I read A Wrinkle in Time (1962) by Madeleine L’Engle as a young kid — probably around 8 or 9. At that time it completely went over my head, but I remembered little details that motivated me to try it again someday. I’ve since grown to love the book.
A Wrinkle in Time was much easier to understand as a young adult (I-told-you-so points to my cheer coach). The book follows an insecure young girl Meg, her middle school crush, and her genius brother Charles. The three protagonists then have an adventure throughout the galaxy as they try to find Meg’s and Charles’ missing dad.
This book is a Newbery Award winner. However, the book has received some pushback for juxtaposing scientific concepts and religious imagery. I like that aspect of it, but I could see how others might not.
I give this book a five star rating, especially if you like the spaces where science, religion, and fantasy intersect. It is geared toward kids and pre-teens (ages 10-13), but it can still be enjoyable and thought-provoking for adults of any age. It would be a great family read-aloud book.
Unfortunately A Wrinkle in Time doesn’t make a very good movie. Twice, movie producers have attempted to tame this book, with not much success. In my opinion, books like this one — with their weird charm — are best left as just books.
More Books Like This
If you like A Wrinkle in Time, you might also like its sequels, including A Wind in the Door and A Swiftly Tilting Planet.
And if you like weird charm, I would suggest The Neverending Story (1983) written by Michael Ende and translated by Ralph Manheim, a great fantasy book that is likewise difficult to tame in movie format.
– by Abbie Call
Read next: Magyk Book Review, or The Great Work of Your Life Book Review.
Abbie Call – Cannonville/Kirksville, Missouri
Abbie Call is a journalist and editor at The Byway. She graduated in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in editing and publishing from Brigham Young University. Her favorite topics to write about include anything local, Utah’s megadrought, and mental health and meaning in life. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hanging out with family, quilting and hiking.
Find Abbie on Threads @abbieb.call or contact her at [email protected].