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Middle Falls Time Travel #1
The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver
Time Travel with a twist!
All Thomas Weaver wanted was death. What he got was time travel.
Thomas Weaver, haunted by a teenage tragedy, lived a wasted life. He closed his eyes for what he believed was the last time in 2016, but opened them again in his teenage bedroom and body in 1976.
Now a middle-aged man in a teenage body, he sets out to fix everything he did wrong in his first life. A budding serial killer in home room, a possible new romance, and high school algebra complicate his plans.
The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver is the first in the bestselling Middle Falls Time Travel Series. All books in the series can be read in any order and are all available as audiobooks from Podium Publishing.
All Thomas Weaver wanted was death. What he got was time travel.
Thomas Weaver, haunted by a teenage tragedy, lived a wasted life. He closed his eyes for what he believed was the last time in 2016, but opened them again in his teenage bedroom and body in 1976.
Now a middle-aged man in a teenage body, he sets out to fix everything he did wrong in his first life. A budding serial killer in home room, a possible new romance, and high school algebra complicate his plans.
The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver is the first in the bestselling Middle Falls Time Travel Series. All books in the series can be read in any order and are all available as audiobooks from Podium Publishing.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2015
1343 people are currently reading
3095 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 393 reviews
June 19, 2018
Thomas Weaver’s life didn’t go the way he had planned. He’s middle aged, living with his mother and just lost his job. And he never got past a horrific family tragedy that he caused in his mid-teens. So, he decides to end it all. Instead of oblivion, Thomas finds himself back in his teenaged self, forty years in the past.
Once he overcomes the shock of his ‘rebirth’, he sets off to fix what went wrong in his first life. But, as in his first life, things don’t go the way he plans. I found this story to be unpredictable, which I very much appreciate in a novel. It held my interest all the way through, with a couple of key surprises.
I did struggle with the motivation of the main character a couple of times. His decisions seemed a bit unnatural. I don’t want to leave spoilers, so I will just say his choices seemed unusual. Having said that I still enjoyed the story. The characters had depth and were consistent and interesting.
Finally, although, this is the first book in a trilogy, I very much appreciate that it stands on its own. I get frustrated with all the first book in a series with unresolved stories and unfinished plots. While this does have a setup for the follow-on book, it is a self-contained story with a complete ending. A thought provoking story about a second chance on life.
Once he overcomes the shock of his ‘rebirth’, he sets off to fix what went wrong in his first life. But, as in his first life, things don’t go the way he plans. I found this story to be unpredictable, which I very much appreciate in a novel. It held my interest all the way through, with a couple of key surprises.
I did struggle with the motivation of the main character a couple of times. His decisions seemed a bit unnatural. I don’t want to leave spoilers, so I will just say his choices seemed unusual. Having said that I still enjoyed the story. The characters had depth and were consistent and interesting.
Finally, although, this is the first book in a trilogy, I very much appreciate that it stands on its own. I get frustrated with all the first book in a series with unresolved stories and unfinished plots. While this does have a setup for the follow-on book, it is a self-contained story with a complete ending. A thought provoking story about a second chance on life.
April 19, 2024
I go by grumpus here, but at most sites I'm grumpus23. Because I have been struggling to write reviews, I'm going to start a new feature of my reviews. I'm going to call it the grumpus23 and it will be my review consisting of 23 words. Hopefully I can do that much for each book. If I want to expand further I will but the grumpus23 will start each review.
The grumpus23: New series found but can stand alone. Chance to relive life starting at fifteen knowing what you know now. Cavalier attitude toward suicide.
Upon completing this book, I’ve done something I have not done before—immediately purchased and began listening to the second book in the series—my next scheduled book be damned. A few reviews ago, I mentioned I wanted to find a good book series and now I think I’ve found it. Already about a quarter of the way through book two, confirms it. There are nine books in the series and I am excited to get to them all.
This is about a guy who has a life-changing, traumatic experience as a 15-year-old. Having never recovered psychologically, his life from that point is miserable and sad. Still living with his mother in his 50s, he eventually commits suicide. At this point, he wakes up back in 1976 as his 15-year-old self in the life he had then but with his 50-year-old knowledge.
Imagine going back to high school in your 15-year-old body with the knowledge you have today. What would you do differently? How would you act? Can you change the past? I’m a time travel aficionado and these are things I love to think about. The fact that I too, was 15 in 1976 and can relate to all the references add to my love of the book.
The only criticism I have about the book is the seemingly cavalier attitude toward suicide. Fortunately, the wonder of reliving those awkward times (knowing what I know now) and the possibility of righting wrongs more than compensated and I’m hooked on this series. As I mentioned, I’ve started Book 2 and I also love the fact that the perspective changes to another character. I can’t wait to see how this unfolds.
