by Madeline L’Engle
ages: 8-11
First sentence: “The big kitchen of the Murrys’ house was bright and warm, curtains drawn against the dark outside, against the rain driving past the house from the northeast.”
I never much liked this one, even as a kid. And the only reason I can think of, now, is that it’s because Meg isn’t really a part of the story. Oh, she’s there: she’s older now, married to Calvin, and pregnant with her first child. But she’s not really an active part in the story. She spends the book lying on a bed kything with Charles Wallace, who, at age 15, is off on an adventure of his own.
And honestly his adventure — saving the world from certain destruction by Madog Branzillo — isn’t really that interesting. He rides through time with a unicorn/Pegasus creature named Gaudior, popping in and out of within other people. I’m sure it has a very nice and neat conclusion, where Madog is stopped (not that it was memorable enough to stay with me), but honestly, I gave up halfway through. Charles Wallace was never my favorite character; he was always a bit too precocious for my taste. It was Meg I liked, Meg that resonated with me. And a Meg that just lies around being worried for Charles Wallace is kind of boring. Even now — perhaps especially now — after I’m all grown up, living the life that Meg was starting out on.
I feel bad about it, though. Like I’m giving up on some part of my childhood. Perhaps some books just shouldn’t be reread?
The Book Nut 
You know, I've never read anything by Madeline L'Engle! It's probably a shame since I teach middle school…I know A Wrinkle in Time is suppose to be brilliant, but it's one of those books that I've heard so much about I almost feel like I've read it!!
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Interesting… JAM and I read AWIT recently, but I wasn't planning on reading the others with him. I suggested he could try to read the whole “series” by himself this summer if he wanted. I think you just solidified my decision. 🙂
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Swiftly Tilting Planet was my favorite of the Murray books when I was a kid, but I completely agree that Meg gets dull at this point. I missed insecure anxious Meg! 😦
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I love L'Engle's Murray Family books, and though this wasn't my favorite I have to say parts of it have stuck with me, even 30 years after reading the book. This book touched on the dysfunction of Meg's boyfriend's extended family in such a way that I still remember it. I may have to pick it up and give it a re-read!
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Christina: AWIT is a really good book. Surprisingly religious, but really good overall. The others… I haven't enjoyed as much.
Dawn: yes. NOW is the time for JAM to read the books. I should get C to read them, too.
Jenni: I did, too. I liked Meg most, and I liked her insecurity. I missed that.
And rmlhonda: that is a good point. I can't say it stuck with me, but I can see how it might.
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At least someone is reading these books… I still haven't read book 3 yet or posted about it..
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