Aru Shah and the End of Time Summary/Review

What would you do if suddenly you were the only one who could save time? And worse than that it was your fault that it needed saving in the first place!

The Story

Aru Shah must face her fears and learn to tell the truth in this brand-new tale by Roshani Chokshi. Chokshi does a marvelous job telling the story of Aru and how she must save time. Aru does not have to save time alone but has the help of her “sister” Mini and their guardian/guide a pigeon whom they lovingly nickname Boo.

The tale is based in Indian myth and a part of Rick Riordan Presents. This book provides readers of Riordan’s own works a familiar feel but with a fresh perspective. The characters in this book are reluctant heroes (heroines) who must save the day in order to have their families restored but can they do it because not only are they untrained but they are 12 the youngest to be called to protect time ever in the history of the Pandavas.

The Review

Chokshi delights readers with an exciting world and introduction to Indian mythology. As part of Rick Riordan Presents longtime readers of Riordan will feel comfortable in the style of the book. I felt that the book was similar to the Kane Chronicles of Riordan in feel but with a new twist.

Aru and Mini each have unique perspectives on their new roles and heroes, or as they prefer heroines. Aru has heard of the Pandava brothers and reincarnation but not of her possible role in the epic tale. Mini, on the other hand, has learned about her possible place among the Pandavas and their epic story from childhood but was overlooked for her brother. Each of the girls has qualities which are necessary for them to complete the tasks. The other characters in the book are well thought out and represent other key characters in Indian mythology. Unlike Riordan’s works where the gods play a secondary part the gods and other members of myth are front and center in this new epic adventure.

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about Indian mythology in a fun and exciting way. Yes, the book is for middle schoolers but I believe anyone can enjoy it. And be sure to check out the glossary of terms at the back to learn more about characters, items, and more mentioned in the book. Have fun and join Aru, Mini, and Boo on their adventure through the Otherworld in an attempt to save time itself! And be sure to look out for the next Pandava Novels.

References

Chokshi, R. (2018). Aru Shah and the end of time: A Pandava novel book one. New York: Disney Hyperion.

Goodreads. (2018). Aru Shah and the end of time (Pandava quartet #1). Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36222611-aru-shah-and-the-end-of-time?ac=1&from_search=true

A Wrinkle in Time Movie Review

2018 Version

2004 TV version

Well, here I am again with a review that’s not for a book. This week my sister and I went to see the ‘new’ Wrinkle in Time movie. Yes, you read that right the new movie, there is an older movie from Disney. However, it seems that this first attempt at an adaption has completely been forgotten with many saying the movie currently out is the first adaptation of the book.  According to IMDB, this version was released for TV in 2004. I have to say that while this new movie was not horrible I preferred the old one better.

They both retell the story written by Madeleine L'Engle in her novel of the same name. This review will consider the newest movie. The movie moved quickly through the tale with many adjustments and retractions. I feel that the story was lacking in the dimension which the book showed because of a shift from a focus on truth and love to simply love between Meg, one of the main characters, and her brother Charles Wallace. This lack was noticeable to me because I had seen the first movie and read the book. Calvin also became a useless character instead of the group's diplomat helping Meg along the way. I was bothered by the fact that all he could find to say was that her hair was pretty. Really, they couldn’t at least make him be able to give a better compliment. I understand they were trying to empower Meg but I felt this hurt the story because the three were to be working together to save Meg’s father and the universe. A dynamic was missing between Meg and Calvin which was seen in the book and older movie.

The storytelling itself was not that bad but I kept expecting things from the old movie and/or book. This story feels as if it moves quickly through the idea that Meg doesn’t like herself or her father but will accept what she finds. The movie shows what can be accomplished when you believe in yourself and that you should accept yourself how you are. The lessons taught are important but take away from the original story's emphasis on truth and love, alongside friendship and working together. I feel that Calvin could have been left out and the story would have been the same because his character along with a few others was unimportant to Meg's true journey to accept herself.

Reference

Cinemark. (2018). A wrinkle in time [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.cinemark.com/a-wrinkle-in-time?showDate=03/31/2018

Disney Movie Trailers [Username]. (Jul 12, 2017).  A wrinkle in time official US teaser trailer [YouTube video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4U3TeY2wtM

Heather Turner [Username]. (Apr. 2, 2012). A wrinkle in time movie trailer [YouTube video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdjShe0ouiw

IMDB. (2018). A wrinkle in time (2003). Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0290382/