Monday, July 7, 2008

Review: Maggie Again & Giveaway

Summary: Maggie is a typical up-beat rural teenager who, in 1926, must leave her idyllic Indiana farm home when her father accepts a once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity in New York’s financial district.

In New York, she soon has some very special challenges. First, she must deal with the loss of her three teenage friends, including her boy friend, who disappeared during an attempted trip to visit her. When they finally reappear, the year is 1984, and Maggie is 74 years old while her three friends are still teenagers. Later, when she returns to her farm community, it is 1926 again and, except for her three friends, neither her parents nor anyone else knows she has been away for 58 years.

Maggie has some unique adjustments to make. And with the help of her teenage friends, she concocts some even more unique ways of dealing with them. --
www.maggieagain.com

A few months ago I offered to read and review MAGGIE AGAIN by John D. Husband for Online Book Publicist Lisa Roe, but it ended up taking a little while for this book to arrive at my house. I'm so glad it finally came because this book was definitely worth the wait. It was such a charming, heart-warming read. It's one of those books that people of all ages will love -- not only did I enjoy it, but I'm pretty sure that my parents and grandparents would like it too.

This is the second book about "time travel" that I've read in the past few weeks; however, I don't want to make it sound like this novel is book about science fiction. MAGGIE AGAIN tells the story of Maggie, a 16 year old girl is forced to move away from her idyllic home in Indiana to New York City so her father can fulfill his dreams and work on Wall Street. As a child who moved a lot for my father's job, this book really struck a chord with me. I, like Maggie, always felt it was especially difficult to leave my friends and start over in a new place.

To add to Maggie's discontent, her three best friends from Indiana go missing on their way to New York. Maggie's family spends lots of time and money looking for the boys, but eventually comes to the conclusion that they are dead; and she is forced to move on. From this point on, her life takes a series of downward turns. I think every reader will feel sympathy for Maggie and what could have been for her.

The story jumps to 1984 when Maggie, who now goes by Margaret, is 74 years old and ready to retire from her insurance job. The reader learns that Margaret has had a somewhat difficult life and therefore has become somewhat "cynical." Much to her amazement and joy, the three boys (who she thought were dead) arrive in New York City. After she spends months helping them acclimate to the big city and all the new inventions, they decide to venture back to Indiana. After they arrive back "home," it's 1916 and Margaret is transformed back into "Maggie again!" Maggie and the boys decide that they need to "re-do" past events so that her family never leaves Indiana for New York.

I wasn't quite sure what to think of Maggie and her story -- I think I was trying to figure out the time-travel aspect. This book had a few twists and turns and definitely kept me guessing until the very end. At times, I even found myself wondering whether the entire story was some sort of dream sequence.

I loved the underlying messages within this story about love and friendship and taking advantage of second chances. This book definitely had a nostalgic feel to it, and I just felt all "warm and fuzzy" after I was finished reading it! If you are looking for a nice pleasant read, I suggest checking out MAGGIE AGAIN.

If MAGGIE AGAIN sounds like a book that you would like to read, it could be your lucky day! I have an extra copy of this book that I'd like to share with one of my readers. Just leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address if you want to be considered. To double your chances, mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back to this post. This contest is open to citizens of the United States and Canada only. I will be taking entries until Friday, July 11th at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Also reviewed at:
Age 30 - A Year of Books
Blue Archipelago
Books Love Me

29 comments:

Cheryl said...

I have read a few books on time travel. Some were good and others were ok. This one sounds good

joanna said...

Wow, this sounds excellent, thanks for the review!

Bree said...

Oh, I love time-travel novels. My favorites are the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. Time-Travelers Wife was OK but if you would have chopped off 100 pages it would have been better. I posted a comment about it at my blog.

Heather J. @ TLC Book Tours said...

Thanks for the link! I really enjoyed this book - it was a light, easy read, perfect for summer time.

Karin said...

Ooooh....sounds fascinating! I'd love to read it.

Michele said...

Sounds like a cute book! Thanks for the review.

phxbne said...

Sounds like something different

Clare - The Super Mommy Club said...

Lisa sent me a copy too and I loved this book! Here's my review if you fancy a read: http://www.clareswindlehurst.com/bookreviews/2008/05/12/maggieagain/

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Awesome review!

As always, no need to enter me. I'm just dropping by to praise your review and let you know I am listing this at Win a Book.

Darlene said...

This books sounds wonderful. I'd love to read it. Books on time travel intrigue me. I've posted on my site about the give-away. Thanks for the opportunity!

snoops819 said...

Wow, sounds like a great read!! If only we could time travel and relive what was. As they say, "If I knew then what I know now...." Isn't that true. So much would be different!! Can't wait to read it!!

Anonymous said...

I would really like to read a feel-good book and this sounds like just the ticket. Your review was really good!
doot65[at]comcast[dot]net
Elizabeth

kamewh said...

Sounds unique! I have never read a time travel book but would love to!

Icedream said...

I love time travel books but I enjoy historical fiction and well, I love lots of genres, LOL. Please enter me in this drawing. I posted about your contest on my blog here.

Anonymous said...

Count me in (maybe your luck will rub off on me).

fizzybeverage at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Sounds very good. I enjoyed reading your review. Pls. enter me. Thanks.

Dawn M. said...

Ooooh, I like the sound of this book. If I don't win, I'll have to see if my library has it.

traveler said...

Your review was great and this unique book appeals to me. Thanks for this chance for this wonderful giveaway.

Anonymous said...

Love this type of novel. Extremely unique and fascinating. Impressive review.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful review. This story reaches out to me. Time travel and the era is exceptional. Fabulous.

Anonymous said...

Love the choice of this novel. Extremely interesting book. Review was wonderful. Thanks for the chance.

Josette said...

I read this book in February! Great book about traveling in time, isn't it? Here's my review of it! :)

Theresa N. said...

Sounds like an interesting story.
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great book to read. Can't wait to read it.

Anonymous said...

This book sounds great. I would love to win a copy (and, if I don't win, buy a copy). My mom grew up in Indiana and moved to NJ when she was 22. Maybe she can relate a little. I'd love to share this one with her.

Anonymous said...

I already posted once to be entered, but I wanted to let you know I posted about the contest on my blog!!

http://nbbaker1102.wordpress.com/2008/07/10/joshua-henkin-author-contact/

I'm keepin my fingers crossed!!

Cheryl said...

I'd love to read this book!

windycindy said...

Greetings! Sounds like a delightful story line. I would love to read this book and see how Maggie and her new friends help her with her move. Please enter me in your drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Gwendolyn said...

I'd love to read this! It sounds enchanting!

geebee245@hotmail.com