When Does "When You Reach Me" (2009) Take Place?
"When You Reach Me" is a historical science fiction mystery novel written by Rebecca Stead that released July 14th, 2009. So when is "When You Reach Me" set?
It takes place in the years:
We know this because Miranda Sinclair spends quite some time reading her favorite book, "A Wrinkle in Time" (1962), which was published on January 1st, 1962 in the real world. So it has to be after January of 1962 AD.
1978 AD - 1979 AD
We know this because Miranda Sinclair spends quite some time reading her favorite book, "A Wrinkle in Time" (1962), which was published on January 1st, 1962 in the real world. So it has to be after January of 1962 AD.
Specifically, in the frame we learn Ms. Sinclair will record her appearance on the game show in mid 1979 AD and Miranda begins to tell us "about everything that happened this past fall and winter." so the main action takes place over the fall of 1978 AD into the winter of 1978/1979 AD.
Later, about two-thirds into the story she tells us, "And then it was Christmas vacation." so it must be December of 1978 AD at this point.
Additionally, on the very first page of the frame narrative Miranda learns her mother is "going to be a contestant on The $20,000 Pyramid, which is hosted by Dick Clark." The real-life game show The $20,000 Pyramid aired from January 19th, 1976 AD to June 27th, 1980 AD. So it must be after January of 1976 AD and before June of 1980 AD during this frame.
More specifically, in the frame narrative Miranda and her mother receive the postcard that informs them of "the date she's supposed to show up, scrawled in blue pen on a line at the bottom of the card: April 27, 1979." and very soon after, "We have exactly twenty-one days to get Mom ready for the game show." so it is early April of 1979 AD during the frame.
