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The Reality Matrix Effect
When newspaper copy editor Al Frederick is called back to work after a popular congressman is shot and killed in 1971, he is unprepared for the events that follow. A suddenly changed headline splits reality and sets Frederick's life—and the course of world history—on a new path.
Fifty years later, the world is at peace, running on clean electric power produced by generators using a nickel-titanium alloy called Nitinol. Al Frederick, recently deceased, has bequeathed to high-school teacher Rayna Kingman a box of old audio tapes and newspaper clippings that explain much of what happened in the intervening years. This includes Al's work with a controversial counter-culture physicist whose research indicates that Al may have changed reality.
Stunned by what she learns about her friend Al Frederick—and about herself—Rayna tries to make sense of it all while coping with disturbing changes that include a threat of war with mining colonies in the Asteroid Belt.
Fifty years later, the world is at peace, running on clean electric power produced by generators using a nickel-titanium alloy called Nitinol. Al Frederick, recently deceased, has bequeathed to high-school teacher Rayna Kingman a box of old audio tapes and newspaper clippings that explain much of what happened in the intervening years. This includes Al's work with a controversial counter-culture physicist whose research indicates that Al may have changed reality.
Stunned by what she learns about her friend Al Frederick—and about herself—Rayna tries to make sense of it all while coping with disturbing changes that include a threat of war with mining colonies in the Asteroid Belt.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
13 people want to read
About the author
Laura Remson Mitchell
3 books3 followersLaura Remson Mitchell is a former newspaper reporter/copy editor, free-lance writer, public policy analyst and disability rights advocate. Her nonfiction work has appeared in the Valley News, Los Angeles Daily News, Los Angeles Times, California Journal, Capitol Weekly and other publications. A graduate of U.S. Grant High School in Van Nuys, California, and of California State University at Northridge, she has lived with multiple sclerosis for many years. Her science fiction novel, "The Reality Matrix Effect," incorporates elements of her experience both as a journalist and as a woman living with a disability. Mitchell also is an amateur composer. Her album of computer-based music is available for free download at http://psrtutorial.com/perfArchive/La....
Mitchell's second book, "Detours and Reminiscences," is a collection of short stories inspired by "The Twilight Zone" television series, interspersed with the author's memories of and thoughts about the creation of each story. The final tale in the book, "Castles in the Air," was the basis of her novel.
Mitchell's second book, "Detours and Reminiscences," is a collection of short stories inspired by "The Twilight Zone" television series, interspersed with the author's memories of and thoughts about the creation of each story. The final tale in the book, "Castles in the Air," was the basis of her novel.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 25, 2014
A delightful, easy, and breathtakingly fast read!
I'm not generally a fan of sci-fi, futuristic or what-if alternate-reality stories. But having read some of the author's newspaper columns and met her on occasion, I was intrigued.
To my delight, this story drew me in from page 1 and never let go. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, she throws in a twist. You're never really sure where it's going.
I confess to having a preference for Al and Rayna's overlapping story lines than the subplot involving asteroid mining--until, that is, those seemingly disparate plot points converge unexpectedly. Wow! I also like all the incidental details about potential future technology, and applaud the author's complex political savvy and sense of the impact of history on our present and future.
This would be a good read for a young adult with a rich imagination, but it's also well suited to us older folks who get some of the historical references and echoes of classic films. You can get lost in reading it, enjoyably lost as you might watching a good movie. In fact, the story would make a good movie, in the vein of those Philip K Dick stories such as Minority Report and Adjustment Bureau.
Don't confuse this with the Matrix movie series or, for that matter, with John Dalmas' Reality Matrix – both of which came out after Mitchell had titled her terrific manuscript. Sheer coincidence. (Or perhaps a fold in the matrix?)
By the end of the book, you feel satisfied but don't want to let go. I've enjoyed being in the company of these characters. If the author ever gets around to writing a sequel, I will be among the first to download a copy!
I'm not generally a fan of sci-fi, futuristic or what-if alternate-reality stories. But having read some of the author's newspaper columns and met her on occasion, I was intrigued.
To my delight, this story drew me in from page 1 and never let go. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, she throws in a twist. You're never really sure where it's going.
I confess to having a preference for Al and Rayna's overlapping story lines than the subplot involving asteroid mining--until, that is, those seemingly disparate plot points converge unexpectedly. Wow! I also like all the incidental details about potential future technology, and applaud the author's complex political savvy and sense of the impact of history on our present and future.
This would be a good read for a young adult with a rich imagination, but it's also well suited to us older folks who get some of the historical references and echoes of classic films. You can get lost in reading it, enjoyably lost as you might watching a good movie. In fact, the story would make a good movie, in the vein of those Philip K Dick stories such as Minority Report and Adjustment Bureau.
Don't confuse this with the Matrix movie series or, for that matter, with John Dalmas' Reality Matrix – both of which came out after Mitchell had titled her terrific manuscript. Sheer coincidence. (Or perhaps a fold in the matrix?)
By the end of the book, you feel satisfied but don't want to let go. I've enjoyed being in the company of these characters. If the author ever gets around to writing a sequel, I will be among the first to download a copy!
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October 16, 2018Since I am the author of this book, and since no reviews had been posted here yet, I originally gave it five stars to reflect the overall rating at Amazon/Kindle. Now that there are more reviews both here and on Kindle, I have cleared my own rating so that the Goodreads ranking doesn't include the Kindle evaluations. You can read the Kindle reviews, get a free preview and buy/download the book at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B78VR56. The book originally was published only as a Kindle edition, but you don't need a Kindle device to read it. You can download a ***free*** Kindle reading app for just about any computer, tablet or smartphone (including both Android and iPhone).
Also, as of Jan. 28, 2014, this novel is available in multiple electronic formats from Smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view... and as a Nook book directly from Barnes and Noble.
Also, as of Jan. 28, 2014, this novel is available in multiple electronic formats from Smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view... and as a Nook book directly from Barnes and Noble.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2016
I like the way the story is told, the book definitely gets you! I would describe it as "elegant", compared to other books out there. It just seems good writing. The story is captivating and complex, and the plot as well as the writing style keeps me connected to the story.
While technical details (it is SF after all) make the story interesting, the investigative skills of Al brings back the fun of old investigation movies. It is a very good mix.
If in doubt, at least try, you won't regret it!
While technical details (it is SF after all) make the story interesting, the investigative skills of Al brings back the fun of old investigation movies. It is a very good mix.
If in doubt, at least try, you won't regret it!
July 31, 2014
I'd hoped that, written by a journalist, this would've grabbed me. Unfortunately although it was an interesting idea I came away without really feeling much for the people.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews