A few years ago, I watched a movie with my family that made all of us think “why did we waste two hours watching that?” You would think that, after an experience like this, I wouldn’t think of reading the book that inspired the movie. But… something in me decided to pick it up when I happened upon it at the library. So, I took it home, and I really liked it. That book was A Wrinkle in Time. Then, I tried to read the sequel (A Wind in the Door) and just didn’t get into it. For a couple years, I was content with this. Then I read the first book again and loved it so much I decided to buy the boxed set of the whole series, which included the one I hadn’t enjoyed starting. Well, I decided to give it more of a chance, and I’m glad I did.

First to the only two downsides I can think of.

1. The book doesn’t really get started off onto the main plot featured on the back until almost halfway through the book. It’s not a big deal, but I wish the back cover would have talked about the whole book, not just the last part. (I got my copy from Square Fish. You can grab yours here.)
2. It’s bizarre. The first book is a bit bizarre, this one is even more so, and I’m sure the others will be. I kind of like it that way, but I know many people who don’t enjoy that style.

Now that I have that out of the way: Madeleine L’Engle has a magical way of describing things. This is a beautiful, intricate book, and you need to read it. Although, if you have not read A Wrinkle in Time yet, definitely do that first.

I underlined at least three quotes in the reading of this masterful work. Here are two of my favorites:

“I’m real, and most earthlings can bear very little reality.” (The Cheribum speaking to Meg, p.92 of my Square Fish copy.)

“It is the nature of love to create. It is the nature of hate to destroy.” -Blajeny

Although these books will astound you with their fantasy, they will touch you with their meaning. So go find A Wrinkle in Time and get started on this breathtaking series. (Be sure to let me know how you like it!)

Note: I wrote an analysis on L’Engle’s writing, you can read that here.