Madeleine L’Engle famously said, “You have to write the book that wants to be written. And if the book will be too difficult for grown-ups, then you write it for children.” I fell in love with this book when I was eight, and since then I’ve read it countless times. This is a book about physics, faith, God, and the constant fight for good. And it’s written for children with no apologies.

The manuscript for this book was notoriously rejected by many major publishers, who believed its content would be too advanced for young readers. And now, fifty years later, this book frequently finds its way onto “banned” and “challenged” books lists. It contains descriptions of multi-dimensional travel right alongside biblical passages. L’Engle dares to mention Jesus, Bhudda, and Einstein together in a list of humans who have fought for good. In a time when it seems like the vast majority of right-wing religious leaders are convinced that science is the antithesis of faith, this book is revolutionary.

L’Engle writes about faith – “a willing suspension of disbelief” in a Christian setting, but in a way that’s applicable to anyone. The Murry’s have faith in Charles Wallace, even though they don’t always understand him.

“Just because we don’t understand doesn’t mean that an explanation doesn’t exist.”

Calvin has faith in his gut feelings, his “compulsions.” He has faith that he and the Murry’s were meant to meet.

”When I get this feeling, this compulsion, I always do what it tells me. I can’t explain where it comes from or how I get it, and it doesn’t happen very often. But I obey it.”

Mrs. Murry has faith that her husband will come home. And the three children are able to suspend disbelief and place their trust in Mrs. Whatsit.

“I don’t understand it any more than you do, but one thing I’ve learned is that you don’t have to understand things for them to be.”

Spending time with these characters is like coming home. Meg Murry has been my literary soul mate – stubborn, straightforward, and difficult – for over twenty years. Calvin was undoubtedly one of my first ever fictional crushes, and Charles Wallace will always be my little brother.

This line: “Charles. Charles, I love you. My baby brother who always takes care of me.” will always make me cry.

Stop by The Readventurer today for a highly scientific comparison (complete with sophisticated artist renderings!) of the book and the movie. (Hint: Flannery’s suggested alternate title for the movie is: A Wrinkle of Crap.)