Helpful Score: 12
This was THE book that got me into sci-fi/fantasy. I haven't read it in probably 20 years, but I still remember parts of this book, and the series in general. These have a fairly heavy Christian/moral tone that I did not notice until I was older, but are highly recommended for kids of all/no faiths, especially those who feel "geeky" and unappreciated.
Helpful Score: 10
An awesome combination of sci-fi and fantasy. If you're the sort that enjoys it when the book you're reading gives you wings, you'll probably enjoy A Wrinkle in Time! DELICIOUS!!
Helpful Score: 7
Unlike many others, I never read this book in middle school or high school. Rather, I first read it in my "Fantasy Literature" class in college (I was the first engineering major to ever take that class - ha ha) and really enjoyed it. I can see why it would appeal to a younger audience - the main characters are children who go on an adventure into the universe to save their father. But I can also understand why we read it at the college level - there's a deeper reliogio-political side to it that's worthy of serious discussion.
This is a 1963 Newbery Medal winner, and the first in a four-part series that also includes: A Wind in the Door; A Swiftly Tilting Planet, which won the American Book Award; and Many Waters.
This is a 1963 Newbery Medal winner, and the first in a four-part series that also includes: A Wind in the Door; A Swiftly Tilting Planet, which won the American Book Award; and Many Waters.
Helpful Score: 6
Honestly, I am still undecided what I think of the book. It had a good base message and some of the concepts are interesting, but the writing didn't hold me, and I didn't find myself getting attached or even caring about most of the characters. Perhaps I'm just too old for the book.
Helpful Score: 4
Great book, very eerie, easy to understand fantasy/science fiction.
Helpful Score: 4
One of my all time favorite books when I was a kid.
Helpful Score: 4
absolute children's classic, especially for geeky kids
Helpful Score: 4
My childhood introduction to sci-fi - and I still love this book.
A Wrinkle in Time is a book about physics and other dimensions. A girl named Meg, her precocious brother Charles Wallace and their friend Calvin take off along with three, um, ladies(enigmas would be a better word) to rescue Meg and Charles' father who is trapped on the planet of Camazotz. It is a good read with the caveat that it is somewhat hard to understand at the parts when they devote time to talking about physics and other dimensions, but is a good book if you like sci-fi.
Helpful Score: 2
You are never too old or young to enjoy this book! I love this book. It brings back memories of daydreaming in school!
Helpful Score: 2
This is an excellent book full of imagination. A must read for book fans young and old.
Helpful Score: 2
this is a fascinating book, though also a bit confusing at points. it stresses morality, so it is a bit of a heavy read for all ages.
Helpful Score: 2
I read this book as an adult because my daughter said it was her favorite, she couldn't say why, it just was. She has read a lot of books so that meant something to me. I decided to pick it up and couldn't put it down. It was such a beautiful story of fantasy and wonder with science and spirituality woven in. I will re-read it and suggest it always. As an added bonus, I discovered it is first in a six book series! I love that and read them all immediatly.
Helpful Score: 2
I have read this book several times in my life and each time I get something new from it. A delightful book for teens and adults alike.
Helpful Score: 2
I think this is one those books that everyone should read at least once. I LOVE YOU CHARLES WALLACE.
Helpful Score: 2
Madeline L'Engle is a wonderful author. This series is among her best.
Christine G. (QueenChrystabel) reviewed A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A great read for any age. An imaginative tale of two children and their journey through time and space to bring peace to a dying world.
Helpful Score: 1
I still love this story. What a classic for kids. This story is RL:5.8
Helpful Score: 1
A Favorite. Although my daughter is 20, she won't give it up! It is tucked away in the garage with her other favorite items.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this book so long ago that I don't remember details...just that it was VERY good.
