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goneabroad71's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
momofmacs03's review
3.0
Would give this 3.5 if halves could be awarded. Original plot was refreshing. Very light - good summer read
kellian901's review
2.0
It was interesting at first and then it went nowhere, for a really long time. Then had a very sudden and disappointing ending. The best thing about it was the description of Manhattan. I wouldn’t be able to help thinking about this book again if I ever get to visit Grand Central Terminal.
melmar's review
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
carriepnw's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
literarylegend13's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
carolann331's review
5.0
If you love stories that transport you to a historic time and place and envelope you in the setting, this might be just the book for you. Rich in history and atmosphere along with characters and a story I loved, this was the perfect escape for me during our COVID-19 stay-at-home period.
The majority of the story takes place inside Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal for several decades beginning in the late 1920’s. The mystery of Nora’s appearances and disappearances were fascinating and her relationship with Joe was evening more intriguing. Where did she go? How does she get here? Why does she disappear? How can they make this work? Their endearing relationship was so touching and their life experiences of love, loss, family traditions, sacrifice, and hope ultimately makes us question what freedom really means for each of us in order to truly live our lives.
I loved learning about Grand Central Terminal and it’s hidden treasures as well the iconic Oyster Bar, coffee & pastry shops, the Gold Clock, the GCT Theatre, the Biltmore Hotel, the GC School of Art, little known attic and basement rooms, and sunshine streaming through the cathedral windows at sunrise. I’d never heard of Manhattanhenge, but yes, it is a real thing, just ask Neil deGrasse Tyson!
Into this setting, the author skillfully molds an unbelievable situation into a believable story and we experience it as though we were right there. Always eager to come back to the story after I put it down, I found myself reluctant to finish the last several chapters: I simply wanted to hold on to Joe and Nora as long as I could. Fun fact: A few historic GCT figures make appearances, such as Ralston Young for one, that added even more depth to this solid yet enchanting story.
The majority of the story takes place inside Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal for several decades beginning in the late 1920’s. The mystery of Nora’s appearances and disappearances were fascinating and her relationship with Joe was evening more intriguing. Where did she go? How does she get here? Why does she disappear? How can they make this work? Their endearing relationship was so touching and their life experiences of love, loss, family traditions, sacrifice, and hope ultimately makes us question what freedom really means for each of us in order to truly live our lives.
I loved learning about Grand Central Terminal and it’s hidden treasures as well the iconic Oyster Bar, coffee & pastry shops, the Gold Clock, the GCT Theatre, the Biltmore Hotel, the GC School of Art, little known attic and basement rooms, and sunshine streaming through the cathedral windows at sunrise. I’d never heard of Manhattanhenge, but yes, it is a real thing, just ask Neil deGrasse Tyson!
Into this setting, the author skillfully molds an unbelievable situation into a believable story and we experience it as though we were right there. Always eager to come back to the story after I put it down, I found myself reluctant to finish the last several chapters: I simply wanted to hold on to Joe and Nora as long as I could. Fun fact: A few historic GCT figures make appearances, such as Ralston Young for one, that added even more depth to this solid yet enchanting story.
littletaiko's review
3.0
Okay, I generally love a good time travel novel. Throw in the setting of Grand Central Terminal and I should be in love with this book. However, I just found it okay. The premise is that Nora, who died at the age of 23 in Grand Central Terminal, keeps reappearing on the anniversary of her death. Joe, who works there, sees her one day and they instantly are attracted to each other and fall in love. I loathe instantly falling in love stories so that aspect really didn't work for me.
I ended up liking Nora more than I expected because she's the more practical of the two and can see all the problems they face: she can't leave the terminal, she never ages while he does, neither one of them s living a full and real life, etc...I was happy that the book wasn't completely predictable and took some turns that I wasn't completely expecting.
I ended up liking Nora more than I expected because she's the more practical of the two and can see all the problems they face: she can't leave the terminal, she never ages while he does, neither one of them s living a full and real life, etc...I was happy that the book wasn't completely predictable and took some turns that I wasn't completely expecting.
lisawreading's review against another edition
5.0
This beautiful love story is set at New York’s Grand Central Terminal, and the setting imbues the story with a truly majestic, timeless feel.
