semester I had a creative writing assignment that required us to write a description of our campus for a visitor who is blind – Meg has a similar experience when communicating with Aunt Beast, and she discovers that the idea of a thing is sometimes more important and informative than its appearance.
And that is what made this book a winner for me. The actual story was good, but took second place to the ideas. I love books that make me think, that prompt me to seek answers. In that way I find that a book has made a lasting impression on me and that it was time well spent.
 | About The Author Madeleine L’Engle (1918-2007) was the author of more than forty books for children, including the Newberry Award Medal winner A Wrinkle In Time and its sequels, A Wind In The Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, and Many Waters all available in Dell Yearling Editions. She lived in New York and Connecticut. |
| Other Reviews |
© 2008-2010 Joanne Mosher of The Book Zombie. All rights reserved.
8 comments:
Great review! I read the books as a kid, so it is always interesting to see what people think when they are reading it for the first time as an adult.
I loved these books when I was a kid. I read part of A Wrinkle in Time again as an adult and it just wasn't the same. I must not have been in a very magical mood.
I know that these books are a staple for most kids, but I don't think I have ever read it! I know my daughter has and I think she still has her copy on the shelf. I am going to have to peruse her shelf and see if I can find it! Thanks for the thoughtful review, I will have to let you know what I think of it!
I've been staring at that blue cube for about 10 minutes. It's freaking me out. Love it!
Have you ever visited the Donnie Darko website? You need to know things from the movie to move through it. So much fun! http://www.donniedarkofilm.com/
Like you I have not read this as a kid, nor seen any movies based on it!
I think I should also read it someday soon! Gr8 review!
I attempted a comment here yesterday and it didn't take, I guess - just wanted you to know I was here. :)
I think I was saying HOW VERY COOL that blue cube thing is.
I saw this book last week at a book shop, but I just passed it. Thanks for a great review, I guess I'm gonna have to get it now:)
It's not really something that I've been into lately, but it really does sound like a great fantasy.
I agree with you. This book surprised me, actually, because somehow I didn't expect to like it as much as I did.
Also, I'm so glad I'm not the only one who's behind! Must start book 2.
Post a Comment