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Time Is Irreverent #1
Time Is Irreverent
AN IRREVERENT, LIBERAL, TWISTY, TIME TRAVEL COMEDY!
What if you could make a change to history that would eliminate the Spanish Inquisition, American slavery, World War II, global warming, and an egomaniacal US president who thought he was smart enough to drop nuclear bombs here and there without negative consequences? What if that change also made the United States and 5 billion people poof from existence? Would you do it?
When alien time travel specialists, the Krichards, learn of President Handley's game of dodge the mushroom cloud, they race to Earth to investigate. For them, the question of whether it's worth it to change history is easy to answer, but they will only proceed if the human they deem best qualified to represent Earth agrees to make the change. Erasing Handley's nuclear annihilation will require a quick jump to AD 31 to correct an error in history. If the Krichards select a brilliant scientist or an elite athlete for the task, Earth may be in good hands. Instead they select Marty Mann, a mildly successful travel writer whose only superpower is not taking life too seriously. What could possibly go wrong?
Spanning from the Cretaceous period to 2056, Time Is Irreverent is a hilarious, thought-provoking satire, with unpredictable twists, colorful aliens, huge dinosaurs, a smokin' hot lesbian from the future, and a cameo from Jesus Christ himself!
Publisher's Warning: This book is intended for a liberal audience and features satirical content that may not be appropriate for Donald Trump supporters or those who are offended by views that challenge traditional religious beliefs. Common side effects include wide smiles, sudden laughter, and occasional snorts. Reader discretion is advised.
What if you could make a change to history that would eliminate the Spanish Inquisition, American slavery, World War II, global warming, and an egomaniacal US president who thought he was smart enough to drop nuclear bombs here and there without negative consequences? What if that change also made the United States and 5 billion people poof from existence? Would you do it?
When alien time travel specialists, the Krichards, learn of President Handley's game of dodge the mushroom cloud, they race to Earth to investigate. For them, the question of whether it's worth it to change history is easy to answer, but they will only proceed if the human they deem best qualified to represent Earth agrees to make the change. Erasing Handley's nuclear annihilation will require a quick jump to AD 31 to correct an error in history. If the Krichards select a brilliant scientist or an elite athlete for the task, Earth may be in good hands. Instead they select Marty Mann, a mildly successful travel writer whose only superpower is not taking life too seriously. What could possibly go wrong?
Spanning from the Cretaceous period to 2056, Time Is Irreverent is a hilarious, thought-provoking satire, with unpredictable twists, colorful aliens, huge dinosaurs, a smokin' hot lesbian from the future, and a cameo from Jesus Christ himself!
Publisher's Warning: This book is intended for a liberal audience and features satirical content that may not be appropriate for Donald Trump supporters or those who are offended by views that challenge traditional religious beliefs. Common side effects include wide smiles, sudden laughter, and occasional snorts. Reader discretion is advised.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2018
About the author
Marty Essen
10 books48 followersMarty Essen began writing professionally in the 1990s as a features writer for Gig Magazine. His first book, Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents, won six awards, and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune named it a “Top Ten Green Book.” His second book, Endangered Edens: Exploring the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica, the Everglades, and Puerto Rico, won four awards.
His novels, Time Is Irreverent, Time Is Irreverent 2: Jesus Christ, Not Again! Time Is Irreverent 3: Gone for 16 Seconds, and Doctor Refurb have all become Amazon #1 Best-Sellers in at least one category.
His seventh, Doctor Refurb, was a Booklife by Publisher’s Weekly Editor’s Pick and a Top-5 Finalist in the Shelf Unbound 2022 Best Indie Book contest.
The Silver Squad, published in early 2025, is Marty’s eighth and most mass appeal book to-date.
Marty is also a popular college speaker. Over the past seventeen years, he has captivated audiences with the stage-show version of Cool Creatures, Hot Planet, performing it on hundreds of campuses in forty-five states.
His novels, Time Is Irreverent, Time Is Irreverent 2: Jesus Christ, Not Again! Time Is Irreverent 3: Gone for 16 Seconds, and Doctor Refurb have all become Amazon #1 Best-Sellers in at least one category.
His seventh, Doctor Refurb, was a Booklife by Publisher’s Weekly Editor’s Pick and a Top-5 Finalist in the Shelf Unbound 2022 Best Indie Book contest.
The Silver Squad, published in early 2025, is Marty’s eighth and most mass appeal book to-date.
Marty is also a popular college speaker. Over the past seventeen years, he has captivated audiences with the stage-show version of Cool Creatures, Hot Planet, performing it on hundreds of campuses in forty-five states.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
June 1, 2018
Self-indulgent Liberal Atheist Fantasy
Preface: I'm about as left-wing as they come, so what I write below is written without malice for the author's political views. Instead, I'm writing about the book, its plot and characters, and the author.
What I Liked
1) There's some decent humor. Nothing side-splitting, but some of it is cute.
2) The book is written to promote views on science and religion that I generally hold.
What I Didn't Like
1) Just about everything else. Read on...
I'll try to keep this short, but I'm not sure I can... Time Is Irreverent bugged the heck out of me. In fact, it bothered me so much that I had to read it to the end in order to justify writing this review.
OK, try it again...
What I Didn't Like
1) The complete dismissal of all religions as worthless.
I'm not saying there's not a grain of truth/value to the concept that religion has been used and perverted to cause immense harm to the world. But to dismiss all religion out-of-hand in the way the author did felt reductive to the point of belligerence. Sure, religion has been abused in so many ways - but it's also possible that human nature is the problem, and that religion is simply an excuse for behavior that would have still happened.
2) The treatment of "other" in the book
Start with women: I've never met Marty Essen, but if I had to guess, I'd say he calls himself a feminist; this book argues strongly against that concept. At every turn, the main character is faced with the same dilemma: do I attempt to have sex with this "smokin' hot" female character? From Chrissie to Nellie to Alison, Marty Mann is just an average human male who happens to be irresistible to females. Never mind that he espouses equality and derides anyone who thinks that women are a man's property; he's still noticing their looks over and over, regardless of whether they're interested in him or not.
