Quantum Leap: Odyssey

Quantum Leap #12

by Barbara E. Walton

Will a Leaper Learn His Lessons Before It's Too Late?

In 1983, in a small town in upstate New York, Sam Beckett has a problem. He's Leaped into a brilliant but troubled boy name Sean O'Connor, who's part of a gifted students' program called Olympics of the Mind. The program is about to be canceled, and if it is, Ziggy says terrible things will happen to Sean and his friends as they grow up. But how can a twelve-year-old boy put right what is about to go wrong?

In 1999, in the center of the secret project known as Quantum Leap, Al Calavicci has an even bigger problem. The real Sean O'Connor is in "detention" in the Waiting Room - and he's determined to escape.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Time Travel, Media Tie In, Novels, Science Fiction Fantasy

275 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this weren't based on characters I already knew and loved, it would probably have gotten 3-stars. I liked it, it was good. But I was completely pulled in with the way B.E.W. did such a good job at writing Sam and Al in ways that were familiar and consistent with my memories from the show.

I'd say it takes a certain amount of skill to be able to tap into what made the television show magical, and to then create a written work that pushes all the same buttons. And push it did - a couple of places moved me to tears, and I greatly enjoyed the way the relationships of Al, Sam, and the people being helped, developed within the context of this new challenge in time.

This book was fun, had emotional depth, and was a perfect little nostalgic journey.
Thumb's up.

[Ross Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since today is Leap Day, I figured it would be a good time to read a Quantum Leap book.
(More so, since this year is the 35th Anniversary of when the show first launched).

This time, Sam leaps into 1983, to a small town in New York. He is a teenage boy, who is part of a Talented and Gifted program, which is on the verge of being closed. Along the way, Sam has to make changes so that the lives of his friends and family are spared.

Meanwhile. Al takes on a father figure to the boy that is in the waiting room. Without breaking the Projects rules, Al tries to set the kid on a path which won't end with him in jail.

Some things were pretty obvious [spoilers deleted] but it was still a fun read

[Edward Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads like something of a morality tale, saying that special classes for gifted students will stop them from getting bored and turning to criminal activity. That being said, it is a well written addition to the series, with a nice look at how the current occupant of Sam's body tries to escape from the Project.

[Diane Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment of the Further Adventures of Sam and Al features a good look at why gifted and talented programs are needed in schools, and the shift in educational policy from the Cold War 60's to the Reagan Era 80's. It was also a bit of a flashback for me, as I was a participant in G&T programs and competed in Odyssey of the Mind.

[Nicolas · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of my least favorite Quantum Leap books. The story centered around a group of 12 year old kids, but they talked and acted like adults. The writing just wasn't good.