The grumpus23: New series found but can stand alone. Chance to relive life starting at fifteen knowing what you know now. Cavalier attitude toward suicide.
Upon completing this book, I’ve done something I have not done before—immediately purchased and began listening to the second book in the series—my next scheduled book be damned. A few reviews ago, I mentioned I wanted to find a good book series and now I think I’ve found it. Already about a quarter of the way through book two, confirms it. There are nine books in the series and I am excited to get to them all.
This is about a guy who has a life-changing, traumatic experience as a 15-year-old. Having never recovered psychologically, his life from that point is miserable and sad. Still living with his mother in his 50s, he eventually commits suicide. At this point, he wakes up back in 1976 as his 15-year-old self in the life he had then but with his 50-year-old knowledge.
Imagine going back to high school in your 15-year-old body with the knowledge you have today. What would you do differently? How would you act? Can you change the past? I’m a time travel aficionado and these are things I love to think about. The fact that I too, was 15 in 1976 and can relate to all the references add to my love of the book.
The only criticism I have about the book is the seemingly cavalier attitude toward suicide. Fortunately, the wonder of reliving those awkward times (knowing what I know now) and the possibility of righting wrongs more than compensated and I’m hooked on this series. As I mentioned, I’ve started Book 2 and I also love the fact that the perspective changes to another character. I can’t wait to see how this unfolds.
October 20, 2022
This is a story where good overcomes evil, sort of. This is a story where a man gets to return to childhood and set out on a different path in life, kind of. There are some anticipated plot twists and some surprises. Very enjoyable read!
July 24, 2019
Starting at the beginning of the series, I was delighted to discover that this does not read as a carbon copy of the fifth novel I have read, ‘The Emancipation of Veronica McAllister’. Instead, the writer establishes the premise of time-travel and reliving a life, with some interesting and useful background context too for the first instalment of what appears to be a rather lengthy series. This time set in the 1970s, the shift in decade provides a different perspective, both historically and in terms of popular culture.
I was honestly expecting Tommy to behave in the same way as Veronica. In other words, endlessly repeat the same portion of life until a key event has been changed. However, despite the death of his older brother, Zack, Tommy is on one path and does not follow through with the idea of committing suicide to start this path again. Instead, we only follow the “second life” of Tommy and how he works hard to be a better person, especially for those closest to him.
The plot involving Michael was tense and intriguing, particularly as the next novel of the series focuses on him. As the days move towards the original death of Tommy’s brother, the story was rather tense as it was clear Tommy was doing everything he could to prevent history repeating itself. However, once it was clear that the Michael story was concluded, I felt that the plot lessened in intensity and it was not as gripping as before. For me, it was this element that forced me to give this a four star rating and I hope that the next book in the series continues to be punchy throughout the narrative.
Whilst this and the rest of the series are advertised as being read as a stand-alone, I certainly believe that this book allows readers to gain a true insight into the background behind Tommy’s reincarnation. Unlike the other novel, the writer pays enough attention to this, introducing a science-fiction element that happily strengthened the narrative. I am intrigued to find out more about these powers later in the series.
The novel concludes on a positive note yet, one of the ultimate chapters establishes the next novel in the series. With my imagination sparked, I am excited to read about Michael’s reincarnation, especially as he is portrayed as such an awful, dark character. I enjoyed reading this book and am interested to see how the writer continues to keep this plot different each time.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I was honestly expecting Tommy to behave in the same way as Veronica. In other words, endlessly repeat the same portion of life until a key event has been changed. However, despite the death of his older brother, Zack, Tommy is on one path and does not follow through with the idea of committing suicide to start this path again. Instead, we only follow the “second life” of Tommy and how he works hard to be a better person, especially for those closest to him.
The plot involving Michael was tense and intriguing, particularly as the next novel of the series focuses on him. As the days move towards the original death of Tommy’s brother, the story was rather tense as it was clear Tommy was doing everything he could to prevent history repeating itself. However, once it was clear that the Michael story was concluded, I felt that the plot lessened in intensity and it was not as gripping as before. For me, it was this element that forced me to give this a four star rating and I hope that the next book in the series continues to be punchy throughout the narrative.
Whilst this and the rest of the series are advertised as being read as a stand-alone, I certainly believe that this book allows readers to gain a true insight into the background behind Tommy’s reincarnation. Unlike the other novel, the writer pays enough attention to this, introducing a science-fiction element that happily strengthened the narrative. I am intrigued to find out more about these powers later in the series.