That hypocrisy is even worse with the treatment of the book's only queer character, Nellie the "Smokin' Hot Lesbian Best Friend." Nellie, who somehow gets laid more than Marty does (because lesbians are hot, right Mr. Essen?), still seems willing to cross some lines in order to further her cause. Put a penis in her mouth to escape capture? Sure, why not! Flash Marty to show her "sisterly affection" for him while letting him appreciate that she's "smokin' hot"? Absolutely! Nellie may be gay, but she still exists for the pleasure and appreciation of the main character and author.
Not even extraterrestrials escape mistreatment at the hands of Marty Mann. When he discovers he has difficulty pronouncing their names, does he try harder? No, he just gives them new names - which they cheerfully adopt without issue. And these aliens, are they there to complete a mission? Sure, but only if it helps Marty have fun and learn a valuable lesson. The jealous nature of the alien females coupled with the whole, "we settle disputes by wrestling naked in front of the male" concept - well, that actually hit the trifecta, didn't it? It managed to imply that women, aliens, AND lesbianism all exist for the author's (I mean, character's) enjoyment.
And don't even get me started on the whole "Jesus as faith healer" idea. I'm not Christian, but even I thought that felt over the line.
3) The obvious main-character-as-author-wish-fulfillment
"Marty Essen has lived in Minnesota and Montana." Hmm... sound familiar?
As the author surrogate proceeds to protect time and space, destroy the bible, save his friends, and bed the hottest females in the universe, Marty Mann becomes so obvious a stand-in for the author that it detracts from the plot.
4) The problems with aliens
So many. So, so many.
Let's see... first, the idea that alien female parts are compatible with human male parts is actually more disturbing than anything else. But also the idea that aliens are basically just tall humans with long, expressive eyelashes seems completely bonkers - particularly for a book that pushes science as the only correct way of thinking. I mean, humans evolved to look the way we do - why on earth would the "Krichardians" have evolved to look similar to us, let alone have compatible genitalia?
Then we get into the idea that "average human" Marty seems to have far more and better ideas than sophisticated creatures whose technology exceeds ours by millennia. Or that a species that is capable of time travel would rather use a human to solve problems than just do it themselves. Or that ... well, you get the idea.
5) "My ideas are right; your ideas are stupid and backward"
That's the only possible sense one can get from this book: that Essens is saying his beliefs (science good, religion bad) are 100% right and that anyone who believes different is an oafish lout. And sure, I happen to share many of his views, but that's not really the point - this is just as dismissive of other viewpoints as the horrendous "One Second After," just from the other side of the aisle. Both are made significantly worse by the viewpoints of their authors - but at least "Time Is Irreverent" bills itself as humor.
In all... I wouldn't read a sequel, and I don't plan to read any more books by Marty Essen. I hope he reads this and thinks about some of the choices he made when writing this book, and then rethinks those decisions for future works.
Preface: I'm about as left-wing as they come, so what I write below is written without malice for the author's political views. Instead, I'm writing about the book, its plot and characters, and the author.
What I Liked
1) There's some decent humor. Nothing side-splitting, but some of it is cute.
2) The book is written to promote views on science and religion that I generally hold.
What I Didn't Like
1) Just about everything else. Read on...
I'll try to keep this short, but I'm not sure I can... Time Is Irreverent bugged the heck out of me. In fact, it bothered me so much that I had to read it to the end in order to justify writing this review.
OK, try it again...
What I Didn't Like
1) The complete dismissal of all religions as worthless.
I'm not saying there's not a grain of truth/value to the concept that religion has been used and perverted to cause immense harm to the world. But to dismiss all religion out-of-hand in the way the author did felt reductive to the point of belligerence. Sure, religion has been abused in so many ways - but it's also possible that human nature is the problem, and that religion is simply an excuse for behavior that would have still happened.
2) The treatment of "other" in the book
Start with women: I've never met Marty Essen, but if I had to guess, I'd say he calls himself a feminist; this book argues strongly against that concept. At every turn, the main character is faced with the same dilemma: do I attempt to have sex with this "smokin' hot" female character? From Chrissie to Nellie to Alison, Marty Mann is just an average human male who happens to be irresistible to females. Never mind that he espouses equality and derides anyone who thinks that women are a man's property; he's still noticing their looks over and over, regardless of whether they're interested in him or not.
That hypocrisy is even worse with the treatment of the book's only queer character, Nellie the "Smokin' Hot Lesbian Best Friend." Nellie, who somehow gets laid more than Marty does (because lesbians are hot, right Mr. Essen?), still seems willing to cross some lines in order to further her cause. Put a penis in her mouth to escape capture? Sure, why not! Flash Marty to show her "sisterly affection" for him while letting him appreciate that she's "smokin' hot"? Absolutely! Nellie may be gay, but she still exists for the pleasure and appreciation of the main character and author.
Not even extraterrestrials escape mistreatment at the hands of Marty Mann. When he discovers he has difficulty pronouncing their names, does he try harder? No, he just gives them new names - which they cheerfully adopt without issue. And these aliens, are they there to complete a mission? Sure, but only if it helps Marty have fun and learn a valuable lesson. The jealous nature of the alien females coupled with the whole, "we settle disputes by wrestling naked in front of the male" concept - well, that actually hit the trifecta, didn't it? It managed to imply that women, aliens, AND lesbianism all exist for the author's (I mean, character's) enjoyment.
And don't even get me started on the whole "Jesus as faith healer" idea. I'm not Christian, but even I thought that felt over the line.
3) The obvious main-character-as-author-wish-fulfillment
"Marty Essen has lived in Minnesota and Montana." Hmm... sound familiar?
As the author surrogate proceeds to protect time and space, destroy the bible, save his friends, and bed the hottest females in the universe, Marty Mann becomes so obvious a stand-in for the author that it detracts from the plot.
4) The problems with aliens
So many. So, so many.
Let's see... first, the idea that alien female parts are compatible with human male parts is actually more disturbing than anything else. But also the idea that aliens are basically just tall humans with long, expressive eyelashes seems completely bonkers - particularly for a book that pushes science as the only correct way of thinking. I mean, humans evolved to look the way we do - why on earth would the "Krichardians" have evolved to look similar to us, let alone have compatible genitalia?
Then we get into the idea that "average human" Marty seems to have far more and better ideas than sophisticated creatures whose technology exceeds ours by millennia. Or that a species that is capable of time travel would rather use a human to solve problems than just do it themselves. Or that ... well, you get the idea.
5) "My ideas are right; your ideas are stupid and backward"
That's the only possible sense one can get from this book: that Essens is saying his beliefs (science good, religion bad) are 100% right and that anyone who believes different is an oafish lout. And sure, I happen to share many of his views, but that's not really the point - this is just as dismissive of other viewpoints as the horrendous "One Second After," just from the other side of the aisle. Both are made significantly worse by the viewpoints of their authors - but at least "Time Is Irreverent" bills itself as humor.
In all... I wouldn't read a sequel, and I don't plan to read any more books by Marty Essen. I hope he reads this and thinks about some of the choices he made when writing this book, and then rethinks those decisions for future works.
June 16, 2020
If you're looking for fine literature, this isn't it. Cutting edge science fiction? Nope. But if you've had all of Donald J. Trump you can handle being a reasonable human being, worry about who has the codes to launch nuclear weapons, and regularly measure your strip of coast line to see if the water has risen, give this quick read a go. When things are bad a little humor never hurt.
It is 2020. POTUS may not be named Trump, but President Handley's not afraid to drop a nuke here and there. Enter a friendly race of aliens who consider Earth worth saving. All that is needed is to correct a tiny historical bobble in 31 AD. And the appropriate human being to do it. The least likely chosen one is Marty Mann, a 30 year old travel writer.
Marty travels from the Cretaceous period to 2056. Things have gone from bad to worse. A constitutional amendment has eliminated the presidency replacing it with the Office of Supreme Commander. Rock and Roll is gone. Christianity is the only religion observed. Homosexuality is a mandatory one year imprisonment for the first offense. Ten years for the second. Florida is mostly under water.
The trip to 31 AD is the only thing to reverse the mess.
There's something here to offend any Trumper. I figure with everything the rest of us have put up with, we're entitled to a few laughs.
It is 2020. POTUS may not be named Trump, but President Handley's not afraid to drop a nuke here and there. Enter a friendly race of aliens who consider Earth worth saving. All that is needed is to correct a tiny historical bobble in 31 AD. And the appropriate human being to do it. The least likely chosen one is Marty Mann, a 30 year old travel writer.
Marty travels from the Cretaceous period to 2056. Things have gone from bad to worse. A constitutional amendment has eliminated the presidency replacing it with the Office of Supreme Commander. Rock and Roll is gone. Christianity is the only religion observed. Homosexuality is a mandatory one year imprisonment for the first offense. Ten years for the second. Florida is mostly under water.
The trip to 31 AD is the only thing to reverse the mess.
There's something here to offend any Trumper. I figure with everything the rest of us have put up with, we're entitled to a few laughs.
September 22, 2018
Oh Boy. I don’t like writing negative reviews, but I was given a free review copy of this book and felt bound to voluntarily leave this honest review.
Starts out great: lighthearted, fun adventure – unlikely, sure, but as soon as I bought the concepts I was strapped in and onboard. The lead character is a mostly likable, but empty-headed thirty-something who would be the last person (I hope) to save Earth in any scenario.
Then, it changed suddenly.
What began as a time jumping comedy/sci-fi turns into a bizarre road trip and shallow, vapid political manifesto. The author becomes much more concerned with political and social diatribes through the new tone of the story than trying to cover plot holes or remain coherent. Felt like a bait-and-switch and it turned me off. The tension of the plot vanished, and I saw no reason to finish after getting about 70% into the book. I tried to make it to the end, but after a while, it was like watching a bad juggler. I just shook my head and walked away.
The voice artist was excellent, handling many sounds, voices, and accents well.
Starts out great: lighthearted, fun adventure – unlikely, sure, but as soon as I bought the concepts I was strapped in and onboard. The lead character is a mostly likable, but empty-headed thirty-something who would be the last person (I hope) to save Earth in any scenario.
Then, it changed suddenly.
What began as a time jumping comedy/sci-fi turns into a bizarre road trip and shallow, vapid political manifesto. The author becomes much more concerned with political and social diatribes through the new tone of the story than trying to cover plot holes or remain coherent. Felt like a bait-and-switch and it turned me off. The tension of the plot vanished, and I saw no reason to finish after getting about 70% into the book. I tried to make it to the end, but after a while, it was like watching a bad juggler. I just shook my head and walked away.
The voice artist was excellent, handling many sounds, voices, and accents well.
June 25, 2018
This is one of the most obnoxious books I've ever read. Only made it 1/3 of the way though before I couldn't take it any more. The author (because lets face it, the main character is the authors self insert) is like one of those kids in high school who thinks he's a science genius because he watched a lot of Star Trek, (in the case of this book, he watched a lot of Star Trek while stoned out of his mind). Then struts around, with the most over blown sense of superiority while babbling the stupidest "scientific" """"facts"""" possible. There's a lot more wrong with this book, but, as an engineer, that's what really stood out to me given how hard he pushes the SCIENCE as the one true way of living mentality.
June 20, 2018
Pot head jokes.
Pot head jokes as far as the eye can see.
And 60's pot head jokes at that.
Might be funny if you're high. Otherwise, skip it.
Pot head jokes as far as the eye can see.
And 60's pot head jokes at that.
