Roll Back: A Time Travel Adventure

Having grown up in the time and places brought to life in this book it seemed as if, just for me, Rick Reil gathered together characterizations and a sense of the 1950s and 60s, and helped me roll back my memories. It was a marvelous visit.Across the decades, and from eastern Washington State to the town of Snohomish, Washington on the west side of the Cascade Mountain Range a widower struggles to regain control of his life. The loss of his wife to cancer left Peter Greer searching for a future. With his purchase of a Victorian era house his search uncovers a path forward out of grief. Peter and his fifteen-year-old granddaughter decide it would be a wonderful adventure for Emily to attend school at Snohomish High in 1958. To both of them the past offers a means to understanding who they are and where they are going.Dealing with time travel issues can be incredibly fun for both writers and their readers. While some authors can mire down in the vein of “The Physics of Doctor Who,” Rick has avoided any over-exertion of techno-babble. He provides just enough background on the technicalities, and gives some recognition to the classic paradoxes of time travel. He has my sincere gratitude for avoiding any desire to expound upon the dire implications of crushing butterflies while traipsing through the past. And, in the end, his approach is far and away better than what is found in some of the classic literature. I will avoid sharing any spoilers here about the workings of time portals and the mysteries they reveal. They are eloquently described by the author (trust me, you'll love his weaving of science and fantasy).Rick Reil developed rich backgrounds for each of his characters and the places in his story. Despite their facing the unique challenges and paradoxes of time travel, the folks you come to know in his story take the fantasy elements in stride and remain realistic in nature. Many of the local characters are based upon real people that that lived in the story locations - I have learned that each person and place has a very real meaning in the author’s own past.The characters and locales are not only real, but the historical contexts from the time period, as described in the story, are factual. Many events actually took place, and are woven into the story. Rick Reil followed, with great care, a primary rule for authors: “write about what you know.” The authenticity of the backgrounds rings true throughout the book.The story reminded me of what screenwriter Bill Wheeler said about authors: “Good writing is clear thinking made visible.” Rick Reil crafted a story that brings a small part of the past into focus, and leaves the reader to wonder what they would choose to change in their own past, if given the opportunity.

I think I will remember this book for a long time. It is a time travel book, which chooses to visit Washington State in 1958. I grew up then and the author replicates it exactly. I primarily read fiction, and this is one of the best. I like Robert Crais and Clive Cussler. I like Isaac Asimov. These books make me think and imagine. This book made me think and imagine. Can't wait for the next one.

My wife stayed up late to finish this book -- even though you think you know how the 1958 timeline will develop (because you know where they end up in the future), there are surprises! It's not your standard time travel novel. The author helps you really feel what it would be like to step back and live through another era. The characters are real, everyday people who could be your friends, only amazing things happen around them.

Roll Back – A Time Travel Adventure is a great read. Whether you grew up in Western Washington in the 60’s, or like the immortal early rock and rollers, or dreamed of owning a ‘57 Chevy, or like TV shows ranging from “Ozzie and Harriet” to “The X-Files,” there is something in this book for you. After you read it, the next time you’re driving through Everett or Snohomish or most anywhere in Snohomish County, you’ll be keeping an eye out for an old Victorian house with two huge fir trees in the backyard, or a black ’49 Merc that you know means trouble – and wishing you could go back and get a great meal at The Hub for you and your date for 2 bucks – but wait, maybe you can . . .

I just finished Rollback by Richard Reil. As a 65 year old, I loved the storyline that reminded me so much of my childhood and reminded me of many things I had forgotten. This book has a wider appeal though that just people my age. It is written in an easy style and is totally appropriate for teens. It was refreshing to read a story that was devoid of four letter words.The plot has some very interesting time travel ideas that I think everyone will enjoy. I highly recommend it!

What a wonderful, sweet book. The story is well written and quite engaging. I enjoyed thinking of how much fun long ago was before all the changes and technology changed our lives. I know I sure wish I had the time portal. I have unfinished business in 1980 I would like to change.

As a lover of time travel stories this book was a treat. The concept of a portal to another time or place was refreshing. A modern day reader used to the concept it wonderful to find such clean story without any of the usual unnecessary steamy bedroom scenes. The time frames were well researched. It would recommend this to anyone!

Since I was in high school from 1951 to 1954 and college until 1959 the references to all the 50s stuff was interesting, but the story is so trite it was disappointing. I guess to younger people it might be okay, but I thought it was too simple.