Helpful Score: 1
Amazon.com
Everyone in town thinks Meg Murry is volatile and dull-witted, and that her younger brother, Charles Wallace, is dumb. People are also saying that their physicist father has run off and left their brilliant scientist mother. Spurred on by these rumors and an unearthly stranger, the tesseract-touting Mrs Whatsit, Meg and Charles Wallace and their new friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a perilous quest through space to find their father. In doing so, they must travel behind the shadow of an evil power that is darkening the cosmos, one planet at a time. This is no superhero tale, nor is it science fiction, although it shares elements of both. The travelers must rely on their individual and collective strengths, delving deep within themselves to find answers.
A well-loved classic and 1963 Newbery Medal winner, Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time is sophisticated in concept yet warm in tone, with mystery and love coursing through its pages. Meg's shattering, yet ultimately freeing, discovery that her father is not omnipotent provides a satisfying coming-of-age element. Readers will feel a sense of power as they travel with these three children, challenging concepts of time, space, and the triumph of good over evil. The companion books in the Time quartet, continuing the adventures of the Murry family, are A Wind in the Door; A Swiftly Tilting Planet, which won the American Book Award; and Many Waters. Every young reader should experience L'Engle's captivating, occasionally life-changing contributions to children's literature. (Ages 9 and older)
Everyone in town thinks Meg Murry is volatile and dull-witted, and that her younger brother, Charles Wallace, is dumb. People are also saying that their physicist father has run off and left their brilliant scientist mother. Spurred on by these rumors and an unearthly stranger, the tesseract-touting Mrs Whatsit, Meg and Charles Wallace and their new friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a perilous quest through space to find their father. In doing so, they must travel behind the shadow of an evil power that is darkening the cosmos, one planet at a time. This is no superhero tale, nor is it science fiction, although it shares elements of both. The travelers must rely on their individual and collective strengths, delving deep within themselves to find answers.
A well-loved classic and 1963 Newbery Medal winner, Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time is sophisticated in concept yet warm in tone, with mystery and love coursing through its pages. Meg's shattering, yet ultimately freeing, discovery that her father is not omnipotent provides a satisfying coming-of-age element. Readers will feel a sense of power as they travel with these three children, challenging concepts of time, space, and the triumph of good over evil. The companion books in the Time quartet, continuing the adventures of the Murry family, are A Wind in the Door; A Swiftly Tilting Planet, which won the American Book Award; and Many Waters. Every young reader should experience L'Engle's captivating, occasionally life-changing contributions to children's literature. (Ages 9 and older)
Helpful Score: 1
A must read for every child. This book should be on every child's bookshelf. A classic! Meg considers herself ordinary. In a family of geniuses thats a tough act to swallow, but harder yet is her father's mysterious disapearance. Meg is convienced he is alive but stuck and her mom is equally adament. Meg assisted by her brother Charles Wallace, and new found friend Calvin go off on a sci-fi adventure to rescue her dad, assisted by 3 odd ladies and a concept called the tesseract Meg learns she isn't as ordinary as she seems and triumps over evil to save her dad.
Helpful Score: 1
Fun story with great characters and relationships.
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of my two all-time favorite books!
Helpful Score: 1
There's a reason this is one of the best-loved children's books of all time. It's rich with imagination, has characters you can really relate to, adventure, heroism.... My teacher read it to our class when I was in 4th grade, my kids enjoyed the trilogy, and I enjoyed reading it again as an adult! One of the best!
Helpful Score: 1
My 6th grade teacher read this book to our class daily in the Spring semester. There were students who never read anything, interested in what happened next. L'Engle expands the reader's mind, but doesn't do it in a way that would be misunderstood. She draws you into the world and you are wanting to know what happens to Meg and Calvin. Will they rescue Meg's father? What about Charlie? "A Wrinkle in Time" drives the reader to understand what happens next in the series after the end. I was never one who was interested in Sci-Fi/Fantasy, that was my mom's love, but L'Engle doesn't write like your typical Sci-Fi/Fantasy author. I encourage everyone that reads this book to read the entire series. (Also, check out the movie with Gregory Smith as the star.)