Might be funny if you're high. Otherwise, skip it.
August 8, 2019
This is not for the easily offended. It was amusing, but I found the whole human/alien relationship too convenient, and BTW, if you’re going to write about it, why not mention what it would be like to have sex with an alien? It’s got to be a little different. It’s nice that the author supports equality for women, but he does so with a “smokin’ hot” lesbian. Funny, how the attractiveness of all the female characters (alien or human) was important. Otherwise, this was an amusing book with a good premise – having to go back in time to set humankind on a better, less destructive path. I’m all for that. But this could’ve been a better book with Marty visiting numerous time periods. It bogged down a bit when it seemed to veer away from the premise.
February 28, 2018
💫 STELLAR! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING BOOK! 💫
Like a brilliant star among glimmer is this outstandingly creative book. The lavishly clever mixture of everything from sci-fi and Rock ‘n Roll over to politics and religion,(surprise, surprise who would have thought those could be mixed!). And with a perfect pitch and expert skill its spiced with humor and witty satire. Its sheer brilliance. Even the ten commandements, and a bunch of dinosaurs are omboard, rocking away with sassy aliens, and a very earthly guy. This is a absolutely stellar read, “un-put-downable”, and unforgettable!
Like a brilliant star among glimmer is this outstandingly creative book. The lavishly clever mixture of everything from sci-fi and Rock ‘n Roll over to politics and religion,(surprise, surprise who would have thought those could be mixed!). And with a perfect pitch and expert skill its spiced with humor and witty satire. Its sheer brilliance. Even the ten commandements, and a bunch of dinosaurs are omboard, rocking away with sassy aliens, and a very earthly guy. This is a absolutely stellar read, “un-put-downable”, and unforgettable!
October 4, 2018
Mildly entertaining, but very shallow. Even allowing for the science fiction premise of aliens and time travel, parts of the story were just ridiculous. That said, it was an easy enough read and the pace was good. Without giving spoilers: The problems and solutions (as well as the characters) were presented in a very simplistic manner. In some ways, the novel seems like it was written by a teen aged boy for other teen aged boys because of the references to a "smokin' hot" lesbian, as well as the courting/mating habits of aliens.
November 15, 2019
I expected so much more. While there were a couple of chuckles and some good insight on how humans are screwing up our planet, for the most part I felt like I was reading a young adult book written by a 10 year old. Most of the story was boring, and the dialogue was awful. Skip this one. Unfortunately I bought the sequel and am not expecting it will be better. We shall see.
April 27, 2018
OK for an amateur written story.
I thought it was OK if it was an amateur SF writer, but much of the time travel elements had some major issues. The biggest one for me was the way the characters messed around with history. I was hoping for something more.
I thought it was OK if it was an amateur SF writer, but much of the time travel elements had some major issues. The biggest one for me was the way the characters messed around with history. I was hoping for something more.
March 2, 2018
This is Marty Essen's third book, and I feel I must begin my review with these disclaimers. I worked for the author for five years in the early 2000s. While I might not have been present for the conception of his first book, I was certainly there for the labor and delivery. I got to read the book as it was being written, and thoroughly enjoyed my unofficial role as proof-reader and first editor. I had left Marty's business when his second book came out, but I read it eagerly and found it as enjoyable as the first. Both were travelogues, as it were, describing Marty's visits to all seven continents (in the first book) and a selection of places facing environmental devastation in the second. This book is completely different. And I will admit that I was given a copy of the book with the promise that I would write my honest review of it. After five years of working side by side with Marty, I thought I knew him. I know his passion for politics, his love of travel, his deep concern for the environment, and all of those come out in Time is Irreverent. What was a surprise to me was his great sense of humor. Holy Smokin' Hot Nellie! This book is funny. You can read it as Science Fiction, as Satire, as Political Humor, as a cautionary tale, but you will laugh as you read. The book shows up in Amazon as, among other things, a book of interest to the LGBT community. I'm not spoiling anything when I tell you that one of the main characters is a lesbian--but she doesn't show up until at least a third of the way through the book. The characters are well-developed, even the aliens on their space ship (another spoiler?). Marty's love of the modern music scene is also quite evident throughout the book. And the question we all must answer, especially as we live through the horror of our present day political scene, is "just what all will happen if we go back and change history." Read the book. It has my highest recommendation.
August 29, 2020
I was optimistic about this book before I started as it seemed to deal with some interesting concepts in a light, comic manner. I am disappointed to have found that it reads more like the creative work of a twelve year old boy.
The book reads like this;
I’m meeting real life aliens! Now I’m seeing dinosaurs! I’m having sex with a hot alien! I’m in the future! I’m friends with a hot lesbian! I met Jesus! I changed the future! Now I’m important! The end.
The book reads like this;
I’m meeting real life aliens! Now I’m seeing dinosaurs! I’m having sex with a hot alien! I’m in the future! I’m friends with a hot lesbian! I met Jesus! I changed the future! Now I’m important! The end.
October 1, 2018
The Most Fun Read In Years
OK so there's no hard SF technospeak. So what? This is great fun, full of laughs, takes pot shots at the sacred cows, and, skewers Trump like a porker on a spit. What's not to like?! The characters seem like real people you'd love to meet. The action grabs and holds. The premise is serious, and worth considering. Don't miss this one.
OK so there's no hard SF technospeak. So what? This is great fun, full of laughs, takes pot shots at the sacred cows, and, skewers Trump like a porker on a spit. What's not to like?! The characters seem like real people you'd love to meet. The action grabs and holds. The premise is serious, and worth considering. Don't miss this one.
September 22, 2018
Cute little book
As the heading suggests, I found this book to be kinda cute. I know SF books aren’t usually described that way, but that’s the first word that came to mind when I started this review. It was borderline silly but I still really enjoyed it.
As the heading suggests, I found this book to be kinda cute. I know SF books aren’t usually described that way, but that’s the first word that came to mind when I started this review. It was borderline silly but I still really enjoyed it.
January 11, 2019
Fun and worth the read
Funny, irreverant, and well written. A definite good and entertaining read. Caution: you may not like if you are homophobic, misogynistic, or an overly zealous Christian.
Funny, irreverant, and well written. A definite good and entertaining read. Caution: you may not like if you are homophobic, misogynistic, or an overly zealous Christian.
February 14, 2018
I really like the humor in this book. There is a visual quality in this book and that is where the humor comes from. I love to see aliens that look like Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders and Bruce Springsteen. I love all the music references in this book because I grew up listening to the same rock music. I like the science information about the moons on Saturn and Jupiter. I didn't know moons existed on these planets.
Time is Irreverent is more about music references and science. I love the theme of time travel. The idea of travelling to the past in an attempt to change things in the future is fascinating because this is something I have dreamt about. Travelling to 31 AD to meet Jesus Christ or further back to look at dinosaurs would be so much fun to do.
This book is so timely for me because there have been so many people who tried to impose their different religious beliefs on me. lately. This book makes me question whether I need any form of religion at all. I believe in finding my own answers to my questions through research and actual experience. I like the idea of having a new set of ten commandments. This new list of commandment supports equality and fairness for everyone regardless of race and gender.
Time is Irreverent is more about music references and science. I love the theme of time travel. The idea of travelling to the past in an attempt to change things in the future is fascinating because this is something I have dreamt about. Travelling to 31 AD to meet Jesus Christ or further back to look at dinosaurs would be so much fun to do.
This book is so timely for me because there have been so many people who tried to impose their different religious beliefs on me. lately. This book makes me question whether I need any form of religion at all. I believe in finding my own answers to my questions through research and actual experience. I like the idea of having a new set of ten commandments. This new list of commandment supports equality and fairness for everyone regardless of race and gender.
February 26, 2018
This is an extremely well written satire about what ultimately happens to our planet Earth and a "small change" in the time line of history could possibly make it a much better place in which to live. Of course it will take some Aliens to abduct a mortal man and set him up in the role to change it all. There are a couple of miscalculations and Marty ends up with the Dinosaurs-but have no fear. They then send him to the future where he sees what a mess Earth really is---and ends up picking up a lesbian and absconding with her.
The Aliens then decide to send them both back to the beginning where all the trouble began.
Of course with all the changes to the timeline--some people and things would just go poof--------so they had to figure out how not to go poof themselves.
You may or may not believe in Global Warming and Corporate Greed-and you may doubt that things could revert back to the bad old (or good old) days--but I suggest you read this anyway. I will not be responding to any inflammatory comments!
Time Is Irreverent
The Aliens then decide to send them both back to the beginning where all the trouble began.
Of course with all the changes to the timeline--some people and things would just go poof--------so they had to figure out how not to go poof themselves.
You may or may not believe in Global Warming and Corporate Greed-and you may doubt that things could revert back to the bad old (or good old) days--but I suggest you read this anyway. I will not be responding to any inflammatory comments!
Time Is Irreverent
February 22, 2018
Differnt
Unusual premise. Very interesting characters that were likeable and relatable. Well written with good humor. Be aware of challenges to the norm!
Unusual premise. Very interesting characters that were likeable and relatable. Well written with good humor. Be aware of challenges to the norm!
August 29, 2018
Like many thinking folks in 2018, I have wondered what the world would be like if we had had less influence by religion and more by reason and science. This takes that internal daydream to its silly but fun conclusion of time travel and a rearranging of the order of world events. It's not particularly scientifically literate (see: time travel to dinosaur times), nor is it intended to be. It's very obvious that the point isn't to be a hard-core science fiction work, but rather a political satire through the lens of sometimes-hokey science fiction. The humor was often cute, sometimes crass, but rarely laugh-out-loud hilarious.
I'm not that interested in music and most of the referenced music is for a generation before mine, so nearly all of the musical references and reverence were lost on me, but I would guess that for the right (particularly right age) audience it would be fun.
My biggest beef is the clear view of women as creatures for Marty's pleasure, despite repeated statements to the contrary. Particularly around his difficulty with Nellie as a "smokin' hot" companion and his inability to see past her looks and view her as an equal, all while railing against the hyper-misogynist society that Nellie was raised in. The words don't ring true against the actions and thoughts of the main character/author.
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.*
I'm not that interested in music and most of the referenced music is for a generation before mine, so nearly all of the musical references and reverence were lost on me, but I would guess that for the right (particularly right age) audience it would be fun.
My biggest beef is the clear view of women as creatures for Marty's pleasure, despite repeated statements to the contrary. Particularly around his difficulty with Nellie as a "smokin' hot" companion and his inability to see past her looks and view her as an equal, all while railing against the hyper-misogynist society that Nellie was raised in. The words don't ring true against the actions and thoughts of the main character/author.
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.*
December 14, 2018
A whimsical tale full of satire and comedy.
Enjoyed this one. It's a different take on how our current timeline in 2018 can go so, so wrong. Pushing it forward to the point where alien intervention is needed for the survival of the human race. Reminded me of something inspired by the writings of Douglas Adams or Matt Haig. With that being said, Marty Essen still has a writing style that is uniquely his.
I liked how there was a lot going on in the story and how many moving parts there were. It all worked well together. I also enjoyed how the main character never really took himself seriously, providing a lot of laughs and gags. His personality set a tone for the book and matched well with the alien's curiosity behind learning about humankind.
The only critique I would have is that I felt that the whole Bonnie & Clyde thing in the middle of the book became a little played out, but that's just a personal opinion. I can see how others would like it though.
Altogether, it's a good, light-hearted and fun story. Enjoyed going through it and being tossed into a different reality where aliens comically attempt to "fix" human errors in time.
Also, I'd like to add that I find it hilarious to read some of these other reviews from people who take this book way too seriously. Clearly revealing their political opinions. If that's the case you probably shouldn't be ready much sci-fi, buddy.
