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1981: A Year in the Life of Nick Taylor: A 1980s Time Travel Adventure
Fancy a trip back in time to 1981? Then join Nick Taylor as he gets the opportunity of a lifetime – to relive a whole year of his life.
1981 wasn’t a year Nick remembered fondly. His mother was killed in a plane crash, his father ran off with the babysitter, and he was sent to possibly the most horrible school in the world. 2020 ends on a similar note when that babysitter, now his stepmother, can’t be bothered to tell him his father is dying until it is too late and then promptly disinherits him.
Then Nick meets television star Keith Diamond who gives him a bracelet with the power to send him back in time. Arriving in 1981, before the events that shaped his annus horribilis, he realises he now has the power to change the timeline. There’s just one problem – no one takes any notice of you when you’re only ten.
Join Nick, as he relives the experience of growing up in the 1980s, in this humorous and thought-provoking time travel story.
1981 is part of the anthology series, A Year in the Life. Each book revisits a different aspect of life in the 1980s, and each story can be enjoyed standalone.
1981 wasn’t a year Nick remembered fondly. His mother was killed in a plane crash, his father ran off with the babysitter, and he was sent to possibly the most horrible school in the world. 2020 ends on a similar note when that babysitter, now his stepmother, can’t be bothered to tell him his father is dying until it is too late and then promptly disinherits him.
Then Nick meets television star Keith Diamond who gives him a bracelet with the power to send him back in time. Arriving in 1981, before the events that shaped his annus horribilis, he realises he now has the power to change the timeline. There’s just one problem – no one takes any notice of you when you’re only ten.
Join Nick, as he relives the experience of growing up in the 1980s, in this humorous and thought-provoking time travel story.
1981 is part of the anthology series, A Year in the Life. Each book revisits a different aspect of life in the 1980s, and each story can be enjoyed standalone.
- GenresTime TravelFiction
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2024
168 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Jason Ayres
39 books110 followersJason Ayres fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author when he left the corporate world behind and published his first novel in 2014. Since then, he has written twenty more books, delighting readers with his signature mix of humour, engaging characters, and imaginative storytelling.
His character-driven tales focus on ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations—whether travelling to an uncertain future, revisiting their past, or exploring alternate timelines. Blending elements of sci-fi, romance, and everyday life, his stories offer something for everyone, with relatable characters at their heart.
Jason’s latest series, set in the 1980s, follows present-day protagonists who, down on their luck, get a chance to relive a pivotal year from their past. 1980, 1981, and 1982 are available now, with more to come.
Want to know more about Jason? - You can find him at:
https://www.jasonayres.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/TheTimeBubble/
https://twitter.com/TheTimeBubble/
His character-driven tales focus on ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations—whether travelling to an uncertain future, revisiting their past, or exploring alternate timelines. Blending elements of sci-fi, romance, and everyday life, his stories offer something for everyone, with relatable characters at their heart.
Jason’s latest series, set in the 1980s, follows present-day protagonists who, down on their luck, get a chance to relive a pivotal year from their past. 1980, 1981, and 1982 are available now, with more to come.
Want to know more about Jason? - You can find him at:
https://www.jasonayres.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/TheTimeBubble/
https://twitter.com/TheTimeBubble/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 16, 2024
I have listened to the Audio version of this book.
This is the first of Jason Ayres work I have listened to and it certainly won't be the last. The whole concept of the story is fascinating, being able to travel back in time 40 years and find yourself in your own 10 year old body, this is what Nick does when he goes back to 1981. Being able to reshape your whole future by having the ability to give history a slight nudge. A highly recommended listen. Peter J Matthews does a brilliant job of the narration and breathes life in to every character, I shall also be looking for more of this narrators offerings in future too.
This is the first of Jason Ayres work I have listened to and it certainly won't be the last. The whole concept of the story is fascinating, being able to travel back in time 40 years and find yourself in your own 10 year old body, this is what Nick does when he goes back to 1981. Being able to reshape your whole future by having the ability to give history a slight nudge. A highly recommended listen. Peter J Matthews does a brilliant job of the narration and breathes life in to every character, I shall also be looking for more of this narrators offerings in future too.