The novel concludes on a positive note yet, one of the ultimate chapters establishes the next novel in the series. With my imagination sparked, I am excited to read about Michael’s reincarnation, especially as he is portrayed as such an awful, dark character. I enjoyed reading this book and am interested to see how the writer continues to keep this plot different each time.
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 8, 2022
*** 3.25 ***
Time travel / parallel universe second chance at life story with some interesting twists. I enjoyed it just enough to keep me interested and to want to continue with the series 🙂
Time travel / parallel universe second chance at life story with some interesting twists. I enjoyed it just enough to keep me interested and to want to continue with the series 🙂
August 26, 2019
Trigger warning
I saw my friend Shaun reading this and at the time didn't pay much attention... don't remember why, probably was in the middle of a few others or stressed at work. Or both *shrugs* Anyways, I saw a few more of his ratings pop up for this series and my curiousity won out. I didn't have Kindle Unlimited at the time and was wary of spending $4 on an ebook of an author wasn't familiar with yet so I held off, hoping it would go on sale. When I saw it was free for one day, snatched it up and waited for the right time to read it (Mood Reader).
I've said it before, I'm a sucker for time travel stories, and the different ways people come up with how to do it (Avengers Endgame, Back to the Future to name a couple ).
Is it better to try and change things? Is everything set in stone? If you do change things, will they deviate back to the course they were on? Or can you change things? If so, will it be for the better or worse?
I won't spoil anything for you on that front, no worries :)
I was pleased with how the author handled things in here. Just enough explanation and mystery to keep the story moving along. I was scratching at my head at one small interlude but maybe that'll be explained later on in a different book.
A certain character had me seeing Red more than once (kudos to author).
For the last half of the book, I could not put it down. I had to go back a few times because I accidentally skim read trying to see what would next (a compliment no worries).
Thomas and Zack's mom was awesome, just want to say :) Loved Carrie too, and Zack to a lesser extent.
Shaun told me that I might change my mind about a certain someone after his book, and I told him he would have to do alot of convincing for me after certain events. I will read that particular book in the series, but still have my reservations (the summary does sound promising at least).
All in all, a very good story and one I would highly recommmend!
For my ebook, the book ends at page 276 before Author's note and book previews, in case anyone wants to know and skip the latter.
I saw my friend Shaun reading this and at the time didn't pay much attention... don't remember why, probably was in the middle of a few others or stressed at work. Or both *shrugs* Anyways, I saw a few more of his ratings pop up for this series and my curiousity won out. I didn't have Kindle Unlimited at the time and was wary of spending $4 on an ebook of an author wasn't familiar with yet so I held off, hoping it would go on sale. When I saw it was free for one day, snatched it up and waited for the right time to read it (Mood Reader).
I've said it before, I'm a sucker for time travel stories, and the different ways people come up with how to do it (Avengers Endgame, Back to the Future to name a couple ).
Is it better to try and change things? Is everything set in stone? If you do change things, will they deviate back to the course they were on? Or can you change things? If so, will it be for the better or worse?
I won't spoil anything for you on that front, no worries :)
I was pleased with how the author handled things in here. Just enough explanation and mystery to keep the story moving along. I was scratching at my head at one small interlude but maybe that'll be explained later on in a different book.
A certain character had me seeing Red more than once (kudos to author).
For the last half of the book, I could not put it down. I had to go back a few times because I accidentally skim read trying to see what would next (a compliment no worries).
Thomas and Zack's mom was awesome, just want to say :) Loved Carrie too, and Zack to a lesser extent.
Shaun told me that I might change my mind about a certain someone after his book, and I told him he would have to do alot of convincing for me after certain events. I will read that particular book in the series, but still have my reservations (the summary does sound promising at least).
All in all, a very good story and one I would highly recommmend!
For my ebook, the book ends at page 276 before Author's note and book previews, in case anyone wants to know and skip the latter.
December 6, 2022
Now that I am on book 3 I look back at this book a bit differently and have a greater appreciation for it.
It does a wonderful job setting the stage for the rest of the series.
My favorite part of this book wasn't realized until I finished book 3 so unfortunately I cannot reveal!
All I will say is this... keep reading this series. You won't regret it.
(Ps this is a 4.5 rounded up)
It does a wonderful job setting the stage for the rest of the series.
My favorite part of this book wasn't realized until I finished book 3 so unfortunately I cannot reveal!
All I will say is this... keep reading this series. You won't regret it.