Will be looking forward to reading more from Marty Essen in the future. Great fun.
Enjoyed this one. It's a different take on how our current timeline in 2018 can go so, so wrong. Pushing it forward to the point where alien intervention is needed for the survival of the human race. Reminded me of something inspired by the writings of Douglas Adams or Matt Haig. With that being said, Marty Essen still has a writing style that is uniquely his.
I liked how there was a lot going on in the story and how many moving parts there were. It all worked well together. I also enjoyed how the main character never really took himself seriously, providing a lot of laughs and gags. His personality set a tone for the book and matched well with the alien's curiosity behind learning about humankind.
The only critique I would have is that I felt that the whole Bonnie & Clyde thing in the middle of the book became a little played out, but that's just a personal opinion. I can see how others would like it though.
Altogether, it's a good, light-hearted and fun story. Enjoyed going through it and being tossed into a different reality where aliens comically attempt to "fix" human errors in time.
Also, I'd like to add that I find it hilarious to read some of these other reviews from people who take this book way too seriously. Clearly revealing their political opinions. If that's the case you probably shouldn't be ready much sci-fi, buddy.
Will be looking forward to reading more from Marty Essen in the future. Great fun.
March 30, 2019
But I’m an atheist, polyamorous, environmentalist who also happens to be a gun enthusiast..... not that there are any guns in this novel. Lol
Anyway.... I LOVE time travel books. This had some really funny moments. Some they can’t do that moments and some holy crap moments.
I can’t wait to see what they change next! The fake Trump (because the Handly reference is no doubt him) is just as big of an idiot and egoist as the real one. The environment matters, life matters. Ultimately the message is take care of yourself, your neighbor and the world.... why is that so hard? Because of a million things but also because of greed and religion.
Prepare to be entertained and leave reality at the door.
narration was excellent
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
Anyway.... I LOVE time travel books. This had some really funny moments. Some they can’t do that moments and some holy crap moments.
I can’t wait to see what they change next! The fake Trump (because the Handly reference is no doubt him) is just as big of an idiot and egoist as the real one. The environment matters, life matters. Ultimately the message is take care of yourself, your neighbor and the world.... why is that so hard? Because of a million things but also because of greed and religion.
Prepare to be entertained and leave reality at the door.
narration was excellent
I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.
April 10, 2019
Space and Time and Rock and Roll!
Marty Mann has been abducted by aliens and recruited into a time-travel mission on Earth. The aliens want to save Earth from the devastation of war and ecological & climate catastrophe. To do that, they decide to send Marty back to a town called Galilee in the year AD 31. With him is his partner-in-crime, the fierce and smokin" hot Nellie Dixon, a woman he rescues from a bleak future.
Will the plan work? Will there be unintended consequences? And will anybody ever expect the Spanish Inquisition? this is satire at its funniest and most biting, and I look forward to find t out what happens next in the sequel, Time is Irreverent: Jesus Christ, Not Again!
Marty Mann has been abducted by aliens and recruited into a time-travel mission on Earth. The aliens want to save Earth from the devastation of war and ecological & climate catastrophe. To do that, they decide to send Marty back to a town called Galilee in the year AD 31. With him is his partner-in-crime, the fierce and smokin" hot Nellie Dixon, a woman he rescues from a bleak future.
Will the plan work? Will there be unintended consequences? And will anybody ever expect the Spanish Inquisition? this is satire at its funniest and most biting, and I look forward to find t out what happens next in the sequel, Time is Irreverent: Jesus Christ, Not Again!
August 31, 2018
Great title for a fun, irreverent book
I loved the timeliness and humour of this story. Marty is someone I would like to know personally and Nellie is a delight. The grim view of what could happen in the near future if climate change accelerates and tea party values become the norm is offset by a rollicking good time trying to fix the problem. If only some good hearted aliens would happen by to solve some of our current dilemmas.
I loved the timeliness and humour of this story. Marty is someone I would like to know personally and Nellie is a delight. The grim view of what could happen in the near future if climate change accelerates and tea party values become the norm is offset by a rollicking good time trying to fix the problem. If only some good hearted aliens would happen by to solve some of our current dilemmas.
January 2, 2019
Strictly garbage
Too much 60s
What a stupid premise!
If the so called author wanted to show how. dumb he is, it worked
Too much 60s
What a stupid premise!
If the so called author wanted to show how. dumb he is, it worked
July 20, 2019
Rip Roaring good time!
One of the best comedy/sci fi/alternate history/time travel books I’ve ever read! Recommended to all and a great read as well.
One of the best comedy/sci fi/alternate history/time travel books I’ve ever read! Recommended to all and a great read as well.
December 21, 2019
Garbage. Dont waste your time.
May 19, 2018
Marty, who is the erstwhile hero of Time is Irreverent, has been abducted by aliens but contrary to his initial fears, these are nice aliens. They are here to try to put things right on our planet before the crazy presidential incumbent currently in charge manages to destroy it in a nuclear holocaust. In order to do this, they must change the course of history and they must select a human whose timeline would not be affected by the change – who, in other words, would survive the mission. Marty, who is the human selected for the task, must travel back to the time of Christ and present a different version of the Sermon on the Mount - one designed to deliver a more harmonious history for our race. But time travel is no easy matter, even for aliens with technology far in advance of our own. Due to his claustrophobia and subsequent panic attack, Marty finds himself catapulted into the Cretaceous period when dinosaurs reigned and must avoid making a tasty lunch for the carnivores of the time before being retrieved. A second attempt finds him landed into a future USA at a time when global warming is changing the landscape and Christian Fundamentalism has become entrenched, before a third attempt when he finally makes it to Galilee to try to complete his mission. In between he manages to enjoy a romantic liaison with one of the female alien crew, make camping and picnic visits to most of the planets in the solar system and spends a good deal of time getting high using the alien ship’s euphoria dispensers. But is Marty capable of successfully completing his critical mission? Can he change the course of human history and more importantly, can he ensure his beloved rock music is not deleted from the new timeline?
