Time Travel is an intrinsic component of many of Francesca’s favorite books. Interestingly, most of her favorite Time Travel adventures are not known as science fiction stories. See below, sometimes traveling through time is simply a plot device used to set the stage for a romance story or historical fiction. Francesca just loves an engrossing story!
The Time Traveler’s Wife is one of Francesca’s favorite novels of all time. It is the only book I’ve ever read which inspired me to write to the author to thank her for writing such a great story (and Francesca received a charming note in return!) The Time Traveler’s Wife is the story of a powerfully-drawn couple, Henry and Claire. Henry has a gene mutation which makes him spontaneously travel back and forth in time. He cannot control when or where he goes. After he marries Claire, he starts travelling back to her childhood. Since Claire is travelling through time normally, this means that she has grown up knowing Henry, but when they meet later, he has never seen her before. This is an incredibly moving story of deep love, patience, and togetherness. A real tear-jerker.
Time and Again puts the main character, Si Morley, in a scientific experiment to move him from 1970’s Manhattan to 1880’s Manhattan. There is a mystery element, and a romantic element, and an ethical-dilemna element, but the main joy of this book, for me, is the chance to “live” for a while in the Big Apple of long ago, when it was not so big. One thing I appreciate about Time and Again is that it does not completely romanticize the past: while the 1880’s were simpler and nicer in some ways, the author also demonstrates that much in the world has improved since then.
And, if you have any interest in time travel at all, you must read the classic work by H.G. Wells, The Time Machine! What will the world be like in the year 802,701? Not like this, I hope . . .
Happy reading!
xoxo, Francesca
The Time Traveler’s Wife is one of my favorite books of all time. I’ve read it several times and it never fails to move me and inspire me. Gorgeous writing, well-drawn characters, and a compelling story. I second your recommendation!
Comment by Claire — August 28, 2007 @ 9:06 am
I simply adore this book. It was a present from my best friend for my last birthday, and I read it during the most difficult time of my life thus far. The writing is supurb, and you have no choice to marvel at the way the plot finally resolves itself. Also who can help but be happy when reading it?!
Comment by TNBelle — August 28, 2007 @ 10:03 am
I thought I was the only person who had ever read Time and Again! It’s one of my favorites – unique, a great blend of old photos and drawings with a spectacular story. Jack Finney also has a great book of short stories out, but I was disappointed with the sequel to the novel.
Comment by Ash — August 28, 2007 @ 10:03 am
all three books are to be highly recommended… i loved The Time Traveller’s Wife so much, i couldn’t start another book for days; i’d find myself opening the book at random to read passage. Time and Again is such a favorite, i’ve worn out three copies (and it’s sequel, Time After Time) is also worth reading. The Time Machine is a classic.
i can also recommend one called “Time Out of Mind” by John Maxim which will give you a whole new perspective on snow storms!
Comment by bonnie-ann black — August 28, 2007 @ 12:32 pm
I like “Up the Line” by Robert Silverberg. (http://www.amazon.com/Up-Line-Robert-Silverberg/dp/0743444973/ref=sr_1_39/002-1622009-1352008?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188333653&sr=1-39)
I will say it is for mature readers.
Comment by Carol — August 28, 2007 @ 4:52 pm
Oh, you must read “The Mirror” by Marlys Milhiser. Young girl (set in the 70’s) switches bodies with her grandmother in 1910 Colorado mining town. Everyone’s who read it RAVES.
Comment by Lisa — August 28, 2007 @ 7:40 pm
You might also like the Outlander series (Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, Voyager, Drums of Autumn, The Fiery Cross, and A Breath of Snow and Ashes) by Diana Gabaldon. Very richly detailed (and lengthy!) books about a 20th century woman who travels back to the 18th century. These books are on my “keep forever” shelf. I loved the Jack Finney books, too. And The Time Traveler’s Wife just destroyed me, haunting me for weeks after reading it.
Comment by Megan — August 28, 2007 @ 10:01 pm
Both “Pirates” and “Knights” by Linda Lael Miller were superfantastic! I will most certainly find “The Time Traveler’s Wife” — everyone’s comments just about did me in!
Comment by KateriBella — August 28, 2007 @ 10:15 pm
Linda Lael Miller has two superfantastic ones that I have read (and, like Megan, have a ‘keep forever’ shelf), Pirates, and Knights.
Thanks to everyone’s comments on The Time Traveler’s Wife, I now have to spend more money on books (hooray)!
Comment by KateriBella — August 28, 2007 @ 10:17 pm
I second the nomination for The Outlander Series.
While the first book in the series is still my fave, they are all fantastic.
Comment by Jenna — August 29, 2007 @ 12:30 am
I lent the Time Traveler’s Wife to my stoic, executive type dad, and he cried at the very first chapter. LOVE that book. I get chills just reading brief summaries of it.
Comment by Tk — August 31, 2007 @ 1:31 pm