(Ps this is a 4.5 rounded up)
August 31, 2020
Great concept. The problem I have with it is the main character does stupid stuff to move the story along to where the author wants it to go. I find stories that have stupid characters in order to force the story down certain paths just weak. Common sense would have had the characters making certain choices which would have wrapped the story up too quickly.
Stupidity is a poor substitute for intelligent and clever writing. Unfortunately so few new novels seem to measure up
Stupidity is a poor substitute for intelligent and clever writing. Unfortunately so few new novels seem to measure up
September 9, 2019
I started this book with excitement as I loved the last one I read, Veronica McAlister but unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this one as much.
It followed the same story line- time travel but sometimes the story just dragged until near the end and then it got more interesting.
This one follows onto the next one so I’ll be reading that one.
It followed the same story line- time travel but sometimes the story just dragged until near the end and then it got more interesting.
This one follows onto the next one so I’ll be reading that one.
March 15, 2022
An easy listen that was labeled as time travel. Sort of--if you think of Back to the Future as time travel this takes a very similar bend--in that it is the story of a main character going back in time to do things over. In this story Tommy is living his worse life after feeling responsible for the death of his older brother. When he commits suicide and wakes up in his 15 year old body with his brother still alive, he has a second chance at makes things turn out better, or does he?
I love the idea of this sort of plot but it seems its been used often--most recently in the Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Its brings up the question: Can we change the past and what would that do to the present?
The story carried me right along, as I was interested to see how this author answered that question. It is part of a series. Not sure I will continue on but it was good fun with excellent narration by Johnny Heller.
I love the idea of this sort of plot but it seems its been used often--most recently in the Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Its brings up the question: Can we change the past and what would that do to the present?
The story carried me right along, as I was interested to see how this author answered that question. It is part of a series. Not sure I will continue on but it was good fun with excellent narration by Johnny Heller.
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December 29, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/29/2017)! 💝
Blurb:
All Thomas Weaver wanted was death. What he got was time travel.
Thomas Weaver, haunted by a teenage tragedy, lived a wasted life. He closed his eyes for what he believed was the last time in 2016, but opened them again in his teenage bedroom and body in 1976. Now a middle-aged man in his teenage body, he sets out to fix everything he did wrong in his first life. A budding serial killer in home room, a possible new romance, and high school algebra complicate his plans.
What would you do, if you could do it all again?
The second Middle Falls Time Travel Novel - The Redemption of Michael Hollister - is now available. The third book in the series - The Death and Life of Dominick Davidner - is available on presale and will be published in December 2017. (less)
Blurb:
All Thomas Weaver wanted was death. What he got was time travel.
Thomas Weaver, haunted by a teenage tragedy, lived a wasted life. He closed his eyes for what he believed was the last time in 2016, but opened them again in his teenage bedroom and body in 1976. Now a middle-aged man in his teenage body, he sets out to fix everything he did wrong in his first life. A budding serial killer in home room, a possible new romance, and high school algebra complicate his plans.
What would you do, if you could do it all again?
The second Middle Falls Time Travel Novel - The Redemption of Michael Hollister - is now available. The third book in the series - The Death and Life of Dominick Davidner - is available on presale and will be published in December 2017. (less)
December 31, 2020
Well, that was the worst book I've read in a while. I love the Groundhog Day trope where the character(s) relive their lives, loved The First 15 Lives of Harry August and Replay but hated this one. For a character who has supposedly lived 50+ years Thomas still behaves like an adolescent. Painful to read. On the plus side, the book is short (even more so if you skip over the graphic depictions of sadistic animal cruelty like I did).
August 27, 2021
I had never heard of this series but saw them available on the Audible Plus catalogue and thought I would give it a shot, since I've been looking for more time travel stories. This was really good. I like the idea of an adult being sent back to relive their life starting as a child, but they still have the memories and mindset of an adult.
To sum it up, Thomas Weaver takes his own life and then is sent back to his teenaged body. He knows that one of his bullies will grow up to become an infamous serial killer, so he focusses on trying to stop him before he can hurt anyone. I'm not sure whether this should be classified as science fiction or fantasy because there is mention of mystical beings overseeing the multiple timelines, although we don't get many details about how that works. The author's writing style actually felt a little like Stephen King to me, which is a good thing. I will absolutely read further into this series.
To sum it up, Thomas Weaver takes his own life and then is sent back to his teenaged body. He knows that one of his bullies will grow up to become an infamous serial killer, so he focusses on trying to stop him before he can hurt anyone. I'm not sure whether this should be classified as science fiction or fantasy because there is mention of mystical beings overseeing the multiple timelines, although we don't get many details about how that works. The author's writing style actually felt a little like Stephen King to me, which is a good thing. I will absolutely read further into this series.
