Book Review: The Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone

SUMMARY: Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet: she lives in 1995 Chicago and he lives in 2012 San Francisco. But Bennett has the unique ability to travel through time and space, which brings him into Anna’s life, and with him a new world of adventure and possibility.

As their relationship deepens, the two face the reality that time may knock Bennett back to where he belongs, even as a devastating crisis throws everything they believe into question. Against a ticking clock, Anna and Bennett are forced to ask themselves how far they can push the bounds of fate, what consequences they can bear in order to stay together, and whether their love can stand the test of time.

Fresh, exciting, and deeply romantic, Time Between Us is a stunning, spellbinding debut from an extraordinary new voice in YA fiction.


OPINION:

Though Time Between Us doesn’t necessarily bring anything new to the table in terms of time travel, it’s a very well put together, enjoyable story with great characters that will drag you right in. This book is, more than anything, a romance, but a sweetly done at that. Innocent in so many ways, and with a strong undercurrent of deeply falling for someone, Stone crafts a stunning relationship between Anna and Bennett.

Anna is a girl who has her feet firmly on the ground, in a good place overall despite her strong travel aspirations. With a great relationship with both of her parents, and a small but close knit group of friends, she’s highly relatable without carrying too much baggage to the table. She’s smart and perceptive, willing to take risks yet also knows when to hold back. Anna isn't the kind of girl to fall instantly for a boy, but the mystery and intrigue Bennett provides so quickly goes far to lure her in, yet there isn't an insta-love feel to this book. The feelings that grow between Anna and Bennett are strong and potent, having a poignant realism to them that drives the book.

Stone weaves in the time traveling element easily, showing the confines of her traveling rules in a smooth way that helps both Anna and readers believe it. Set in 1995, Stone easily pulls readers into a setting almost two decades ago, without focusing heavily on the differences in time. Beautifully written, with a flowing prose and strong voice, this one shines in plenty of ways.

Though the ending was admittedly a bit of a letdown, feeling too easy considering everything that led to it, the overall story was rich and enticing. Pulling in some strong notions, and steeped in emotions at times, this one definitely pulls some great punches. With a strongly built romantic element, and solid character interactions, Time Between Us is definitely quietly grabbing but strongly engaging.

Details: 

Source: TLA 

Reading level: Ages 12 and up 

Hardcover: 384 pages 

Publisher: Hyperion Book CH

Publication Date: October 9, 2012