Time is Irreverent by Marty Essen is, on the surface, a light-hearted science fiction romp which plays with a number of themes in a novel way. But there is a serious underlying core to the book which looks at where we are heading and how prejudice and bigotry are gaining ground against tolerance and understanding. ‘Why can’t we just get along and be nice to each other’ is a distressingly common cri de coeur among thinkers and philosophers, and while a man was nailed to a cross just over two thousand years ago for saying the self-same thing, it seems that very little has changed since. Time is Irreverent is a well-written, well-paced novel peopled with solid, likeable characters. Mr Essen is a talented author who has managed to wrap several complex threads into a light enjoyable narrative. I hope he will continue writing in the sci-fi genre and look forward eagerly to his future works.
Time is Irreverent by Marty Essen is, on the surface, a light-hearted science fiction romp which plays with a number of themes in a novel way. But there is a serious underlying core to the book which looks at where we are heading and how prejudice and bigotry are gaining ground against tolerance and understanding. ‘Why can’t we just get along and be nice to each other’ is a distressingly common cri de coeur among thinkers and philosophers, and while a man was nailed to a cross just over two thousand years ago for saying the self-same thing, it seems that very little has changed since. Time is Irreverent is a well-written, well-paced novel peopled with solid, likeable characters. Mr Essen is a talented author who has managed to wrap several complex threads into a light enjoyable narrative. I hope he will continue writing in the sci-fi genre and look forward eagerly to his future works.
August 4, 2018
kindle unlimited, liked it, except one thing, nothing to do with the politics, global warming, president becoming dictator, Florida and New Orleans/New New Orleans, 50's b.s. good old days, etc, none of that. See it happen, could see it happen/ing and sh*t happens. BUT STOP saying 'I have gay friends." No, you don't; you happen to be friends with people who may or may not be gay, but orientation is none of anyone's business. Do people go around saying, I have straight friends? Do they go around on girls' night out or poker night and say oh I have single/married friends? Why is religion, skin color, gender, orientation part of the 'tag'...could see smart, dumb, funny, serious, whatever, but why does something that private and/or unchangeable have to do with anything, it doesn't affect anyone but the people specifically involved {no double meaning intended really}, unless the people against {insert whatever} believe that everybody has rights BUT the rights THEY do NOT believe in.
What if you could make a change to history that would eliminate the Spanish Inquisition, American slavery, World War II, global warming, and an egomaniacal US president who thought he was smart enough to drop nuclear bombs here and there without negative consequences? What if that change also made the United States and 5 billion people poof from existence? Would you do it?
When alien time travel specialists, the Krichards, learn of President Handley's game of dodge the mushroom cloud, they race to Earth to investigate. For them, the question of whether it's worth it to change history is easy to answer, but they will only proceed if the human they deem best qualified to represent Earth agrees to make the change. Erasing Handley's nuclear annihilation will require a quick jump to AD 31 to correct an error in history. If the Krichards select a brilliant scientist or an elite athlete for the task, Earth may be in good hands. Instead they select Marty Mann, a mildly successful travel writer whose only superpower is not taking life too seriously. What could possibly go wrong?
Spanning from the Cretaceous period to 2056, Time Is Irreverent is a hilarious, thought-provoking satire, with unpredictable twists, colorful aliens, huge dinosaurs, a smokin' hot lesbian from the future, and a cameo from Jesus Christ himself!
Publisher's Warning: This book is intended for a liberal audience and features satirical content that may not be appropriate for Donald Trump supporters or those who are offended by views that challenge traditional religious beliefs. Common side effects include wide smiles, sudden laughter, and occasional snorts. Reader discretion is advised.
What if you could make a change to history that would eliminate the Spanish Inquisition, American slavery, World War II, global warming, and an egomaniacal US president who thought he was smart enough to drop nuclear bombs here and there without negative consequences? What if that change also made the United States and 5 billion people poof from existence? Would you do it?
When alien time travel specialists, the Krichards, learn of President Handley's game of dodge the mushroom cloud, they race to Earth to investigate. For them, the question of whether it's worth it to change history is easy to answer, but they will only proceed if the human they deem best qualified to represent Earth agrees to make the change. Erasing Handley's nuclear annihilation will require a quick jump to AD 31 to correct an error in history. If the Krichards select a brilliant scientist or an elite athlete for the task, Earth may be in good hands. Instead they select Marty Mann, a mildly successful travel writer whose only superpower is not taking life too seriously. What could possibly go wrong?
Spanning from the Cretaceous period to 2056, Time Is Irreverent is a hilarious, thought-provoking satire, with unpredictable twists, colorful aliens, huge dinosaurs, a smokin' hot lesbian from the future, and a cameo from Jesus Christ himself!
Publisher's Warning: This book is intended for a liberal audience and features satirical content that may not be appropriate for Donald Trump supporters or those who are offended by views that challenge traditional religious beliefs. Common side effects include wide smiles, sudden laughter, and occasional snorts. Reader discretion is advised.
September 28, 2018
Okay. To start off, don't read this one if you are a strong believer in religion since this book is very strongly anti-religion, including making out that Jesus was a flim-flam man.
The basic idea is that a human get picked up by aliens who go from planet to planet, trying to help them avoid major problems they get into. They take someone from that planet, get them to back in time and try to fix things go the civilizations on the planet do not end up destroying themselves by pollution, warfare, politics, etc.
In this case a human is taken on the ship, makes friends (and more with one female) with the alien species. He's sent back in time but, at first, things don't go quite as planned. Anyhow, he manages in the end. His new ten commandments that he comes up with says for people to give up all religions and not to expect help from god.
So, here's one major problem. Proving God exists is impossible, scientifically, at least. Proving there is no God is just as impossible. Science seems to be the guy's answer but science, as has been shown, has done a lot of good and a lot of evil.
