“Never drink coffee on a roller coaster,” was the thought
that cycled through my mind as I was reading My Half of Tomorrow, a brilliantly written science fiction tale by
John L. Dunegan just released by the publisher iUniverse. My comment means we all know that holding a cup of
coffee would spill if you’re riding a roller coaster, right? In this particular case, author John L. Dunegan
writes very smoothly, but after a dream-like introductory scene, for many pages
thereafter he begins his story with lengthy character development scenario. Page after page of simple farm life tales of
ordinary people made me wishing he’d “get on with the sci-fi” aspect, clearly knowing
that he’s building up for some event, but anxiously anticipating getting to where
he was leading. So I made myself a cup
of coffee, and at around page 80, it happened.
Just like a roller coaster ratcheted up and over the first arch, the
book gained momentum and began a ride. I
say this because the combination of the caffeine from the coffee and
storyline’s speed and twists caused the “perfect storm” of enjoyment in my
mind! I finished the book in one sitting as I truly couldn’t put it down!
John L. Dunegan presents an original concept in time travel to
the readers within his book. He claims
not to have the H. G. Wells’ gadget of a time machine; nor the USS Enterprise
traveling at multiple warp speed; nor even some hoop people jump through into
the past. Those fictional storylines
have all been played out and overdone.
He promised in the preface a
new idea, a creative twist - and he delivered on his promise. Having a technical background in real life,
John L. Dunegan embellishes the storyline with just enough physics at just the
right times to keep the reader figuratively strapped into his seat, compelled
to read what will happen – next; or rather, to rephrase without giving away any
of the story because of the time altering aspect, has already happened.
The investment of time reading all of the book’s initial
character development pays off when the events and circumstances of My Half of Tomorrow unfold. By then, the reader feels as if they know the
characters so well and are able to empathize with their concerns, curiosity and
decisions. The pseudo-scientific credibility
of the fantasy aspects are truly a sci-fi enthusiast’s dream come true, totally
in tune with those who appreciate dwelling on the thoughts and situations which
may prove to be unintended consequences when dealing with the unknowns of time
travel. Even the title is cleverly
articulated, as the reader soon learns.
By design, I did not mention any of the significant threads
of the machinations of My Half of
Tomorrow, as I wish for all those that choose to read this to enjoy the
surprises fresh and first hand. My
recommendation is to make a good cup of coffee, clear your schedule, sit back and
enjoy! This is an ideal book for young
adults to mature connoisseurs of well written novels, but for the true sci-fi gluttons,
this an absolute must read, positively not
to be passed up. Also, try not to spill
the coffee when you get past page 80.
