Rating: 
Summary: Addictive but a major plot hole
Review: This book kept me up all night, something few books do, and I am an avid reader. The highly realistic descriptions of 1882 New York were wonderful and the plot kept me turning the pages. I found, however, one huge problem with the time travel device. If other readers want to respond, I'd love an e-mail, Lani1253@aol.com. When Si initially goes back in time for the very short trip and isn't sure if it was real or not, why didn't he just look around his flat in the Dakota? The government couldn't possibly have decorated it exactly as it was in 1882, especially because he was told the apartment was vacant in that time. He should have come out of his trance into an empty apartment, much the same as Richard Matheson's character did in Somewhere in Time. Did his trance take all the furnishings with him? This kind of thing bugs me. Other than this, I recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Junk but strangely compelling
Review: I think anyone could have a field day criticizing the scientific or literary aspects of this book. However, the faults are so ridiculous and obvious it's hardly worth the effort. On the other hand, you can't put it down! A great read - a nice escape for a few hours.
Rating: 
Summary: A most memorable read
Review: If you're thinking of buying this book - don't hesitate an instant! I read it in 1995 and it still haunts me. I believe I disappeared into it and was barely able to drag myself away from its pages long enough to go to work. Be prepared for an all-night read. My only comfort when I had finished it was the knowledge that there was a sequel waiting for me. Alas, the world has since lost Mr. Jack Finney and there will be no more wonderful books by him. But for those of you who haven't read Time and Again, buy it, and also buy the sequel From Time to Time. Read them back to back. You will never look at NYC or the Statue of Liberty the same way again. I still regret that I cannot have book amnesia long enough to read these two books over again for the first time!
Rating:
Summary: Absorbing.... a good read!
Review: I read this book recently, and I am totally hooked!I found it very hard to put down.The writing style is charismatic, the characters are very real, and the plot is interesting.I especially love the way that it combines all my favourite elements of a good story: romance, fantasy, scifi,ect. I thought about this book for a long time afterwards: one doesn't know where fact ends and fiction begins.
Rating: 
Summary: Compelling, Yet Flawed
Review: Time and Again is the story of Simon Morley's successful attempt to travel back in time to 1882 New York City to unravel the mystery behind his present-day girlfriend's custodial father's father's suicide. The story is compelling, and while Mr. Finney may not be the most gifted writer, he is indeed a gifted storyteller. The plot is character-driven and short on science, therefore many science fiction diehards may find it not to their liking. (Hint: time travel in Time and Again is not the result of technology, but instead a trance-induced tricking of one's mind to "see beyond the bend in the river behind you as you travel down river".) The novel's strength lies in Mr. Finney's descriptive narrative of a New York City long gone. He not only succeeds in describing buildings and landmarks in vivid detail, but also depicts the subtle nuances of the people of that era - long before television and even radio... when people actually dined together, and afterward played charades or any number of other parlor games to amuse and entertain themselves before bedtime.Part mystery and part romance, the story is lovingly told, but at times the narration borders on the melodramatic and the diction often becomes quirky. Also, at times one wonders if Mr. Finney is using his protagonist to editorialize his own views of our modern day society - comparisons of late nineteenth century New York (a kinder, gentler New York) with the turbulent 1960's abound, intended perhaps to create a multidimensional character, but which only serve to highlight Morley's inconsistencies. Often the reader is asked to stretch his disbelief well beyond the boundaries of fiction (I found it easier to believe in time travel than I did believing Mr. Finney's description of how the fire in the World Building was started); the plot perhaps is a trifle too pat. Morley seems to make the right decision at the right time, yet even when he doesn't, this too, seems tightly scripted - it usually happens for a reason and usually to Morley's benefit. Having missed this book thirty years ago, I recently picked up the Scribner trade edition that was released in 1995. One can see why it has attained cult status: it can be read in a multitude of ways - as historical fiction, as a romance novel, even as a mystery novel - and therefore appeals to a wide spectrum of readers, so long as none of them are too discerning. I won't say that I didn't enjoy it; but neither can I claim it as one of my top 10 (or even top 100) favorite novels of all time.
Rating:
Summary: Superb descriptive prose places the reader in another time
Review: For those who like time travel yarns, this is the best. Melodrama, mystery, romance make for a good story but the skillful use of descriptive detail gives the reader the sensation of actually living 19th century New York. The only negative comment I can make is that the story begins slowly, introducing us to the 'science' that makes time travel possible(ridiculous at best) but the trip is worth the wait.
Rating:
Summary: "Oh call back yesterday..."
Review: Inevitably based on the play / film "Berkeley Square" and select episodes of "The Twilight Zone", this is a lovingly researched novel and an enjoyable tale. Simon Morley is plucked from his uninspiring job as an advertising agency artist by a mysterious government official with an offer not to be refused...to travel by act of will into another time. To succeed, Morley must create the very essence of 1882 New York in his mind; the texture and colour of a past age. I welcome the news that this book is to be brought to the screen. So long as it is sensitively handled, it will benefit from a large Hollywood budget; with the Statue of Liberty making it's biggest cinematic impact since "Planet of the Apes". This book lacks the emotional core of the later novel "Bid Time Return" by Richard Matheson (who wrote for "The Twilight Zone") and the exploration of inescapable fate and paradox theory. To thoroughly explore this theme I would recommend for anyone to read both titles.
Rating:
Summary: An interesting and unique look at New York
Review: Jack Finney's 1970 masterpiece is a great look at old New York. Hasn't anyone that has ever been to New York wished they could take a step back in time and see what it was like when the Dakota was considered the suburbs? When horse and buggies roamed the streets and Central Park? Time and Again is the story of Si Morley who agrees to do just that - try to take a step back in time. While the book does not focus on the scientific - it certainly is descriptive. I felt that I was walking along side Si as he strolled the streets of yesteryear. While reading this book - the reader must realize that this was originally penned in 1970 and has gained something akin to cult status so if some plot lines seem a bit familiar they were copied from Time and Again. While I liked The Alientist better for it's plot - Time and Again certainly recreated New York in the 1800's more vividly for me. It is certainly a worthwhile read.
Rating: 
Summary: One of my favorite BOOKS ... but the abridged tape )c:
Review: I read TIME & AGAIN every few years, and it's magic every time. But the abridged cassette version ... the editor cut the heart out of this book. Finney's wonderful wordplay, his story-telling and sense of what details to include are lost in the stripped down version. What's saddest is that so many people will only listen to this cassette version, and never know they're missing one of the most enjoyable books of the last 50 years.
Rating:
Summary: A HOT DOG AND THIS BOOK
Review: When literature is the topic and I memtion "Time And Again", I can't tell you how often the words, "It's my favorite book" are spoken. Comments from people who did not like it just confirm that there is no accounting for taste. Give me a hot dog and this book and I'm content. Others might want a steak and "Vanna Speaks."
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