May 6, 2024
really good not your usually time travel novel
Very good a bit slow to start but a really good read once it gets going thoroughly enjoyed it with an excellent ending
Very good a bit slow to start but a really good read once it gets going thoroughly enjoyed it with an excellent ending
August 4, 2025
I feel like this book was right up my street. An adventure on the powers of hindsight. I didn’t realise this was the 2nd book in the series, so may have to go back to read book number 1!
June 24, 2024
I read this in one day it was so good!!!
Wow! Just wow!!! This is the most unpretentious, heartwarming and cracking wee book I’ve been very much in need of for longer than I can imagine. No bravado, it’s just an extremely endearing and joyful story.
I’m generation x myself so I felt a sentimental connection to the trimmings of the time. In 1981 I was four years old in hospital having a heart operation. It was a big year! My childhood was so vivid for other reasons apart from hospital wards and it was everything that Jason Ayers reminisced in his story from Starwars, the Black Hole wallpaper, kerplunk and more.
I grew up in Glasgow in the city but had my fair share of country living having stayed with my parents at their friend’s cottages. I know what it’s like as described in the book down to the smells of woodsmoke, the freezing cold bedrooms and the scenery. I can relate to the cruelty that we experience at school at the hands of fellow children and adults which we would rarely get away with nowadays and the times I have been punished for my cheek.
Some of the things that Jason Ayers discusses are difficult to read and I know that these things went on back then in many places and came to light in later years. (Referring to the abuse of children within the school systems) I am sorry for anyone who has had to face anything similar to what is described in the book.
The style of writing was so down to earth that it seems so vivid and realistic like an autobiography. Reading this was so satisfying that I couldn’t put the book down until I had finished it completely in one day.
Fantastic!!!!!!!
Wow! Just wow!!! This is the most unpretentious, heartwarming and cracking wee book I’ve been very much in need of for longer than I can imagine. No bravado, it’s just an extremely endearing and joyful story.
I’m generation x myself so I felt a sentimental connection to the trimmings of the time. In 1981 I was four years old in hospital having a heart operation. It was a big year! My childhood was so vivid for other reasons apart from hospital wards and it was everything that Jason Ayers reminisced in his story from Starwars, the Black Hole wallpaper, kerplunk and more.
I grew up in Glasgow in the city but had my fair share of country living having stayed with my parents at their friend’s cottages. I know what it’s like as described in the book down to the smells of woodsmoke, the freezing cold bedrooms and the scenery. I can relate to the cruelty that we experience at school at the hands of fellow children and adults which we would rarely get away with nowadays and the times I have been punished for my cheek.
Some of the things that Jason Ayers discusses are difficult to read and I know that these things went on back then in many places and came to light in later years. (Referring to the abuse of children within the school systems) I am sorry for anyone who has had to face anything similar to what is described in the book.
The style of writing was so down to earth that it seems so vivid and realistic like an autobiography. Reading this was so satisfying that I couldn’t put the book down until I had finished it completely in one day.
Fantastic!!!!!!!
January 11, 2026
1981: A Year in the Life of Nick Taylor by Jason Ayres
Rating : 3.5⭐ (rounded up)
Format : eBook 💻
Pages : 279
Duration : 3 Days
----------------
The second entry into Jason Ayres 1980's Tine Travel series and my favourite so far and this is entirely down to the lead being a much more likable character than the previous.
This time round we share a year with Nick Taylor, a 41 year old stick in a rut in 2021, a life filled with disappointment behind him. Offered the chance to return to 1981 and right side wrongs and lead a happier life when he returns home to 2021.
Again there are multiple nods to historical events and technology from the age, some resonating with me even though I wasn't born until 82.
No spoilers as usual. But if you like a adventure set in the 80's full of family drama, nostalgic nods and happy endings then I'm sure you will enjoy this book
-----
I have just started a little book blog, come along and have a look, I'm hoping you find something you will like
https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/?f...
