Time and Again

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Summary: One of the Best Books Ever Written
Review: I first read Jack Finney's Time and Again about a year ago. Never really a science fiction fan, I was unsure if I would enjoy it. Although I must admit the beginning was a bit slow, it helped set up the rest of the fast-paced novel that would follow. Despite the cliche, once I started reading Time and Again, it was very hard to put down. I love the accurate descriptions of old New York, and although some of the novel takes place in the seventies, it does not feel at all outdated. When I read it for the second time, I still couldn't help but to be amazed yet again by Finney's wonderful writing style that is so realistic you could actually believe that Simon Morley, the main character, went back into time. I have yet to read Jack Finney's other novels (I was surprised to learn that he wrote Invasion of the Body Snatchers), but I am anxious to read them. I would truly recommend this book to anyone, because even people with little or no interest in history and time travel will be able to appreciate Jack Finney's remarkable novel Time and Again. I really do believe that this is one of the best books ever written, and I hope that more people can read it, enjoy it, and realize what a great author Jack Finney is.

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Summary: Imagine !
Review: I read this book in 1970 in its first printing, and just finished my first re-read last week, 25 years later. I was once again overwhelmed by the scope of this novel, and the attention to detail that Mr. Finney devoted to his work. I was captured by the romance and magic of the characters and the concept, and the plot came to life as I read this fascinating glimpse into 19th Century New York. Anyone who is in the least bit interested in historic New York should read this book. You will fall under its spell and perhaps, not want to return to the 21st Century.

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Summary: Finally, plausible time travel!
Review: I usually shy away from time travel books. Too hokey for my tastes, but Time and Again was one of the 3 time travel themed books I enjoyed and one of my favorite books of all time (no pun intended). The first few chapters are little slow, but it picks up. Of course it helps that I love NYC, it's architecture and people. Reading the passages where Finney gets into detailed descriptions of the city never ceases to enthrall me. While I was reading the book originally, I happened to work a few blocks from the house where Julia "lived" and I'd pass by on my lunch hour. I felt like I was looking at the city through new eyes. Walking in Central Park after the first big snow, the city strangely silent, it is so easy to imagine a different time period and then you hear the harness bells and hoof beats of one of the city's horse 'n buggy, you almost have to shake yourself. This book isn't just for lovers of NYC though. One of the things I loved most about this book is that although it's fiction, Finney's mix of history and photography give it an incredible touch of authenticity. Also the author doesn't romanticize the past. Finney's New York comes to life with it's crowded sometimes dangerous conditions, smells (delicious or repugnant), sounds and sights. It's heartening to know that it always took an insane amount of time to get cross-town. Do yourself a favor and get through the first few chapters, this is a good read.

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Summary: Transported To A Different Magical World
Review: Jack Finney's timeless classic about a man who travels back in time to the late 19th century in NYC captured me. This book is not a difficult read and it strokes the imagination in a way much different than most novels. I first read it when I was about 15 years old and have just finished rereading it many years later. The first time I read Time and Again it made me wonder how the rest of the world might look, in response to this novel I traveled quite a bit and saw the world. Highly recommend this novel to anyone who is interested in viewing the world through another's eyes.

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Summary: You'll have to read it "Time and Again"
Review: Most people don't believe in time travel, but after reading Time and Again by Jack Finney (Simon and Schuster, New York, 1970) you might reconsider the possibilities. In this science fiction novel, Si Morley is chosen to travel through time from the present into the year 1882. His travels include romance, mystery, suspense, and life-and-death adventures. His assignment is to travel to historical New York City to investigate Jake Pickering and his connection to Si's modern-day friend, Kate.

A self-published review, written by "Gollancz" in 2003, describes the strengths and weaknesses of Time and Again. The reviewer explains that Time and Again is great for science fiction lovers. However, he believes that Finney is mistaken over many facts. He points out that Finney does an excellent job of showing the differences in the two historical periods of New York City. Many other books about time travel don't properly emphasize the differences in city living between now and then. "Finney conveys far more of how different the world of even the relatively recent past would seem to a time traveler..." The reviewer also notes that "Si can comment on things in a way not possible outside the science fiction genre." Time and Again has great qualities that a historical novel would not be able to demonstrate. The reviewer complains, however, that Finney's invented method of hypnotic time travel is confused and confusing. This forces Si "to be bounced back as soon as any conscious thought of future events intrudes."