Helpful Score: 1
This is a wonderful fantasy for anyone to read, especially children. I am A mother that likes to read what her children read before I allow them to read it, and this was of course a wonderful story. It opens the imagination. A must read at any age.
Helpful Score: 1
I really loved this book. No wonder it is so famous! It spins a world of science and a regular world together and it results in a complicated, yet easy to understand world. This book was definitely one of the best books I have ever read.
a vry exciting thought provoking book
Beautiful cover illustration on this mass market reprint of a classic.
Had to read for Children's Literature course. Good fantasy, but hard for "younger ones" to follow. Need to be around 7th or 8th grade to enjoy this book.
Not my favorite L'engle book, but a lot of people love it.
This a wonderful book that explores the fantastical possibilities beyond this world. Loved as a child and still do as am adult.
Alicia B. (AliciaInACoffeeShop) reviewed A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
A Great read. Very deep. Especially in the views of the inhabitance of the different worlds.
I have always heard of this book but had never read it. It reminded me of the Chronicles of Naria but much smaller.
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
I enjoyed this as a child but did't realize it was geared towards elementary age kids. Though the quantum physics aspects of time and space travel, seem out of place in a child's book. A great evil is stalking the universe and Meg, Charles and Calvin must fight it to rescue their father. It's a great coming of age story with religious undertones. I enjoyed the quest and the interaction between the three children, the three wise "women" and the strange creatures. A very good start to the Time Series.
Very Good children's story. It is a classic.
Thomas F. (hardtack) -
This is a Newberry Medal Winner which was made into a movie. There are even 11 color photographs in the book from the movie. While I read and enjoy YA books, this one did not impress me, perhaps because I'm not into YA fantasy. Hey, we can't like them all.
This is one of my favorite books of all time!
Great for those who enjoy sci-fi.
Part of a series. Interesting blending of science fiction, fantasy, and philosophy.
The first book in L'Engle's story line about the Murry family! An excellent book for 3rd graders and up
My 7 year old loved it, though I read it with her and it was a little dark in places. I would recommend it generally for 10 and up.
It has the general apperance of being science fiction.. but it is not.. There is a mystery, mysticism , a feeling for brooding horror
This creative young adult novel has seen some film adaptations in recent years, but none have been terribly well received. That's something of a pity, because the book is quite sophisticated, but I think much of the allegory and depth is lost when it ends up a dumbed-down Disney movie.
The author also has an interesting story, having been raised in Manhattan, and then on to boarding school in Switzerland. She earned an English degree from Smith College. This was one of her mid-career novels, written between 1959-1960, so it was definitely influenced by an age in transition. Apparently, it was rejected some twenty-six times, before it was finally accepted. Despite a somewhat rocky start, the novel became wildly successful, and spawned an entire series which eventually included five books. The first won the coveted Newberry Medal in 1963, an estimable accolade for a children's book, but it doesn't strike me particularity as children's literature, and perhaps that's the point.
The main protagonist is an awkward girl at an awkward age: thirteen-year-old Meg Murry has a tough time with just about everything. She's bright, but is viewed as a lackluster student (I wonder how much this mirrors the author's own experiences) who is labeled a troublemaker. She gets into fights with people who insult her family, particularly when anyone talks about her youngest brother, often considered to be an idiot (he's actually a misunderstood, stunning child prodigy whose intellectual capacities are so advanced that he's capable of telepathy). Enter another oddball, fifteen-year-old Calvin, who kind of just crosses Meg's path, or so it would seem. Together, the team is swept up in adventure, in the form of three ... beings... Whatsit, Who and Which, who transport the trio to far dimensions, in search of her lost father, a government scientist who has been missing from the family for a year. Despite her scientist mother's desperate searching, it seems that her father has vanished.
