June 2016 Time and Time Again (Non-spoiler)

[Sara]

This is the non-spoiler discussion thread for our June 2016 group read, Time and Time Again.

[Paul]

This was the first book I read by Ben Elton. I knew him more from Young Ones and Black Adder so wasnt sure what to expect and the book shares nothing at all with those shows
I will be interested to see what others think but i really enjoyed it.

[Sara]

So Trelawn in her review of the book wrote, "The premise of this story sucked me in straight away; if you could go back in time and change one thing, what would you change? Anyone who loves History has played at What If'

So while we all acquire and then read the book, let's all answer that What If question!!

[Seraphina]

Looking forward to this, next up after continental challenge

[Trelawn]

I loved this book. The level of research that went into it is seriously impressive. Looking forward to hearing what others think of it.

[Paul]

So many what if questions . I think the book is a interesting view on the whole idea.

[Seraphina]

Ya the what if question is major. Go back and prevent England invasion but that would take numerous attempts. not allowing the bombers on the plane for 9/11, would it change history or would they just have planned for another time. We can change one event but you can't modify human behaviour!

[Trelawn]

That was one of the intriguing things about the book. What would you change? How would that affect the past? Is it possible to alter the past? I have always loved studying history and there are so many points I would love to travel back to; either to "fix" or to find out the solution to a puzzle. That was a big part of the appeal of this book but then the research kicks in and add to that very engaging characters and you have a great read

[Paul]

Also the butterfly effect , small changes can fan out into unpredictable big changes ( and crap films with Ashton Kutcher)

[Paul]

I was also struck by the detailed level of research the author had carried out. I think for these alternative history books you really have to know the history before you can play with it and Ben Elton shows he really does know his stuff.

[Paul]

I won't say too much until the spoiler thread but Ben Eltons take on pretty much what you just said Emma is really intelligent

[Lorraine]

Luckily my library has it because I probably wouldn't have bought it. Trying to avoid buying new books for now. I have read two of his previous books, Stark and Gridlock but that was a long time ago. I did enjoy them but I sort of went off him.
I'll give it a try. Has anyone watched his show Upstart Crow? It's meant to be good.

[Margo]

I'm starting this today but with loads of visitors coming for the long weekend, I don't expect to get too much reading done. The weather is glorious too which is also not conducive to reading :-)

[Susan]

I ordered this book from the library today based on Trelawn's glowing review. The problem is that I've read this premise in Kate Atkinson's book. I noticed there are no holds on it so I should get it soon. On Edna O'Brien's Red Chair, I have inched up on the waiting list from 83 to 61. I wish we would reconsider voting for such new books.

[Seraphina]

I agree susan, I don't go for new releases if they are picked cause I buy the books. €12-15 for a book I could end up hating is just a waste.

[Trelawn]

I'm feeling the pressure now Susan. Hope you like it

[Cathleen]

Lorraine wrote: "Luckily my library has it because I probably wouldn't have bought it. Trying to avoid buying new books for now. I have read two of his previous books, Stark and Gridlock but that was a long time ag..."

Yes, I have a hold on it at my library, too, but I'm way down on the list. I'm trying to (!!) avoid buying any new books until I make more headway on the books I have sitting on my shelves. A few days ago, I overheard someone at my local coffee shop say, "Do or do not. There is no 'try.'" Sort of explains my attempts at book buying bans, so far :).

[Colleen]

I order it from Kenney's for $5.35. It sounds interesting. It's used.

[Margo]

Emma wrote: "I finished this yesterday while finally getting to sit out for the first time all week. It's certainly an interesting one. It will be interesting to see what people think."

Emma what has been keeping you in? Hope it's wasn't illhealth? Sorry if you already explaned, I have been totally caught up with visitors. They have just left actually and I'm feeling all deflated :-(

I have put Time and Time Again aside for the weekend as I was too distracted to appreciate it.

[Margo]

Ah poor you. The nicest weekend we've had in ages! My husband was the same - spent the best part of the weekend glued to his laptop for a big presentation next week :-(

[Monique]

After reading the synopsis, I want to read this one!