Rating : 3.5⭐ (rounded up)
Format : eBook 💻
Pages : 279
Duration : 3 Days
----------------
The second entry into Jason Ayres 1980's Tine Travel series and my favourite so far and this is entirely down to the lead being a much more likable character than the previous.
This time round we share a year with Nick Taylor, a 41 year old stick in a rut in 2021, a life filled with disappointment behind him. Offered the chance to return to 1981 and right side wrongs and lead a happier life when he returns home to 2021.
Again there are multiple nods to historical events and technology from the age, some resonating with me even though I wasn't born until 82.
No spoilers as usual. But if you like a adventure set in the 80's full of family drama, nostalgic nods and happy endings then I'm sure you will enjoy this book
-----
I have just started a little book blog, come along and have a look, I'm hoping you find something you will like
https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/?f...
November 13, 2025
Arms-length travel to 1981
This is an easy arms-length trip to Oxford countryside of 1981. Narrated by Nick’s fifty year old self, you experience it through the dynamics of his life as a ten year old where he’s surrounded by small minded bullies and worried about the circumventing the upcoming death of his mother.
Guided by a mysterious bracelet that glows red when he’s off track and glows green when he’s on the right path, Nick gets the chance to right some old wrongs and create a different outcome for himself in the process.
I wouldn’t call this a highly memorable read because of its poetic exposition or a character arc that takes you on an emotional roller coaster. Actually, it asks rather little of you emotionally. But it is so smoothly written that you might find yourself turning pages like I did until the wee hours of the morning.
This is an easy arms-length trip to Oxford countryside of 1981. Narrated by Nick’s fifty year old self, you experience it through the dynamics of his life as a ten year old where he’s surrounded by small minded bullies and worried about the circumventing the upcoming death of his mother.
Guided by a mysterious bracelet that glows red when he’s off track and glows green when he’s on the right path, Nick gets the chance to right some old wrongs and create a different outcome for himself in the process.
I wouldn’t call this a highly memorable read because of its poetic exposition or a character arc that takes you on an emotional roller coaster. Actually, it asks rather little of you emotionally. But it is so smoothly written that you might find yourself turning pages like I did until the wee hours of the morning.
September 1, 2024
Oh how I wish GR had half star ratings at least, this would easily get 4.5 from me. I really, really, liked it - it was definitely better than 1980!
This story so clearly had many elements lifted from the author's childhood, there were too many specific references (like the Star Wars ripoff THE BLACK HOLE wallpaper) for that not to be the case. And I loved it!! My husband and I are the exact same age as the author, and though American, my Mother In Law is British and my husband spent his childhood visiting his British family frequently, so there are a lot of things here that he remembers.
This trope is probably my favorite to read, and is the first book I've read to use it with the main character being a child. Love it, can't wait to read 1982, hope he continues on quickly!
This story so clearly had many elements lifted from the author's childhood, there were too many specific references (like the Star Wars ripoff THE BLACK HOLE wallpaper) for that not to be the case. And I loved it!! My husband and I are the exact same age as the author, and though American, my Mother In Law is British and my husband spent his childhood visiting his British family frequently, so there are a lot of things here that he remembers.
This trope is probably my favorite to read, and is the first book I've read to use it with the main character being a child. Love it, can't wait to read 1982, hope he continues on quickly!
May 4, 2024
Another great instalment that brought back a few memories from that time
I was a little worried how a story of a school boy thrown back in time would work. I shouldn't have been as Jason Ayres has an imagination unlike most mere mortals and tackles this superbly.
There are some great characters in there (no spoilers) who may or may not get their comeuppance. And the language is perfect throughout the book and I definitely recognised a few traits from family and old friends.
Well worth reading if you enjoy time travel or have read any of Mr Ayres other works.
I was a little worried how a story of a school boy thrown back in time would work. I shouldn't have been as Jason Ayres has an imagination unlike most mere mortals and tackles this superbly.
There are some great characters in there (no spoilers) who may or may not get their comeuppance. And the language is perfect throughout the book and I definitely recognised a few traits from family and old friends.
Well worth reading if you enjoy time travel or have read any of Mr Ayres other works.
September 2, 2024
I should start by saying that this is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I wasn’t aware that it was part of a series. Not, I think, that this matters.
