Helpful Score: 3
The premise of the book is that Nick, accused of killing his wife, is given the ability to go back in time, one hour at a time, for a maximum of twelve hours, with the goal of preventing her death. It's an interesting premise, especially as unintended consequences play out, and I thought the book had some promise; however, I was less than enchanted by the writing, which at times was preachy and stilted:
"Sadly, tragedy is the great equalizer, Nick thought. It knows no ZIP code, has no country club membership or two-room cold-water flat. It strikes without prejudice, reminding us of the fragility of life, of what truly is important when all things are stripped away. For sorrow and loss, pain and suffering are innate in our hearts, and while they may lie dormant they are quickly remembered when death fills the air."
I rather suspect that a man reeling from the death of his wife and the realization first that he is the suspect and then that he has twelve hours to avert the tragedy would not be engaged in philosophical thoughts.
And later in the book:
"As the door to the locker facility slowly closed, trapping the sounds of mourning within, he brought himself back to his current reality. He would shut out all of the illogic, all of the pain he had experienced. Against the laws of physics so elegantly stated by Einstein, he would bridge the gap of time with his heart."
Is it just me, or should this prose be appearing in purple ink?
The book is a fast read and not necessarily a bad way to pass the time in the carpool line. But the author will not be at the top of my list for my PBS credits.
"Sadly, tragedy is the great equalizer, Nick thought. It knows no ZIP code, has no country club membership or two-room cold-water flat. It strikes without prejudice, reminding us of the fragility of life, of what truly is important when all things are stripped away. For sorrow and loss, pain and suffering are innate in our hearts, and while they may lie dormant they are quickly remembered when death fills the air."
I rather suspect that a man reeling from the death of his wife and the realization first that he is the suspect and then that he has twelve hours to avert the tragedy would not be engaged in philosophical thoughts.
And later in the book:
"As the door to the locker facility slowly closed, trapping the sounds of mourning within, he brought himself back to his current reality. He would shut out all of the illogic, all of the pain he had experienced. Against the laws of physics so elegantly stated by Einstein, he would bridge the gap of time with his heart."
Is it just me, or should this prose be appearing in purple ink?
The book is a fast read and not necessarily a bad way to pass the time in the carpool line. But the author will not be at the top of my list for my PBS credits.
I just could not get into this book. Maybe it was because it started at chapter 12 then counted it's way back down to chapter 12. I only read the first few chapters, then lost interest. But because it was a library book and soon to be due back, I tried it again and still I lost interest. I really wanted to like the book, the synopsis sounded great, the writing was good, and the main character and plot seemed alright, but I just couldn't stick with it. Maybe I should have kept reading, who knows maybe further into the book the story might have grabbed my attention better? It was one of the few books that I actually returned to the library unread!
Helpful Score: 2
Different than what I expected but very good. Nick is given the ablilty to go back in time by one hour increments to save the life of his wife but each hour puts a new twist on what is really happening until the very end. The end will shock you.
I never read anything from this author before and I might try another one.
I never read anything from this author before and I might try another one.
Helpful Score: 1
By far the best book I have read this year. I was written in a manner that was so different from anything I have ever read. It took my breath away reading it, I felt like I was part of the story. The characters were well developed, the story was thrilling and suspense filled. I cannot say enough about this book, find a way to get hold of a copy and read it! You will not be disappointed.
