Here and Now and Then

March 12, 2020 1:00 PM - by Mike Chen

Kin Stewart is an everyday family man: working in IT, trying to keep the spark in his marriage, struggling to connect with his teenage daughter, Miranda. But his current life is a far cry from his previous career…as a time-traveling secret agent from 2142.

At its core, Chen's book is really about the prides and perils of parenthood, and I'm certain that's what I'll always remember about it. -- Ilana Masad, NPR

A subtly woven meditation about the fragility of time raises the bar in this smart, fun, and affectionate story. -- Kirkus Reviews

Quick pacing, complex characters, and a fascinating premise make this an unforgettable debut. -- Publishers Weekly

posted by Etrigan (2 comments total)

This book happened to be next on my pile as I headed out the door to count absentee ballots in the Michigan primary. I figured it would be a nice little time-travel romp, maybe fill the gaps here and there between the first count and the evening wrap-up. I wound up crying at my counting table in the middle of the afternoon.

I have two daughters. The elder lives with my former spouse about eight hours' drive away from me, and is currently studying in Israel; unsurprisingly, we do not have the closest relationship. The younger is just old enough that she can use "I don't love you anymore!" as a weapon.

Mike Chen has a daughter as well, which means he is a goddamned monster for writing this book about the fractured relationship of a time-travel cop stranded in the past and the teenaged daughter he is forced to leave behind when the future retrieves him.
posted by Etrigan at 1:16 PM on March 12, 2020 [1 favorite]

(hugs) (if you want them)

And thanks for this book recommendation, it sounds interesting. Added to my To Read list.
posted by filthy light thief at 4:53 PM on March 12, 2020