The enemy of goodness and light is simply called "The Black Thing," a disembodied supernatural figure who likewise is telepathic, and can possess its victims. I won't include too many spoilers, save to say that the novel is a capable adventure story, which is quite sophisticated for its intended audience. Unless, of course, you're like young Charles Warren.
Many have noted the subtly imbued religious themes throughout the novel, especially the overarching notion that love is the most powerful force in the universe. Some critics' interpretations of it have been somewhat overwrought, however: for example, one prominent scholar has argued that the focus on love and light directly represents Christian love of God and Christ, but I think that's a simplistic over-reading the text, as most religions have love and goodness as a central theme, the one most important to emulate. The author was apparently quite a devout Episcopalian, but I question how much direct reflection the book is of her particular Christian beliefs. As above, I think that it could represent any number of faiths and belief systems, perhaps with the notion that there is no "true" religion, as the principles of love, light and goodness are universal. Seems rather anti-religious-establishment, to me, in fact.
Others have noted that it has a fairly vociferous feminist agenda to it, particularly in the empowered young girl as the main character, which was unusual in a science fiction story at the time. Meg is far from the stereotypical heroine of books in the 50s: she's good at math, and is something of a "tomboy" (but I dislike the term), certainly not the stereotypical demure model girls were expected to emulate. Perhaps what's most intriguing about it is that people seem to read into it what appeals to them, and that's a defining characteristic of a well-told story. Everyone gets something out of it, and interprets its deeper meanings according to their own individual tastes and experiences. To that end, it's certain to be a novel that will remain a popular one for some time to come, appealing to new generations of readers.
The author also has an interesting story, having been raised in Manhattan, and then on to boarding school in Switzerland. She earned an English degree from Smith College. This was one of her mid-career novels, written between 1959-1960, so it was definitely influenced by an age in transition. Apparently, it was rejected some twenty-six times, before it was finally accepted. Despite a somewhat rocky start, the novel became wildly successful, and spawned an entire series which eventually included five books. The first won the coveted Newberry Medal in 1963, an estimable accolade for a children's book, but it doesn't strike me particularity as children's literature, and perhaps that's the point.
The main protagonist is an awkward girl at an awkward age: thirteen-year-old Meg Murry has a tough time with just about everything. She's bright, but is viewed as a lackluster student (I wonder how much this mirrors the author's own experiences) who is labeled a troublemaker. She gets into fights with people who insult her family, particularly when anyone talks about her youngest brother, often considered to be an idiot (he's actually a misunderstood, stunning child prodigy whose intellectual capacities are so advanced that he's capable of telepathy). Enter another oddball, fifteen-year-old Calvin, who kind of just crosses Meg's path, or so it would seem. Together, the team is swept up in adventure, in the form of three ... beings... Whatsit, Who and Which, who transport the trio to far dimensions, in search of her lost father, a government scientist who has been missing from the family for a year. Despite her scientist mother's desperate searching, it seems that her father has vanished.
The enemy of goodness and light is simply called "The Black Thing," a disembodied supernatural figure who likewise is telepathic, and can possess its victims. I won't include too many spoilers, save to say that the novel is a capable adventure story, which is quite sophisticated for its intended audience. Unless, of course, you're like young Charles Warren.
Many have noted the subtly imbued religious themes throughout the novel, especially the overarching notion that love is the most powerful force in the universe. Some critics' interpretations of it have been somewhat overwrought, however: for example, one prominent scholar has argued that the focus on love and light directly represents Christian love of God and Christ, but I think that's a simplistic over-reading the text, as most religions have love and goodness as a central theme, the one most important to emulate. The author was apparently quite a devout Episcopalian, but I question how much direct reflection the book is of her particular Christian beliefs. As above, I think that it could represent any number of faiths and belief systems, perhaps with the notion that there is no "true" religion, as the principles of love, light and goodness are universal. Seems rather anti-religious-establishment, to me, in fact.