Joe Reynolds is a Grand Central leverman, working the intricate switches that move trains from track to track — the train equivalent of an air traffic controller, essentially. As the story opens, it’s 1937, the Great Depression is still having an impact, and Joe is grateful for a steady job.
Then he meets Nora, a beautiful young woman whose clothing is about ten years out of date. As Nora looks around Grand Central and tries to get her bearings, she and Joe strike up a conversation. Sparks fly, but they have different places to be, and they part. A year later, Joe sees Nora again, and their connection snaps right back into place. She’s wearing the same clothes and seems unchanged in every way. The two spend time together, but when Joe tries to walk her home, she disappears.
Thus begins a romance across time, in which Nora reappears over the years. She and Joe fall deeply in love, and start to unravel the mystery of why Nora continues to return, why she can’t seem to leave Grand Central, and how they can possibly be together when Nora’s reality is so different than Joe’s.
Their love story is set against the backdrop of World War II, as New York and the world change and the young men of the generation head off to war. As a leverman, Joe is considered essential to the war effort and is not allowed to enlist, but all around them, they see soldiers departing — some to return wounded, some never to return. Joe faces increasing challenges balancing his obligations to his brother’s family in Queens and his need to spend every possible moment with Nora.
I started this book thinking I’d be reading a time-travel story, and it’s not that — but I don’t want to say more about what the truth is behind Nora’s appearances and disappearances and her strange tether to Grand Central.
The setting is just so perfect. There’s something magnificent about Grand Central, and having it figure so prominently into the storyline of Time After Time is really special.
Joe and Nora are fully developed characters who feel like real people. We get to know their hopes and dreams, their passions and secrets, and understand the obstacles to their love story even while rooting for them to find a way to make it all work.
The ending is bittersweet, and while my inner romantic might have wished for a different outcome, I can’t say that any other possible ending would make quite as much sense.
Time After Time was my book group’s selection for July, and I’m so happy to have read it. This is a beautiful book, and just should not be missed!
Joe Reynolds is a Grand Central leverman, working the intricate switches that move trains from track to track — the train equivalent of an air traffic controller, essentially. As the story opens, it’s 1937, the Great Depression is still having an impact, and Joe is grateful for a steady job.
Then he meets Nora, a beautiful young woman whose clothing is about ten years out of date. As Nora looks around Grand Central and tries to get her bearings, she and Joe strike up a conversation. Sparks fly, but they have different places to be, and they part. A year later, Joe sees Nora again, and their connection snaps right back into place. She’s wearing the same clothes and seems unchanged in every way. The two spend time together, but when Joe tries to walk her home, she disappears.
Thus begins a romance across time, in which Nora reappears over the years. She and Joe fall deeply in love, and start to unravel the mystery of why Nora continues to return, why she can’t seem to leave Grand Central, and how they can possibly be together when Nora’s reality is so different than Joe’s.
Their love story is set against the backdrop of World War II, as New York and the world change and the young men of the generation head off to war. As a leverman, Joe is considered essential to the war effort and is not allowed to enlist, but all around them, they see soldiers departing — some to return wounded, some never to return. Joe faces increasing challenges balancing his obligations to his brother’s family in Queens and his need to spend every possible moment with Nora.
I started this book thinking I’d be reading a time-travel story, and it’s not that — but I don’t want to say more about what the truth is behind Nora’s appearances and disappearances and her strange tether to Grand Central.
The setting is just so perfect. There’s something magnificent about Grand Central, and having it figure so prominently into the storyline of Time After Time is really special.
Joe and Nora are fully developed characters who feel like real people. We get to know their hopes and dreams, their passions and secrets, and understand the obstacles to their love story even while rooting for them to find a way to make it all work.
The ending is bittersweet, and while my inner romantic might have wished for a different outcome, I can’t say that any other possible ending would make quite as much sense.
Time After Time was my book group’s selection for July, and I’m so happy to have read it. This is a beautiful book, and just should not be missed!