Rating: Summary: A fascinating journey colored with historic NYC imagery. Review: I had heard about this book for several years after I became a fan of the 1980 film "Somewhere In Time" (based on Richard Matheson's novel "Bid Time Return"). Since this book preceded Mr. Matheson's, and time-travel romances interest me greatly, I dove into this story with high expectations. And I'm glad I did! While I do feel that Mr. Finney spends a little too much time detailing certain events, once I got over these little humps the plot moved forward nicely. And I would have like to have seen Sy Morley accidentally reveal more future events to his 1882 family than the few that do occur (this type of conflict always creates amusing scenarios). But I was absolutely charmed by the young woman "Julia", and his drawing of her (along with many other portraits throughout the book). All in all, I found this story to be wonderful escapism while raising some curious questions about the actuality of willing one's self back in time. I look forward to reading the sequel!
Rating: Summary: A Classic, regardless of the genre. Review: When this book was written nearly 30 years ago, Mr. Finney joined Wells and Matheson as a master of the time-travel genre. After reading this book in the late 70's, I went out and bought his short works and additional titles, and found out Mr. Finney can also provide the magic in short story format. This book, which introduced me to this author, is the best of his work. But check out ABOUT TIME, FORGOTTEN NEWS, and the sequel to this book, FROM TIME TO TIME. Every work I have read of Jack Finney confirms his writing as being superb, and rarely bettered. Read this book (and find the others)!
Rating: Summary: thought provoking Review: In his brilliant novel "Time and Again" author Jack Finney weaves a tapistry of mystery, suspense and intrigue into an enigmatic journey thru the portals of time, space and the limits of the human mind. From his lair [ The Dakota] overlooking Central Park, Simon literally wills himself back to the 19th century. His mission could change who we are, the society we live in, or the fate of the human race itself. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good mystery wrapped in the limitless possibilities of our imagination. Whenever I pass The Dakota on one of my trips into the city I always make it a point to look up and wonder if there is someone walking among us who might be a visitor from the 21st centry.
Rating: Summary: A classic to be read over and over. Review: I discovered this book at my local library soon after it was published and have made it a point to read it about every 5 to 6 years since. I believe it is best described as "mystery-science". Without remorse and whatever-it-takes, love wins in the end. The infamous 'asking-for-a- light-in-the-lobby' scene is ruthless.
Rating: Summary: Simply my favorite novel. Period. Review: I have read this book at varying times of my life, and each time come away with more than I had before the re-reading. Over the past decade,I have purchased over twenty copies and given them to friends who also enjoy reading. The results are always the same: "Thank you for sharing this wonderful book with me!"
Rating: Summary: Get it now! Review: Quite simply, one of my favorite books of all time... I first read it in condensed version (blech!) on a rainy afternoon at my grandmother's house when I was quite young. The rain stopped, but I couldn't stop reading until it was finished. Since that time, I've lost count of the times I've read it, and I have given it as a gift to many of my book-loving friends. While it has some flaws, it is truly a fabulous book. The basic premise is fascinating and the historical detail completely absorbing. Above all, though, it gives the reader a wonderful gift -- new perspective on things familiar. If you haven't read it, get it now!
Rating: Summary: Time and Again... and again... and again... and again Review: I stumbled across this book over a decade ago in a friend's house while I was cat-sitting for him. I made it about halfway through before losing interest, but a few years later I bought my own copy and tried it again... with the same result - unable to finish. Recently I picked it up again... and again was unable to get very far before sleepiness and boredom took over. The premise grabs me, but it's poorly written with cardboard characters. At one point in the story Si Morley finds himself in front of Herman Melville's house and hangs around, hoping to meet the failed author. Jack Finney, in the voice of his protagonist, writes: "... I'd tell him that I liked "Moby-Dick" very much, which would have been an exaggeration though not entirely. This was sheer foolishness, and after a turn or two in front of the house, I left." Couched within his novel, I think the above quote is a semi-autobiographical admission by Jack Finney that he's an uninspired reader and an equally uninspiring author. Any other modern author would probably jump at the chance of having one of his characters meet a great author like Melville. "Time and Again" is filled with potential, but like the above scene, Finney throws most of it away on by making his main character a pseudo-intellectual dullard.
Rating: Summary: Perhaps the most gratifying book I've ever read. Review: Once I had read "Time and Again" after my brother had made his rave review, I have never been able to walk through a street in New York without looking up at a building that might have survived Sy Morley's 1892 visit. Those who did not enjoy the plot probably do not appreciate the detail that Finney embues into each page. And what an ingenious ending. This fiction wonder has romance, humor, intrigue, and quite a few surprises...(the picture of the Statue of Liberty's arm in Madison Square when the country was trying to raise money to build a base for it.) And as long as I live, I'll never forget Morley's description of that snowy night at the Dakota. I think Dickens would have appreciated Mr. Finney. This was a GREAT book.
Rating: Summary: One of the best books of all time! I wish I could try it! Review: I am a librarian, and review & suggest books all the time for my patrons. This one was suggested to me by a lady who had read/listened to both books with her husband. I read & listened to Time & Again & LOVED IT!! I was really caught up with all that was going on, feeling like I was there. It makes me want to look at books/pictures of 1880's New York and Chicago, where I live. I don't agree that you have to live in/know New York to enjoy this book. I wish I could travel back in time! I have been telling everyone about this book, and can't wait to read/listen to From Time to Time.
Rating: Summary: Started me looking at the world differently. Review: I really love this book. Not for the plot--it's not that strong. Not for the characters--Si Morley never really grabbed me. It's the fresh look at the world it gave me. Time and Again showed me that we're not so far removed from a past that had seemed distant to me. So much of that past is still here in our present. There's no line drawn to say "that was then, this is now." Jack Finney's idea has shown me the connection I have to people who lived before, and made me realize that I'm one of them. It's an eye-opener, and it's a fun read.
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