The concept was good, and it had so much potential - including for humour - but for me it was simply an ‘OK’ read.
To say that a book about time travel is unrealistic is, I suppose, stating the obvious. However, the struggles that Nick would’ve had to endure were largely ignored. I was also left with many questions about the future lives of other characters.
The concept was good, and it had so much potential - including for humour - but for me it was simply an ‘OK’ read.
To say that a book about time travel is unrealistic is, I suppose, stating the obvious. However, the struggles that Nick would’ve had to endure were largely ignored. I was also left with many questions about the future lives of other characters.
August 13, 2025
Another great read!
This book just flew by. I think it was my curiosity of Nick jumping back to his ten year old self. Definitely a lot more challenging to navigate the world if you can't drive yourself anywhere, not to mention the total lack of technology that makes communication so easy these days. One of Nick's big obstacles is trying to keep his mom from dying. What a flummoxing challenge. Plus, the time travel bracelet had a mind of its own and a this is the way attitude. Great book. Looking forward to 1982
This book just flew by. I think it was my curiosity of Nick jumping back to his ten year old self. Definitely a lot more challenging to navigate the world if you can't drive yourself anywhere, not to mention the total lack of technology that makes communication so easy these days. One of Nick's big obstacles is trying to keep his mom from dying. What a flummoxing challenge. Plus, the time travel bracelet had a mind of its own and a this is the way attitude. Great book. Looking forward to 1982
January 10, 2025
🌕🌕🌕🌗3 ½ moons
Similar to the previous instalment but fun nonetheless, particularly given the change in focus to a younger protagonist (I was 13 in 1981).
Ok, so the lack of surprise at being sent back in time was a bit grating but I guess the author can’t spend a chapter in every book in the series describing such a reaction.
Really enjoyed it. Loving forward to 1982 ☺️. And I haven’t said that for over 40 years!
Similar to the previous instalment but fun nonetheless, particularly given the change in focus to a younger protagonist (I was 13 in 1981).
Ok, so the lack of surprise at being sent back in time was a bit grating but I guess the author can’t spend a chapter in every book in the series describing such a reaction.
Really enjoyed it. Loving forward to 1982 ☺️. And I haven’t said that for over 40 years!
January 19, 2025
truly enjoying this series
I thought Nick's story was really engaging! At first, I wasn't sure if it would be as good as the first book in the series (Keith Diamond's story), being that Nick was returning to the year that he was 10-11 years old. I was pleased to see how things transpired with the bracelet guiding events... and it was interesting to learn a bit more about the workings of the bracelet, too.
I'm quite looking forward to the next installment in the series!
I thought Nick's story was really engaging! At first, I wasn't sure if it would be as good as the first book in the series (Keith Diamond's story), being that Nick was returning to the year that he was 10-11 years old. I was pleased to see how things transpired with the bracelet guiding events... and it was interesting to learn a bit more about the workings of the bracelet, too.
I'm quite looking forward to the next installment in the series!
October 13, 2024
Not Good. The problem with this is that the story is just very basic, it spends a lot of time detailing 1981, it then, to explain everything, has this invisible bracelet which tells the the protagonist everything to do, so the story is very unbelievable. It is also not very well written. I would not recommend it.
March 2, 2025
2nd in the series
Loved this one too. Different person, great story. No I’m not giving away any spoilers but if you enjoyed 1980 then you’ll enjoy 1981 (this one). It won’t ruin the story but the statement “didn’t do Scott much good, did it?” had me laughing out loud - you’ll get to it!
Thank you again Author!
Loved this one too. Different person, great story. No I’m not giving away any spoilers but if you enjoyed 1980 then you’ll enjoy 1981 (this one). It won’t ruin the story but the statement “didn’t do Scott much good, did it?” had me laughing out loud - you’ll get to it!
Thank you again Author!
October 23, 2025
Great book!
I’m not sure how I found this book series, but I’m so glad I did. These books are extremely interesting. I was so happy that Nick was able to save his mother, and did’nt have to worry about his cheating father. I love that he met Maeve and had a wonderful marriage and family.
