A Wrinkle in Time - The Book (and the Movie)

[Zeljka]

Considering there is only one adaptation of the book, not very well known and made in 2003, forgive me for not adding the special thread for it. However, there are some indications another adaptation is going to be made, under the helm of Frozen director, Jennifer Lee :) What do you think, is it good or bad idea, based on your experience with Frozen?

I find particularly interesting the publication history of the book, in which is mentioned the book was difficult to sell because it was not only different, but featured a female protagonist in a science fiction book, which at the time was uncommon. What are your thoughts on possible reasons for its troublesome start?

I still have to read the book, but I believe many of you have already read the book - for those of you, what were your thoughts at the time of reading it, and would you like to read it again? Those who haven't read it, would you like to read it now? I find the description of the book really appealing and evoking good childhood memories, so I would really like to read it. Any other thoughts and opinions are welcome.

[Sam]

I haven't read this one yet, and I'm super excited about it. It isn't well known where I live (Germany), so this is something of a blank spot on my literary map.
My copy is still on its way in the post - I hope it arrives soon!
I didn't know there was a film. Since I'm new to this, I'm interested in a new adaptation, but fans of the book seem more than a little nervous about it ;)

[Alana]

I didn't know there was trouble with it due to the female protagonist in a sci fi story. I'm trying to think now how many other sci fi stories have a female protagonist? Or fantasy stories, for that matter, although I think there are a lot more elven princesses, etc, in fantasy stories, than sci fi spaceship captains, etc.

I just reread the book and loved it all over again. I love the "abnormal" kids on their cosmic adventure, the normalcy of blaming someone else when who you're really blaming is yourself, having to learn to trust someone unknown, friendship, learning you aren't as powerful as you think you are, there is more than just us (in a communal sense), etc, etc etc. Great stuff! There's a reason it's so popular.

I wonder about the female protagonist, though. Meg comes across fairly "girlie" in my opinion. She clings to everyone else, including the ultrasmart YOUNGER brother, and takes a background role for most of the book, even though it's told through her eyes. But I guess the point is that she eventually has to break out of that to save her brother, because she's the only one who can do it, and all by herself at that. However, she does it in a feminine (not weak or girlie implication, just female) way, through her love.

[Janice]

The first time I read the book was in 5th grade and I just thought it was spectacular. I was especially enthralled with "It", I remember drawing a picture of what I though "It" (which was simply a brain) would look like to accompany my book report. Three years ago I reread the book as an adult and though I'm older and my perspective has changed I still enjoyed the story. I've been meaning to read the other books in the Quartet but have yet to get around to it.

I haven't seen the 2003 movie adaptation yet so I can't comment on that but I would love to see a new adaptation of it. I've come to accept that adaptations of books I've read are simply that, an adaptation not a literal translation, and to judge it based on its own merit instead of criticizing it because it deviates from the book too much, the characters aren't as described in the books, etc.

I think the publication of the book was probably difficult to sell because it was considered a children's book and the theme (Good vs. Evil) in the book weren't quite appropriate for children. Also, considering when the book was written (in the early 60s I think) it's difficulty may also lie in the fact that it's a woman writing about science fiction with a female as the main character - that's unusual and didn't fit in a neatly wrapped box like other children's books. I think any time something deviates from the norm, it faces challenges and that may be why this book was challenged the way it was when it was first published. Which is a good thing because it creates discussions that can lead to "good" progress in its industry or the world itself.

[Jonathan]

I would like to see a new adaptation of it, considering it is an interesting little novel to read!

[Shelley]

Wrinkle In Time is the book to give as a gift to a 5th/6th/7th grader.

Regarding the best ever book/movie adaptation, To Kill A Mockingbird--I'm currently reading The Mockingbird Next Door. Very interesting if you'd like a respectful book about Harper Lee.

Shelley Shaver
http://dustbowlstory.wordpress.com

[Zeljka]

I have just read it and I think I am disappointed. I don't know what I expected, but I didn't enjoy the book, not really. Meg annoyed me a lot, I guess as Alana said, too girlish and nonsensical for my tastes. I wish to believe all girls are like that in puberty, but from my own experience, I don't think so :/ The storytelling was odd at times, like the author wasn't sure for which audience she was writing the book, for kids or for grown-ups? Because the choice of words at times didn't sound right for the kids to say.

However, I am glad I read it at last. You know, like LotR, you can like it or hate it, but you should at least give it a try.

[Zeljka]

I remembered just now that I didn't write a thing about the movie (the new one, Ava DuVernay version). I saw it I guess a year ago. There was a controversy I think, about the cast. Some fans didn't like that actors didn't reflect exactly the physical features of characters described in the book. I found that notion ridiculous, because what mattered to me were the characters themselves. I myself often forget physical appearances of characters once I am fully immersed in the story, and often imagine my own physical versions of them. In short, I absolutely loved the casting choices the director made for the movie. Cast was so diverse and so interesting! (Alright, Reese's character was a bit over the top.)
On the other hand, the movie didn't impress me so much. The book wasn't my cup of tea, but still, I felt there really was a potential that the movie just didn't explore so well.