Evil? Consider the Nazi experiments on people in WWII or the Japanese Unit 731 with their horrible 'scientific' experiments on prisoners. How about the weapons scientists have given us, enough to kill everyone on the planet multiple times? There is good and bad, both, in science. No one thing is the answer to all our ills.
The book is also variable. Early on I thought it was hilarious. Then it got somewhat less with the human-falls-for-an-alien-woman stereotype. Then it got very, very serious towards the end.
Now, I'm one of the people that thinks a lot of the religions have done, and are still doing, terrible things to people and are largely responsible for the second-class status of women the world over. The religions are also responsible for some of the worst violence the human race has seen but getting rid of them totally again is not the simplistic answer the book pushes.
So, it's hard for me to figure out the rating to give this book. I liked it at first but I think its simplistic solution to humanity's problems and some other things will cause me to rate the book a 2, an 'okay' rating.
The basic idea is that a human get picked up by aliens who go from planet to planet, trying to help them avoid major problems they get into. They take someone from that planet, get them to back in time and try to fix things go the civilizations on the planet do not end up destroying themselves by pollution, warfare, politics, etc.
In this case a human is taken on the ship, makes friends (and more with one female) with the alien species. He's sent back in time but, at first, things don't go quite as planned. Anyhow, he manages in the end. His new ten commandments that he comes up with says for people to give up all religions and not to expect help from god.
So, here's one major problem. Proving God exists is impossible, scientifically, at least. Proving there is no God is just as impossible. Science seems to be the guy's answer but science, as has been shown, has done a lot of good and a lot of evil.
Evil? Consider the Nazi experiments on people in WWII or the Japanese Unit 731 with their horrible 'scientific' experiments on prisoners. How about the weapons scientists have given us, enough to kill everyone on the planet multiple times? There is good and bad, both, in science. No one thing is the answer to all our ills.
The book is also variable. Early on I thought it was hilarious. Then it got somewhat less with the human-falls-for-an-alien-woman stereotype. Then it got very, very serious towards the end.
Now, I'm one of the people that thinks a lot of the religions have done, and are still doing, terrible things to people and are largely responsible for the second-class status of women the world over. The religions are also responsible for some of the worst violence the human race has seen but getting rid of them totally again is not the simplistic answer the book pushes.
So, it's hard for me to figure out the rating to give this book. I liked it at first but I think its simplistic solution to humanity's problems and some other things will cause me to rate the book a 2, an 'okay' rating.
February 28, 2018
Funny, light-hearted and irreverent. And, without giving away too much, leaving a door open for a sequel.
Again, without giving away too much — a human modeled on Marty Essen is captured by a race of advanced aliens to be used to save earth from catastrophe. The catastrophe is driven by the US, which allegedly made Trump president for life, then got rid of the president title, and had two more supreme leaders follow him.
The Three Trumpians impose a Christian version of sharia law as part of ruining the US. The US refuses to address climate change while increasing border tightness and other things. When the country melts down, California secedes and Minnesota joins Canada among other things.
Marty-man has to go back to the time of Jesus and change Jesus' message to keep Earth from being so effed up and from trying to attack the alien ship.
Since it's written in a light-hearted style, I won't complain too much about too much, but I will mention a couple of greater and lesser things.
First, would the Religious Right cuddle up that much to the real Trump that long? Maybe, maybe not. But that's a minor thing.
The two biggies?
The description of Jesus is almost cartoonish. In reality, if Jesus were a faith healer, and not a magician (just two of at least four different possibilities for a historic Jesus), he would have done actual healings. They would have been psychosomatically based, and so not permanent, but they would have been done. He wouldn't have been a Peter Popoff with fake props.
Second, and I say this as a secularist, religion isn't a universal negative. (And I also say that, to the degree religious beliefs and systems ARE a negative, they're not limited to Western monotheisms.)
Again, it's all light-hearted — at least on the surface. Remember that fundamentalisms are everywhere, and that wherever acceptance can be extended to non-fundamentalists of all stripes, that's probably a good thing.
So ... it was nice, and it was fun ... but I couldn't quite pull the trigger on a fifth star.
Now, if Marty had wanted to go pure spoof, no message, and do an updated "Live from Golgotha"?
Again, without giving away too much — a human modeled on Marty Essen is captured by a race of advanced aliens to be used to save earth from catastrophe. The catastrophe is driven by the US, which allegedly made Trump president for life, then got rid of the president title, and had two more supreme leaders follow him.
The Three Trumpians impose a Christian version of sharia law as part of ruining the US. The US refuses to address climate change while increasing border tightness and other things. When the country melts down, California secedes and Minnesota joins Canada among other things.
Marty-man has to go back to the time of Jesus and change Jesus' message to keep Earth from being so effed up and from trying to attack the alien ship.
Since it's written in a light-hearted style, I won't complain too much about too much, but I will mention a couple of greater and lesser things.
First, would the Religious Right cuddle up that much to the real Trump that long? Maybe, maybe not. But that's a minor thing.
The two biggies?
The description of Jesus is almost cartoonish. In reality, if Jesus were a faith healer, and not a magician (just two of at least four different possibilities for a historic Jesus), he would have done actual healings. They would have been psychosomatically based, and so not permanent, but they would have been done. He wouldn't have been a Peter Popoff with fake props.
Second, and I say this as a secularist, religion isn't a universal negative. (And I also say that, to the degree religious beliefs and systems ARE a negative, they're not limited to Western monotheisms.)
Again, it's all light-hearted — at least on the surface. Remember that fundamentalisms are everywhere, and that wherever acceptance can be extended to non-fundamentalists of all stripes, that's probably a good thing.
So ... it was nice, and it was fun ... but I couldn't quite pull the trigger on a fifth star.
Now, if Marty had wanted to go pure spoof, no message, and do an updated "Live from Golgotha"?
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