Others have noted that it has a fairly vociferous feminist agenda to it, particularly in the empowered young girl as the main character, which was unusual in a science fiction story at the time. Meg is far from the stereotypical heroine of books in the 50s: she's good at math, and is something of a "tomboy" (but I dislike the term), certainly not the stereotypical demure model girls were expected to emulate. Perhaps what's most intriguing about it is that people seem to read into it what appeals to them, and that's a defining characteristic of a well-told story. Everyone gets something out of it, and interprets its deeper meanings according to their own individual tastes and experiences. To that end, it's certain to be a novel that will remain a popular one for some time to come, appealing to new generations of readers.
i read it many years ago, but i still remember how much i loved it.
My 9yr old son really enjoyed this book. He had to read it for his book club. We ended up ordering the rest of the series.
Fun book to read. Din't quite think the ending wrapped up all issues though.
A very charming book that will take you away to another world. Beautifully descriptive and mesmerizing.
Quick read. Great fantasy.
Anna C. (eclecticlibrarian) reviewed A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet, Bk 1) on + 49 more book reviews
A great beginning to a good series. This and the Narnia chronicles were the first fantasy books I read as a kid. It's still one of my favorites, although I think that Swiftly Tilting Planet is the best of the series.
I read this when I was in middle school and thought it was great. Since then I've been trying to find and what do ya know? My friend brought it up and I was so excited to finally know the title again. Great read for anyone.
One of the best books I read during adolescence. Loved it so much I read at least 10 to 15 other books by L'Engle during my teens.
I remember reading this book when I was a child. It took me away to a different world and I absolutely loved it. My daughter has now read A Wrinkle In Time and feels the way I did.
Jennifer C. (Jenisthecuteone) reviewed A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
Very cool fantasy/adventure story
Read this for the first time recently and I must say I wasn't totally crazy about it. I like C.S. Lewis better. Maybe it's just not my genre!
Christina D. (blessedmaman) reviewed A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Good story, captivating.
Lovely book!!! I hadn't read this since I was a little kid, and I really enjoyed the story and allegory as an adult.
Extrememly worth reading at any age!!!! The ending was too blunt for me, I would have liked a little more to read at the end...but otherwise a definate reader!
This book was read by my teacher to my 3rd grade class. While it has been over 15 years since then, this book has stayed with me. It is a great read for youth. It is one that I am going to be reading to my children soon. My oldest is in 3rd grade now, and I think it's a little advanced for him to read his self. I will greatly enjoy reading it to him.
I bought this book for a book club I joined. However, I found it really boring and stopped reading it.
a very interesting book for readers 10-13!
A classic for children teens and adults reread it before I posted it forgot how good it was
This Newbery Award winning classic is an enchanting read. I loved the fact that Meg was the true hero. Of course, she had some help from Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which, her father, and Calvin, a new friend. However, one is not certain that evil is really defeated leaving the door open for another novel.
Classic tale way ahead of its time. A young girl must find her father who has vanished.
I never read this as a child. Reading it as an adult, I found that the author was not just writing a fantasy story, but teaching a lesson. It was wonderful. I am going to read the rest of this series. #2) A Wind in the door, #3) A Swiftly Tilting Planet, and #4) Many Waters.
Delightful!
An enjoyable book and I look forward to reading the others.
I thought I had read this as a child but it was published after I was an adult. I was kind of disappointed but I guess my tastes have changed. Harry Potter held my interest as an adult but this one didn't.
ok... this book was pretty strange. i still can't figure out if i love it or hate it
A must have read for everyone!! I remember first reading the Wrinkle in Time series back when I was in middle school. I loved the adventures and time traveling. I strongly recommend reading the series following. I loved all the books!
My daughter and I just didn't get into this book. If you are looking for a book that really captures the imagination, try "The Thief of Always"
I remember reading this book for the first time at age 11 (I don't think you need to be a teenager to read/enjoy it) -- I loved it.... I agree with other reviewers that one gets something new each time it's read, and that it's good for adults as well. Madeleine L'Engle has been one of my favorite authors for almost 30 years and remains to to this day!
