RTW: Book of the Month for October, 2012
It’s that time again–not only is it Road Trip Wednesday time, but it’s time to pick a novel of the month. Although we’re already a week into November, the YA Highway ladies want to know what our favorite read was for the month of October.
What with NaNoWriMo preparations, I didn’t do as much reading as I normally would. However, I am able to pick a book of the month, and that is A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L’Engle. This classic novel tells the story of Meg and Charles Wallace Murray, their friend Calvin O’Keefe, and their adventure to save Meg’s and Charles’ father. Meg, Charles, and Calvin are unusual children, with intellectual gifts that separate them from their peers. So there are lots of good messages in the book about the importance of being yourself, and valuing each person’s unique gifts. Along with the strange array of characters, and the imaginative worlds, there are dark moments too as our heroes take battle against a formidable foe.
I’ve seen this book categorized as YA, but I found it to be more on the Middle Grade level. In any case, I enjoyed it. It’s probably not among the best books I’ve read this year, but certainly deserving of book of the month for October, and I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys light fantasy, and most of all, a thought-provoking story.
What was your favorite read of October? Comment below, or join the YA Highway!
I’m not a big fan of classics and I think that is due to the fact that classics in Brazil are really, really boring, and I’m not familiar with English/American classics … but that one sounds interesting. I do love me some light fantasy.
Thanks for the rec!
You’re welcome, Juliana. One advantage with this one is that it’s a fairly easy read, so you could probably get through it in a day or less. It’s not a huge time commitment to read, and really quite a rewarding experience, both because it’s a good story, and because it’s well written.
I read A WRINKLE IN TIME some years ago and remember really enjoying it. I think I read more in the TIME QUINTET, but I can’t remember how far I got. I really should pick them up again and finish all of them. October had some really great reads for me, so I’m not sure if I can narrow it down to just one today. 🙂
I’m a little conflicted about reading more of the quintet. Part of me wants to find out what happens next, but another part of me recognizes there are a lot of books out there (and by that I mean on my bookshelves, not just “out there” generally) that I need to read, and, while I enjoyed this story, I’m a little more enthused about those other books. So, I might return to the series… we’ll have to see. 🙂
I have yet to read this book but I really think I should!
I totally see why it’s a classic, and as I said to Juliana (above), it’s not a huge time commitment to read, so if you get the opportunity, you should read it. 🙂
I’ve heard of this book but not 100% sure whether I should read it. I don’t seem to enjoy MG books or books that are closer to MG despite a YA categorization. If I’m at a loss for something to read though, i’ll add it to the list. It sounds like a good little story!
There are SO many great books out there. I suspect this is your problem–where to begin?! You could do a lot worse than this classic. Even if it’s not what you’d usually read, it’s a fun and thoughtful story. I’d encourage you to read it. 🙂
I keep meaning to read this book again, I’m pretty sure I read it as a kid, especially since I’ve written a time-travel novel of my own.
I have to say, this was not a “time travel” novel in the way I expected it to be. I think one of the things I liked about it was it didn’t try to conform to any expectations–it wasn’t what I thought it might be. And that’s good. 🙂
I’ve never read A Wrinkle in Time for some reason. I probably should get on that!
As I’ve said above, for those of us who don’t break a sweat at reading at least four or five 300+ page novels a month, this one is a breeze. It’s well-written on (IMO) a MG level, and it’s not that long. It wouldn’t take a huge chunk of your life to read, and you’ll be glad you did. 🙂
I’ve never heard of this one. But I quite like the cover. 🙂
I’m not sure how much of a classic this one is in the UK. I don’t think I’d ever heard of it until I came this side of the pond. Nevertheless, it’s a fun read. It’s been reprinted a number of times, and this cover is the edition we have. I like it too. 🙂
A WRINKLE IN TIME was my middle grade LOVE. I’ve read the whole series plus Meg and Colin’s daughters’ books too. Peggy’s adventures were fun – and in the 5th grade I even got to create a board game for a project based on one of her books. 🙂 I maybe have to reread this as it’s been a while (over 10 years!). Thanks for the reminder, Colin!
You’re welcome, Rachel, and since I suspect you’ve let a few spoilers slip vis-a-vis the rest of the series, I’ll have to try to forget the first part of your comment! 😉 Just kidding. I don’t know if I plan to read the rest of the series. This one was good, but there are so many other books to read. 🙂
My mom read this book to me when I was a kid, I can still remember certain passages with tons of clarity.
My wife enjoyed this book, and has made it part of the reading curriculum for two of our kids (we homeschool), so we applaud your mom! 🙂
I was home schooled off-and-on throughout much of my schooling years. 🙂 My mom was a big advocate of all things fantasy and imagination, she was a great teacher. I am impressed by anyone who chooses to take on their children’s education. I don’t know that I could.
I am one of those people who still haven’t read this book. I really really need to! 😀
http://wordsareinnermusic.blogspot.com/2012/11/road-trip-wednesday-best-book-of-october.html
Like I’ve said to others (above), it really won’t take you long to read, and I think you’d enjoy it. 🙂
I love A Wrinkle in Time (tip my hat to it in my WIP actually) and I love Madeleine L’Engle. She’s one of the authors who has most influenced me. I’ll be doing a novel study on A Wrinkle in Time with my son this year and I can’t wait.
This is a good novel to study with kids (as my wife is doing with two of our kids). Not only is it good stylistically, but the story raises issues and questions that are both important and thought-provoking. All the best with your novel study, Erin! 🙂
I somehow missed this one growing up. I really do mean to read it at some point, though!
Like most classics, this book seems to be one of those books that have always been around, but like so many classics, it’s one of those “books I need to read someday,” so you’re not alone, Stephanie! It won’t take you long to read it, so you probably should make a point of doing so sometime. 🙂