6 Reasons to Reread A Wrinkle in Time Before the Movie Comes Out

If you are a read-the-book-before-seeing-the-movie type, this serves as your warning that Ava DuVernay’s version of Madeleine L’Engle’s classic novel A Wrinkle in Time will hit movie theaters March 9, so it’s time to get reading. The trailer looks pretty incredible, from the kids bouncing red balls in unison on the creepy planet of Camazot, to Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, and Mindy Kaling dressed in celestial garb to play the regal Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit, and Mrs. Who, respectively. Here are six splendid reasons to re-read A Wrinkle in Time (or the whole quintet!), or to convince your kids to crack it open.

1. That Up-To-The Minute Stranger Things Vibe of Meg’s Life Before the Adventure Begins.
If you love Stranger Things, it might be because classics like A Wrinkle in Time laid down its template. It’s not clear exactly when Madeleine L’Engle set her books, but it feels sort of recent past-ish; a time when kids were often unsupervised, had a lot of free time instead of scheduled activities, and their moms made them French toast before they went to school. It’s a time that feels akin to the 80’s of the hit show Stranger Things, when kids had freedom to get into mischief on their own. Meg Murray doesn’t fit in at school, feels “plain,” and gets in fights with bullies, but shakes off all these everyday troubles to face life-and-death stakes with mysterious beings…a lot like the Stranger Things gang.

2. Because Things Get A Little Complicated.
If you don’t exactly relish the feeling of constantly asking, “Just what is going on? Where are we in time?” when watching a movie, reading the books is a good way to refresh your memory about some of the mind-bending time travel stuff so you can sit back and enjoy the film.

4. Because These Books Have Been Banned so Many Times…Why Not Read Them and Defy the Stodgy Authorities?
A Wrinkle in Time has been banned or challenged for decades in schools in Florida, Alabama, and elsewhere. Many of those who object to the series say that it affronts their religious beliefs with its references to Jesus alongside fantasy tropes such as time travel. But if you read the whole book, the message is one of conquering evil through love…which is pretty much the message you’ll hear in many religious institutions.

6. So You Can Make Your Own Fantasy Casting Decisions.
Which actress would you pick to play the role of Meg or Mrs. Which? You can cast the movie as you reread, and then compare your choices to those of Ava DuVernay. You’d better do this quickly, because judging from the trailer, the casting choices might be so compelling, you might not be able to picture anybody else in those roles once you’ve seen the movie.