Each month Abington Library will feature a favorite book from a faculty, staff member, or student. They will give a brief synopsis of their chosen book.
Amy Mahan is the registrar at ASU-Beebe.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition
First published in 1962 and awarded the Newbery Medal in 1963, the highest honor for a work of fiction for children. There are four books in the Times series written by the fantastic imagination of L’Engle. A science fiction novel by a woman and aimed at female readers in 1962 was unheard of during this time in American history.
You may have read this science fiction, adventure, mystery, mysticism, horror novel in grade school since the heroine of the story is approximately twelve years old. I do not remember reading this book in grade school, but am completely enamored with the vivid storytelling of L’Engle. A Wrinkle in Time is about Meg Murry, her little brother Charles Wallace, and their search for their father who has disappeared. In their quest they are joined by a popular boy from school named Calvin O’Keefe who is one of several siblings living in poverty. The children are assisted by three kind old ladies, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, who were once stars who gave up their lives fighting the Dark Thing, that threatens to overcome the universe. The children galaxy hop from one galaxy to another until they land on a highly regulated and stoic Camazotz where all residents perform all activities in unison, including children jumping rope in unison.
With scientific and religious insights, love is a consistent theme – Love of siblings, parental, friendship, romantic, and the universe.
A Wrinkle in Time as a major motion picture was released March 9, 2018 starring Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling as the three guiding ladies.