I agree with the reviewer's comment that Finney does a nice job of showing the two periods of time that Si experiences. For instance, when Si and his friend, Julia, need to contact her aunt, he suggests that they call her on a telephone. Obviously Julia is confused by his meaning; telephones were not available then. Another situation occurs when Si spots the arm of the unfinished Statue of Liberty. He points out that the arm is not pale green, but a brilliant copper. Julia mentions that she thinks the statue will never be completed, Finney humors us with Si's prediction that the statue will indeed be finished and that a nearby harbor would be its home. These details support the reviewer's comment that only a time traveler can notice the details of the two different worlds. While reading Time and Again I didn't really notice how the author did such a good job of showing the culture shock of switching time periods. The reviewer's comments pointed out these qualities in the story.

I was frequently confused while reading Time and Again, but not by the hypnotic time travel technique. I was more confused by details in the plot. I don't agree with the reviewer's complaint about being "bounced back." I was surprised and enjoyed the twists and turns that make this novel fun to read. One such surprise occurs when Si and Kate travel to 1882 and when they return to their modern apartment they are suddenly back in their time. Kate explains to Si that they are back because "we came back to the apartment, and we came back in our minds too." I can see how the reviewer was confused, but I thought it was a good and surprising scene. Later, Si is able to bring Julia to his time, merely by holding her tightly while he hypnotizes only himself. This was also a surprising twist on his time travel; Julia was not hypnotized.

I hope other readers enjoy Time and Again as I have. I became wrapped up in the characters and felt as if I really knew them. In addition to the time travel excitement, this story provides an exciting mystery to solve. But it takes a long time to read, so it's not a good book to read under pressure. Jack Finney did an excellent job on this book and this is why it is still popular after thirty yeas in print. It should certainly be enjoyed "time and again."

Rating:
Summary: Cultural sci fi
Review: The book did a great job of depicting the late 1800s in New York City and how a present day man would interpret what he saw. Though the book has a sci-fi premise, the actual story is much more about the culture of the late 1800s.

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Summary: Better the First Time
Review: The first time I read this book, five years or so ago, I thought it was wonderful. I even made my mom, who reads very little fiction, buy a copy and she loved it as well. I just read it again for the second time, and I have to say, there were several flaws in the logic of the story that I either did not pick up on or just did not care about the first time around. (I am not going to enumerate them because the book is much more enjoyable if you do not see them.) A little long and a little wordy, it is nevertheless a pretty good read if you do not read too deeply.

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous and fascinating
Review: This book is a little bit slow in the first few chapters but stick it out and get through them and you will be glad you did. It is truly a fantastic book. I couldn't put it down and stayed up late to finish it. That's what a novel should be!

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous and fascinating
Review: This book is a little bit slow in the first few chapters but stick it out and get through them and you will be glad you did. It is truly a fantastic book. I couldn't put it down and stayed up late to finish it. That's what a novel should be!

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Summary: Magical Book..turned me on to new literature
Review: This book is a wonderful blend of historical fiction, science, fiction, mystery, and romance. Two genres I have always shyed away from, ironically, are historical and science fiction. Most historical fiction books I've read have been so boring they've put me to sleep. Often times science fiction books have horrible plots, very contrived and phoney. After reading this book, I realize that there is good and bad in each genre. This is the best. The plot moves along quickly, and always keeps you guessing at what will happen next. The details capture the moment perfectly, so you find yourself actually placed in the setting, experiencing Si's feelings. It's very magical. You can almost hear the gentle snow falling on the lamp posts and Si's heart pounding when Finney describes it.

The best thing about this book, however, is that the storyline is original. You won't recognize this plot from another book...it's very creative and unique. Not at all typical of time travel, or historical fiction novels. The mystery and adventure make it exciting, the historical aspects are a bonus for someone interested in historical settings, the time travel makes it facsinating, and the romance is great for a romance lover.

The only thing you should know is that the first few chapters give a base for the novel, and are not as interesting as the rest of the book. So don't throw down the book dissapointed if you've only read a chapter or two..you haven't really begun reading yet!(It can be a little confusing at first, since you won't really understand anything until a little later on..but when you begin to understand it, it's a WOW book.)

All in all...an extremely satisfying, captivating read. Believe me, you'll never forget this book! A must for anyone who enjoys reading.