November 20, 2017
Time travel with a mission
Time travel books were a favorite. I see many times where the traveller is desperate to make no changes. I loved that Thomas chose to ignore that hard and fast rule. It gave the story a wonderful what's going to happen next feel. Excellent story that was filled with emotions.
I will be looking for more in this vein from Shawn Inmon.
Time travel books were a favorite. I see many times where the traveller is desperate to make no changes. I loved that Thomas chose to ignore that hard and fast rule. It gave the story a wonderful what's going to happen next feel. Excellent story that was filled with emotions.
I will be looking for more in this vein from Shawn Inmon.
July 24, 2024
What if you had a chance to relive your life with keeping the knowledge you already have? This is the premise of this book, and series. This first book introduces the world-building, which is not much different than real life.
Thomas Weaver made a mistake one night, the first time he went to a party with his older brother. His older brother got too drunk to drive and Tommy was not quite old enough yet, but he tried to drive them safely home. Instead an accident and his brother was dead. (This happens very early in the story, so not really giving anything away.) This ruins Tommy’s life until he has the chance to do it again.
It's an interesting concept and the writing was okay. The story line was interesting enough to keep me listening and engaged. Not spectacular, but good enough that I’ve already started the next book, because why not?
I’m not usually one that goes for series, but there are some exceptions. I have the omnibus which is the first three books in one edition. That should give me enough experience with the writing style to see if this is one of those series exceptions for me.
Thomas Weaver made a mistake one night, the first time he went to a party with his older brother. His older brother got too drunk to drive and Tommy was not quite old enough yet, but he tried to drive them safely home. Instead an accident and his brother was dead. (This happens very early in the story, so not really giving anything away.) This ruins Tommy’s life until he has the chance to do it again.
It's an interesting concept and the writing was okay. The story line was interesting enough to keep me listening and engaged. Not spectacular, but good enough that I’ve already started the next book, because why not?
I’m not usually one that goes for series, but there are some exceptions. I have the omnibus which is the first three books in one edition. That should give me enough experience with the writing style to see if this is one of those series exceptions for me.
February 7, 2022
Notes:
Currently on Audible Plus (Books #1-12)
This series is not like Threshold or Dark Matter, but it was a fun popcorn to read. It's even better to have a few friends reading it with me and talking about the various story elements. Good character setup, light touches on establishing setting and a few twists to keep the story unique.
Thomas Weaver is an average person experiencing some extraordinary events. That makes the story far from the overpowered characters and plot lines.
Currently on Audible Plus (Books #1-12)
This series is not like Threshold or Dark Matter, but it was a fun popcorn to read. It's even better to have a few friends reading it with me and talking about the various story elements. Good character setup, light touches on establishing setting and a few twists to keep the story unique.
Thomas Weaver is an average person experiencing some extraordinary events. That makes the story far from the overpowered characters and plot lines.
April 1, 2022
I like a good time travel story and this one was just that.
Thomas goes to a party with he's wildly popular older brother Zach, excited as can be to be included in this cool group. But tragedy strikes. Zach is passed out drunk and Tommy decides to drive them on to the next party, he has a drivers permit and although passed out, Zach has a license right. The accident that follows claims Zach's life and Tommy never forgives himself.
Now a middle aged man who's just lost his job, a failed marriage behind him he decides to give up, an overdose of he's moms tablets should do it. But then he wakes up in he's childhood bedroom, a few months before the accident. Given a second chance at he's life, Thomas has to take a look at the things he would like to do differently.
A very though provoking listen.
Thomas goes to a party with he's wildly popular older brother Zach, excited as can be to be included in this cool group. But tragedy strikes. Zach is passed out drunk and Tommy decides to drive them on to the next party, he has a drivers permit and although passed out, Zach has a license right. The accident that follows claims Zach's life and Tommy never forgives himself.
Now a middle aged man who's just lost his job, a failed marriage behind him he decides to give up, an overdose of he's moms tablets should do it. But then he wakes up in he's childhood bedroom, a few months before the accident. Given a second chance at he's life, Thomas has to take a look at the things he would like to do differently.
A very though provoking listen.
June 8, 2018
Interesting concept which provides an expanse of thought provoking directions for the author to craft his story. Unfortunately I found many parts of the plot to be a bit too contrived along with gaps in rational thought of the main character that proved disappointing.
January 18, 2017
One reason I always seem to like Shawn Inmon's books is that we're around the same age and overly obsessed with music. So his books have references like the character in this book saying “Oh, and Pablo Cruise sucks. Ten years from now, no one will know who they are,” and I agree and laugh. More importantly, I get the reference. Many of you won't. If your high school years were sometime in the 70s and you haven't read all of Inmon's books, you should.
If high school was before or (even more so) after the 70s there are still plenty of universal and timeless themes in all of Inmon's books. The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver possibly more so than any other. We've all made decisions in our life that we wonder about. Was that a good decision? What would have happened if I'd done this instead? If I'd have known this was going to happen, I wouldn't have done that.
The basis of this story is a different twist on time travel when the protagonist who has been haunted by a big mistake in high school finds himself transported back to before that mistake. He's not only back in time, but he looks like he did back then. The only difference is that he knows what's coming. Unless he can change that. It's a great premise. I found myself pulling for Thomas, wondering what he should do, and hoping he'd figure it out. That's at least part of what you'd hope for in a story like this. And really that's enough. However, if it sparks a little introspection, if you start wondering what you'd do differently if you were transported back in time, even better. (If you wake up tomorrow and find out that I've become a major shareholder in Amazon, that means my plan worked.)
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
If high school was before or (even more so) after the 70s there are still plenty of universal and timeless themes in all of Inmon's books. The Unusual Second Life of Thomas Weaver possibly more so than any other. We've all made decisions in our life that we wonder about. Was that a good decision? What would have happened if I'd done this instead? If I'd have known this was going to happen, I wouldn't have done that.
The basis of this story is a different twist on time travel when the protagonist who has been haunted by a big mistake in high school finds himself transported back to before that mistake. He's not only back in time, but he looks like he did back then. The only difference is that he knows what's coming. Unless he can change that. It's a great premise. I found myself pulling for Thomas, wondering what he should do, and hoping he'd figure it out. That's at least part of what you'd hope for in a story like this. And really that's enough. However, if it sparks a little introspection, if you start wondering what you'd do differently if you were transported back in time, even better. (If you wake up tomorrow and find out that I've become a major shareholder in Amazon, that means my plan worked.)
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
March 6, 2021
Thomas Weaver is a failure. He's 54 years old, divorced, an alcoholic, and has just been fired from the worst job he's ever had. On top of it all, he lives with his elderly mother. He's plagued by guilt from a car accident that took the life of his older brother when they were in high school.
So, one night he decides he can't take it anymore. He pens a suicide note, swallows a fistful of pills ... and wakes up inside his 16-year-old body. He knows things he didn't know then, of course, and goes about trying to do things differently so that he can set things right.
Of course, few things go to plan ... but he's still got that second chance.
Author Shawn Inmon has created a fictional Oregon town, Middle Falls, that reminds me of the one in which I grew up. The jocks are the most important people in high school, and it's socially acceptable to pick on the weird girl. The characters are believable ... even in an unbelievable situation.
I finished this book in a single day; I literally did not want to put it down. There are several more books in this series, and I plan to read all of them. Highly recommended.
So, one night he decides he can't take it anymore. He pens a suicide note, swallows a fistful of pills ... and wakes up inside his 16-year-old body. He knows things he didn't know then, of course, and goes about trying to do things differently so that he can set things right.
Of course, few things go to plan ... but he's still got that second chance.
Author Shawn Inmon has created a fictional Oregon town, Middle Falls, that reminds me of the one in which I grew up. The jocks are the most important people in high school, and it's socially acceptable to pick on the weird girl. The characters are believable ... even in an unbelievable situation.
I finished this book in a single day; I literally did not want to put it down. There are several more books in this series, and I plan to read all of them. Highly recommended.
October 2, 2018
Painful reading and the writing was brutal. Not a fan of this author or his work. Seems like all of his books are rushed and thrown to the presses.
July 22, 2020
This story is a little bit hard for me to rate. Overall, it's accurate to say I liked it. I love time travel, especially the redo your life over again type. I also tend to be nostalgic about the past, so I like that the period Thomas relived was 1976, a time I remember (although I was pretty young).
It started great, and I liked the ending too. I got hung up in the middle, because I didn't realize it would turn into a crime drama, complete with graphic descriptions of animal cruelty (a huuuuuuuge turn off) by a budding serial killer. Not my thing. It had a pretty happy ending though, so it somewhat redeemed itself on that score.
From what I can tell in the other blurbs, they aren't all similar in the crime drama sense (I could be wrong though), so given I like the genre, and that the writing was good, I am going to take a chance on another one in the series.
One mistake - Zack blows out his knee running college track in 1977 or 1978, and is disappointed to lose his shot at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1980. The 1980 summer Olympics were in Moscow, which the US boycotted, and the 1984 summer Olympics were in Los Angeles, which the USSR boycotted.
It started great, and I liked the ending too. I got hung up in the middle, because I didn't realize it would turn into a crime drama, complete with graphic descriptions of animal cruelty (a huuuuuuuge turn off) by a budding serial killer. Not my thing. It had a pretty happy ending though, so it somewhat redeemed itself on that score.
From what I can tell in the other blurbs, they aren't all similar in the crime drama sense (I could be wrong though), so given I like the genre, and that the writing was good, I am going to take a chance on another one in the series.
One mistake - Zack blows out his knee running college track in 1977 or 1978, and is disappointed to lose his shot at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1980. The 1980 summer Olympics were in Moscow, which the US boycotted, and the 1984 summer Olympics were in Los Angeles, which the USSR boycotted.
February 27, 2019
The premise behind this book was amazing.
Middle age dude with not lots to look forward to in life closes his eyes in 2016...and then wakes up in his 15-year old body - back in 1976. WTF. Once he establishes that he is not dead, hallucinating or on Candid Camera, what the heck is he going to do?
Does he live his life the same way he did before? what can he change? should he change anything? and if he does change stuff, what will happen to the life he knew before? - assuming he can (and wants to) get back to that.
And so Thomas Weaver goes on to sort things out from Life 1.0 in his new and improved Life 2.0.
Time travel, angels, angst, drama, a serial killer, new friends, love, family and memories. All tied together with a good mix of sarcastic humour, interesting characters and interesting dialogue.
This book is like the ultimate grown-up, time-travel 'choose-your-own-adventure' book. What a fantastic way to start a series. Can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
Middle age dude with not lots to look forward to in life closes his eyes in 2016...and then wakes up in his 15-year old body - back in 1976. WTF. Once he establishes that he is not dead, hallucinating or on Candid Camera, what the heck is he going to do?
Does he live his life the same way he did before? what can he change? should he change anything? and if he does change stuff, what will happen to the life he knew before? - assuming he can (and wants to) get back to that.
And so Thomas Weaver goes on to sort things out from Life 1.0 in his new and improved Life 2.0.
Time travel, angels, angst, drama, a serial killer, new friends, love, family and memories. All tied together with a good mix of sarcastic humour, interesting characters and interesting dialogue.
This book is like the ultimate grown-up, time-travel 'choose-your-own-adventure' book. What a fantastic way to start a series. Can't wait to see what happens in book 2.
November 9, 2020
Not rating this one - I abandoned it at 50%. The fact I’ve come to this story right after reading a well thought out and plotted time loop novel means that I’ve less patience for half assed time loop fic.
This is pure wish fulfilment but there was a few things that bugged me:
- Time loop is kicked off by suicide - seriously? This was a poor choice by the author
- MC keeps doing stupid stuff stupidly
- clique of the love interest scruffy bullied girl who is actually stunningly gorgeous when she smiles
- the mechanics of the multiple loopers doesn’t scan for me at all
- the random cut ins from some futuristic controller side story
- the serial killer baddy is very 1d
Etc etc
This is pure wish fulfilment but there was a few things that bugged me:
- Time loop is kicked off by suicide - seriously? This was a poor choice by the author
- MC keeps doing stupid stuff stupidly
- clique of the love interest scruffy bullied girl who is actually stunningly gorgeous when she smiles
- the mechanics of the multiple loopers doesn’t scan for me at all
- the random cut ins from some futuristic controller side story
- the serial killer baddy is very 1d
Etc etc
November 8, 2021
I really enjoy such back to past kinda stories and was excited after the rating and reviews for this. Only to be utterly disappointed.
Pros: The writing was great. Introduction to the past. The big and small things that were different were portrayed decently.
Even the emotional situations are pretty practical and decent.
Cons: Heavy disappointment that the character behaves like a 13 yo with some knowledge from future not a 54 yo in a 13yo body. People today think radically different than to someone from the 70s and when the MC doesnt utilise that even in the simplest of circumstances it doesnt sit well.
Pros: The writing was great. Introduction to the past. The big and small things that were different were portrayed decently.
Even the emotional situations are pretty practical and decent.
Cons: Heavy disappointment that the character behaves like a 13 yo with some knowledge from future not a 54 yo in a 13yo body. People today think radically different than to someone from the 70s and when the MC doesnt utilise that even in the simplest of circumstances it doesnt sit well.
September 8, 2023
4 Stars - I want more. A shiny new time loop series for me to sink my teeth into! I'm a little unsure how I feel about the reasoning for the loops, but I need more to make up my mind. That and the characters are good motivation to keep reading.
Update - 2.5 years later... I've read the 17 books so far published in the series and am awaiting #18 this fall. Clearly Shawn cannot write fast enough.chuckle So I reread Thomas Weaver this week. On second read I enjoyed re-meeting some characters who we learn more about in later books!
Update - 2.5 years later... I've read the 17 books so far published in the series and am awaiting #18 this fall. Clearly Shawn cannot write fast enough.chuckle So I reread Thomas Weaver this week. On second read I enjoyed re-meeting some characters who we learn more about in later books!
November 13, 2021
Great premise. I love books that question how you would live your life again if you had to do it all over, knowing what you know now. This is what happens to Thomas Weaver, who committed suicide in 2016 in the midst of a depressing life. He wakes up back in 1976, in the midst of his high school years.
I loved the first third of the book when Thomas was trying to find his way around life, trying to remember locker combinations, his schedule, and simply trying to live without cell phones, the internet, cable TV, and everything else we take for granted in the present. Knowing how many of his acquaintances turn out in life was interesting when it came to social interactions. And would trying to change things for the better result in a different future, or are life and world events going to happen regardless?
There were a number of things that turned me off in the middle to latter parts of the book. I just couldn't understand some of Thomas' irrational decisions, especially knowing what he knew. His motivation behind some of these actions was never explained.
Another thing that I didn't get were the short interludes with supernatural beings who were monitoring / guiding the lives of the characters. I'm guessing the purpose and motivations of these beings will eventually be explained if I continue on in the series? For me, it took away from narrative's flow.
What was cool was that Thomas brought back his 2016 point of view on homosexuality, high school bullying, treatment of women, seat belt wearing (ha, ha!) and other issues back to 1976. I remember that time being pretty gross and caveman-ish when it came to these and a number of other issues. Would never go back there myself.
Anyway, I found this to be an OK read. I might choose to read the next installment of this series as the main character is one of the antagonists in Thomas Weaver's life. The whole series is free in Audible if you like these types of books.
I loved the first third of the book when Thomas was trying to find his way around life, trying to remember locker combinations, his schedule, and simply trying to live without cell phones, the internet, cable TV, and everything else we take for granted in the present. Knowing how many of his acquaintances turn out in life was interesting when it came to social interactions. And would trying to change things for the better result in a different future, or are life and world events going to happen regardless?
There were a number of things that turned me off in the middle to latter parts of the book. I just couldn't understand some of Thomas' irrational decisions, especially knowing what he knew. His motivation behind some of these actions was never explained.
Another thing that I didn't get were the short interludes with supernatural beings who were monitoring / guiding the lives of the characters. I'm guessing the purpose and motivations of these beings will eventually be explained if I continue on in the series? For me, it took away from narrative's flow.
What was cool was that Thomas brought back his 2016 point of view on homosexuality, high school bullying, treatment of women, seat belt wearing (ha, ha!) and other issues back to 1976. I remember that time being pretty gross and caveman-ish when it came to these and a number of other issues. Would never go back there myself.
Anyway, I found this to be an OK read. I might choose to read the next installment of this series as the main character is one of the antagonists in Thomas Weaver's life. The whole series is free in Audible if you like these types of books.
May 7, 2019
I like this series - time travel really works best when it's a transfer-of-consciousness thing. Plus there are alien beings. Clever dialogue and a nice character growth going on! I'm interested to continue with the series.
Johnny Heller was ok on the audio - sometimes it was difficult to know who was speaking because he didn't really differentiate the voices. But overall he was pretty good. It was an enjoyable audio experience.
Johnny Heller was ok on the audio - sometimes it was difficult to know who was speaking because he didn't really differentiate the voices. But overall he was pretty good. It was an enjoyable audio experience.
May 14, 2023
This seemed like a watered down version of Stephen King. In 11/22/63 King deals with time travel and its effects. Inmon does too but in a different way. Thomas Weaver kills himself and goes back in time to his teenage self. He tries to change things based on what he knows from the future. He discovers what trying to change the past can cause. I say watered down because Inmon doesn’t always explain some things. (How does no one else notice what has happened to the dog?) Also, the narrator did a horrible job of distinguishing voices so sometimes it was hard to tell who was talking. There was a lot of humor throughout. I enjoyed the trip down memory lane to the 70s, especially seeing it through the eyes of someone who travels through time from 2016.
February 19, 2023
I took a flyer on this book k owing that the series is pretty extensive. My hope was to find a new author I would enjoy and, boy, did I ever! This book and the dozen in the series that I have since read have all been very enjoyable! I feel like Middle Falls is the home town I never knew. The themes in these books are heartwarming and uplifting. I can’t recommend these books enough!
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