I read this book mainly because my son wanted to read it. I'd heard it was an amazing sci-fi book. I don't think I'd call it amazing. Imaginative, perhaps. It had far more religiosity than I expected. I can see why the author stated that the publishers of its time didn't know what to do with the book. While some consider it a children's book, its underlying theme is actually quite deep. I'm glad I read it so I could see what it was about. I doubt I'll read the others in the series though.
"A coming of age fantasy story that sympathizes with typical teen girl awkwardness and insecurity, highlighting courage, resourcefulness and the importance of famiyl ties as key to overcoming them."--Carol Platt Liebau, author, in the New York Post
Everyone in town thinks Meg is volatile and dull-witted and that her younger brother Charles Wallace is dumb. People are also saying that their father has run off and left their brilliant scientist mother. Spurred on by these rumors, Meg and Charles Wallace, along with their new friend Calvin, embark on a perilous quest through space to find their father. In doing so they must travel behind the shadow of an evil power that is darkening the cosmos, one planet at a time.
Young people who have trouble finding their place in the world will connect with the "misfit" characters in this provocative story. This is no superhero tale, nor is it science fiction, although it shares elements of both. The travelers must rely on their individual and collective strengths, delving deep into their characters to find answers.
A classic since 1962, Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time is sophisticated in concept yet warm in tone, with mystery and love coursing through its pages. Meg's shattering yet ultimately freeing discovery that her father is not omnipotent provides a satisfying coming-of-age element. Readers will feel a sense of power as they travel with these three children, challenging concepts of time, space, and the power of good over evil. (Ages 9 to 12)
Everyone in town thinks Meg is volatile and dull-witted and that her younger brother Charles Wallace is dumb. People are also saying that their father has run off and left their brilliant scientist mother. Spurred on by these rumors, Meg and Charles Wallace, along with their new friend Calvin, embark on a perilous quest through space to find their father. In doing so they must travel behind the shadow of an evil power that is darkening the cosmos, one planet at a time.
Young people who have trouble finding their place in the world will connect with the "misfit" characters in this provocative story. This is no superhero tale, nor is it science fiction, although it shares elements of both. The travelers must rely on their individual and collective strengths, delving deep into their characters to find answers.
A classic since 1962, Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time is sophisticated in concept yet warm in tone, with mystery and love coursing through its pages. Meg's shattering yet ultimately freeing discovery that her father is not omnipotent provides a satisfying coming-of-age element. Readers will feel a sense of power as they travel with these three children, challenging concepts of time, space, and the power of good over evil. (Ages 9 to 12)
I liked it a lot!
Overall a decent read however I struggled finishing it, it didn't hold my attention. Partly because I find it difficult to imagine crossing over dimensions.
i good read for young reading that likes adventurer or sci-fi. Read it at lest five times myself.
A decent fantasy novel for a young reader. Excellent characters, but the plot kind of hits a wall near the end.
This is one of my favorite stories. I read it 75 times and i never get tired of it.
I don't understand why this was such a classic. The writing style was uninspired. The story seemed to be written in sections by either changing authors or changing moods. Was there an editor? Not interesting characters and a little strange. Didn't this kick off a series of books? Strange. I have no desire to read this to my kids.
I read this the first time when I was probably 8 years old. It's still a great book.
great at any age.
Really interesting!
Classic fantasy.
Smaller than I expected.
classic read
I had to read this for class. My professor loves this book but I didn't see why it was so great.
It is a must read!
Remem ber this is a used swap. Books has been read by several in the family.
My book has a different cover and is the 1973 edition.
classic children's tale
Sonlight
Different cover than the above - classic wonderful tale!
I don't know.
I never read it.
But it looks wierd.
I never read it.
But it looks wierd.
