Wild Nights: A Wrinkle in Time Reread #awrinklereread

Join me as I reread, react to, and recap childhood classic and soon-to-be blockbuster A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle!

The first thing I realize when I finally find my copy of A Wrinkle in Time is that it is probably stolen. It is a 1973 library edition, with the name of my elementary school stamped on the inside cover. Beneath it, my name is written in painstaking, childlike handwriting. It takes me a moment to recognize it as my own. I have no recollection of how this book came into my possession. If I had to guess, I would have been in about 5th grade.

The second thing I realize is that the cover is absolutely terrifying. Meg, Charles, and Calvin (whose names I only remember because they are on the back cover) are in the foreground. Each has a protective hand on the next's shoulders. Their attention is drawn by something we cannot see, and they seem afraid. All three of them hold a single lily in one hand. A centaur stands on a rock behind them, one hoof raised, white wings spread. Behind them are misty mountains, and above them, a sea of stars. And above all of this, a white haired man with no eyes watches, disembodied, from the darkness. I cannot tell if it is meant to be frightening - the art has an almost Lisa Frank-ish color scheme - white and lilac and blue and pink - and I don't think it would have frightened 5th grade me - but it gives me goosebumps every time I look at it.

After searching the editions on Goodreads, I found the cover! My copy is faded, the colors less vibrant, but it is equally unsettling.

When I first heard that Disney was adapting A Wrinkle in Time, I knew I wanted to see it. I also knew that I wanted to reread it; although I remembered it being one of my favorite childhood stories, that was about all I remembered. I decided to watch the trailer to see if it jarred anything lose: almost nothing. The "Stepford" neighborhood with the identical houses and identical children was the only scene that caused a flicker (a shudder) of recognition. I'm interested to see what else comes back as I start to read!

My plan for Wild Nights (whose name is drawn from the quote on the back cover) is to take a trip down forgotten memory lane - to reread, re-experience, and react to this classic and decide whether I'd still consider it a favorite. I'll share my unfiltered thoughts on Twitter (#awrinklereread) and post chapter recaps and reflections right here. There's about six weeks until the movie comes out, so that gives me just enough time to read and review two chapters a week, with a bonus post once I see the movie. If you're thinking about reading or rereading the novel before you head to the theater, join me! I'd love to have you.