I’m not sure how I found this book series, but I’m so glad I did. These books are extremely interesting. I was so happy that Nick was able to save his mother, and did’nt have to worry about his cheating father. I love that he met Maeve and had a wonderful marriage and family.
May 2, 2024
good read from an outstanding author
Pretty good book. Not as great as most of his books, but still worth the time. If you’ve read the Time Bubble series, this series is about some of the background characters from that series.
Pretty good book. Not as great as most of his books, but still worth the time. If you’ve read the Time Bubble series, this series is about some of the background characters from that series.
May 16, 2024
Great time travel book
I love these time travel books by Nick Taylor they always keep you gripped and reading, would be lovely if a time travel bracelet really existed. Can’t wait for 1982!
I love these time travel books by Nick Taylor they always keep you gripped and reading, would be lovely if a time travel bracelet really existed. Can’t wait for 1982!
May 29, 2024
1980 &1981 are brilliant!
I've loved both books. Time bubble series is excellent but this takes a different path. Each individual journey (keith & Nick) has been great!
Please keep it up to 2000.
I've loved both books. Time bubble series is excellent but this takes a different path. Each individual journey (keith & Nick) has been great!
Please keep it up to 2000.
May 31, 2024
enjoyable continuation of the series
And enjoyable and easy read. A good solid story intermingled with the highlights of yesteryear. A good continuation of the series and look forward to the next one
And enjoyable and easy read. A good solid story intermingled with the highlights of yesteryear. A good continuation of the series and look forward to the next one
August 17, 2024
Jason's great at the quiet stuff, and although nothing outside of Nick's future was up for grabs, this managed to be compelling and readable as always. I'm looking forward to the 1982 one I already have and then will have to wait for more!
August 18, 2024
4 stars. Pretty good book. The time travel in this case is a man being sent back to his 10-year old body for a year, thus allowing him to "re-write" some bad history. The MC was likeable and the efforts he made to revise things in his past life were interesting.
February 12, 2025
Another good read
Loving this series. It gives a lot of good nostalgia for the 80s . Characters are great and believable. Would recommend if you like time travel books and have fond memories of the 80s . So easy to read
Loving this series. It gives a lot of good nostalgia for the 80s . Characters are great and believable. Would recommend if you like time travel books and have fond memories of the 80s . So easy to read
January 7, 2026
Nice
I enjoyed this one, and 1980, and will l ook for the next in the series. They're warm and fun, with a bit of excitement. Not much more to say about them, but have to write a minimum number of words.
I enjoyed this one, and 1980, and will l ook for the next in the series. They're warm and fun, with a bit of excitement. Not much more to say about them, but have to write a minimum number of words.
January 9, 2026
Enjoyable
Time travel is one of my favourite themes, and this took me back to the year I was born. I thoroughly enjoyed the music references. I'll try to remember to look up the rest of the series.
Time travel is one of my favourite themes, and this took me back to the year I was born. I thoroughly enjoyed the music references. I'll try to remember to look up the rest of the series.
June 7, 2024
Enjoyable short story
I am a fan of time travel do over tales and this one did not disappoint! A fun, interesting read.
I am a fan of time travel do over tales and this one did not disappoint! A fun, interesting read.
July 25, 2024
Susan Fraser Aberdeen
What a fantastic book
A real page turner and will be down loading the next book in the series
So glad I came across this author
What a fantastic book
A real page turner and will be down loading the next book in the series
So glad I came across this author
August 5, 2024
I really enjoyed this book it was great as it reminded me of the things we had then great story great characters
August 16, 2024
Excellent series
Jason Ayres is such a great talent. I read this in one sitting. Love the concept, please keep these coming!
Jason Ayres is such a great talent. I read this in one sitting. Love the concept, please keep these coming!
October 21, 2024
Fun, nostalgic time-travel fare. I liked it.
May 15, 2025
1981 a good year
Another cracking good romp through the past. I can't wait to go to 1982. As always, Jason has a winning formula.
Another cracking good romp through the past. I can't wait to go to 1982. As always, Jason has a winning formula.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews