My latest novel, The Good Part, which launched on November 7th, dives into the fascinating world of time manipulation, and it’s got me thinking even more about why we’re all so captivated by time travel stories. In The Good Part, my protagonist Lucy, feeling lost and overwhelmed in her twenties, wishes to fast forward to the ‘good part’ of her life. Suddenly, she wakes up with everything she thought she wanted – a successful career, a family, and a seemingly perfect life – only to realize she’s jumped ahead to her forties and missed a huge chunk of her journey.
This novel allowed me to explore magical realism and time travel, genres I’ve always adored. Growing up, I was hooked on films like Big, 13 Going on 30, and Freaky Friday – stories that played with the idea of shifting through life stages in an instant. The leap from young adulthood to middle age can feel as transformative as childhood to adulthood, sparking the question: what would 26 going on 42 really be like? The concept of time travel has intrigued humanity for ages, and literature is rich with tales that use this concept to delve into life’s big questions: What is true love? How do you live a meaningful life? And are we ever truly on the right path?
If you’re as fascinated by temporal tales as I am, check out my curated list of Time Traveling Books that are sure to transport you:
1. Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale
Cassandra, the protagonist of Cassandra in Reverse, lives a life of order until she discovers she has the incredible ability to reverse time. Initially, she uses this power to fix her problems, but soon realizes she might be focusing on the wrong things entirely. I was completely captivated by Cassandra. Author Holly Smale has openly discussed her autism diagnosis, and though not explicitly stated in the book, Cassandra embodies neurodivergent traits. Her unique inner voice is both witty and original, instantly reminding me of the beloved Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. This novel is a brilliant exploration of self-discovery wrapped in a time-bending narrative, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in time travel books with depth.
2. Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major
Maybe Next Time by Cesca Major is a deeply moving novel centered around Emma, a working mother overwhelmed by stress, who tragically loses her husband in an accident. The next day, she inexplicably finds herself trapped in a Groundhog Day-style time loop, reliving the same day over and over. Emma must navigate this surreal reality while desperately trying to prevent her family and work life from collapsing, all in an effort to change the course of events and save her husband. This story poignantly captures the struggles of modern life and the relentless pressure to “have it all.” It evokes a powerful blend of It’s a Wonderful Life and One Day, making it a truly impactful time travel book that resonates with the challenges of contemporary life.
3. Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Emily St. John Mandel’s Sea of Tranquility is a literary science fiction masterpiece that transports readers from Vancouver Island in 1912 to a lunar colony five centuries into the future. This expansive novel intricately weaves a tapestry of humanity across time and space. Having been captivated by Mandel’s Station Eleven, I found Sea of Tranquility to be equally thought-provoking and ambitious. The time travel elements in this book are complex and mind-bending, exploring the ripple effects of time travelers on established timelines. If you enjoy novels that challenge your perception of time and reality, Sea of Tranquility is a must-read time travel book that will leave you pondering long after you’ve turned the final page.
4. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub offers a fascinating counterpoint to The Good Part. In this novel, we follow Alice, a forty-year-old woman who travels back in time to inhabit her sixteen-year-old body. This intricate and layered narrative explores the profound impact of seemingly small decisions on Alice’s later life. I was particularly moved by the novel’s exploration of aging, especially in the context of a parent’s declining health. Alice’s relationship with her father, witnessing his deteriorating condition and feeling powerless to alter it, is portrayed with incredible relatability and emotional depth. This Time Tomorrow is a poignant and insightful time travel book that delves into the complexities of family and the passage of time.
5. In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
Similar to my debut novel This Time Next Year, Rebecca Serle’s In Five Years was honored as a Good Morning America Book Club pick. The story revolves around Dannie, an ambitious New York lawyer, who experiences a bewildering event: she wakes up to find herself five years in the future, living a completely different life with a man who is not her fiancé. This glimpse into the future is brief, lasting only an hour before she returns to her present reality. However, Dannie is left with an unshakeable feeling that this experience was more than just a dream. In Five Years is a captivating time travel book that keeps you guessing until the very end. Its unpredictable plot and uncertain outcome make it an enthralling read for those who love stories full of suspense and unexpected twists.
6. Shoot the Moon by Isa Arsén
Shoot the Moon by Isa Arsén was one of my most highly anticipated reads of 2023. This novel tells the story of Annie, a reclusive physics graduate drawn to the cosmos, who finds herself working at NASA during the historic Apollo 11 mission. Described as “affecting, immersive, and kaleidoscopic,” Shoot the Moon portrays one woman’s life across multiple points in time. It has also been lauded as a blend of Lessons in Chemistry and The Time Traveler’s Wife. For me, this description alone was enough to make me want to pick it up immediately. If you are looking for time travel books that are both scientifically grounded and deeply emotional, Shoot the Moon promises to be a captivating journey.
7. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life presents a unique take on time travel. Ursula Todd is born in 1910 but tragically dies before taking her first breath. On the very same night, Ursula is born again, but this time, the doctor arrives just in time to ensure her survival. The narrative follows Ursula through numerous lives, each ending in death, only for her life to restart with subtle shifts and changes – she develops a sixth sense, a feeling of déjà vu. This novel is a mesmerizing exploration of how minor choices and impactful events can shape our lives and even our personalities. Life After Life is a modern classic and a profoundly thought-provoking time travel book that examines the infinite possibilities within a single life.
Time travel books offer a unique lens through which to examine our lives, loves, and choices. They allow us to ponder ‘what ifs’ and explore the very fabric of our existence in imaginative and compelling ways. If you’re intrigued by the concept of time travel, I hope this list provides a fantastic starting point for your own literary journey through time!
