3.5

This book had some very interesting ideas. I found the plot to be fast paced and the characters to be interesting.
The time travel was done in a interesting way, and while this isn't necessarily a book that I'll think about a lot and I did have moments where I wasn't as invested. It was fun at the time and I think a lot of people will enjoy this one.

Big thank you to the author, Netgalley and the publishers.

I honestly think that this is one of those stories that are too clever for me. I think I missed a few bits, or they went over my head. That said I do think that this is a clever book and entertaining.

I so wanted to like this as it’s a step away from my usual
Things but it just didn’t engage me at all. I found myself skimming along.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

There was much to enjoy here, but I found I couldn't connect with it. I'd read more from this author in the future though.

In 2016, Tom Barren lives in a Utopian world where the Goettreider machine has generated limitless, pollution free energy since its invention in 1965. Not being dependent on fossil fuels has freed the human race to invent everything imaginable to make life easier. Clothes are made from a light-sensitive polymer which is worn once and then recycled into brand new garments for the next day. Meals are automatically produced to suit each individual's tongue's sensory receptors and they taste ideal every time. And everyone wakes up each morning with a synchronized transition from their unconscious dream state to a harmonized consciousness.

Life couldn't be better.

Except Tom drifts aimlessly, without purpose or any sense of self-worth — and rather unsettlingly, his father is a genius who has invented a time machine. Worse still, Tom realizes his fascination with Penelope is pretty pointless since she has a driven personality and excels at everything, and she would never be interested in a loser like him.

When Tom is transported back to 1965, to witness the switching on of the first prototype Goettreider energy machine, his presence causes the flow of history to change and the world becomes the less than perfect place we are all familiar with. However, in this alternative 2016, Tom is a successful architect, and, to his delight, he finds Penny has been waiting her entire life for a person just like him to appear.

Will Tom attempt to revisit 1965 and correct the disruption his initial visit caused? Or will he sacrifice Utopia in order to prevent Penny reverting back into Penelope, and by doing so, enjoy the rest of his life with her?

This irreverent romp of a novel, sprinkled with humor, is an entertaining read. Sure the characters are lightweight and undeveloped, and the "science" explanations are ludicrous, and the premise is rather cliche, but hey, this isn't an academic work, it's just a bit of fun, and on that level it works.

If you don't mind your science fiction accompanied by a huge dollop of nonsense you'll love Elan Mastai's contribution to the genre.

Unfortunately, I read this book back in 2017 but completely forgot to upload a review on here, so can't remember exactly what I was going to say about it!

Unfortunately, I have not been able to read and review this book.

After losing and replacing my broken Kindle and getting a new phone I was unable to download the title again for review as it was no longer available on Netgalley.

I’m really sorry about this and hope that it won’t affect you allowing me to read and review your titles in the future.

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.
Natalie.

Wasn't really my cup of tea but am giving an extra star just for chapter 56. I do love sweary words!

2 stars

I have loved the opportunity to spend time researching novels to re-stockl our senior bookshelves in the school library that plays a central role in the life of the school. When I first took over the library was filled with dusty tomes that were never borrowed and languished there totally unloved.
Books like this, play a central role in ensuring that the library is stocked with fresh relevant fiction that appeals to the readers. It has a strong voice and a compelling plot that ensures that you speed through its pages, enjoying both its characterisation and dialogue whilst wanting to find out how all of its strands will be resolved by the end.
I have no hesitation in adding this to the 'must buy' list so that the senior students and staff of the school can enjoy it as much as I did. This is a gripping read that will be sure to grip its readers whether they are fans of this genre or coming to it for the first time through our now-thriving school library recommendation system. Thanks so much for allowing me to review it!

Although the story was interesting, the book just couldn't engage my attention long enough, so I had to put it aside. I think I was not in the right mood when I started it.

I would definitely come back to it later for it seems promising.

This is a book which uses time travel as a vehicle for what is really a love story. Initially, Tom Barren comes from a 'parallel world' utopia with limitless energy, flying cars, teleportation, no disease, and all wants and needs met. Except Tom is not happy and lives a bored, feckless, unmotivated existence. He is not a particularly likeable character - initially his whining and misogynistic attitudes were grating - but perhaps in a place where practically everything is done for you by advanced technology and carefree social attitudes this would become the norm for anyone with no needs left unmet and no path to follow. Tom's lacklustre involvement in a time travel programme (run by his perpetually disapproving father) ends in disaster when he accidentally changes 'his' world into ours - the dystopia! For Tom, in this dystopia he has a nice supportive family, a wonderful girlfriend and a successful life as an architect, so obviously he begins to wonder whether it really is a dystopia.

It's a great premise for a story - clever, well thought-out and carried through. But I do have some questions about the world-building. Firstly, how could limitless energy make the world into such a utopia? There would still be disease, accidents, religion (and therefore religious nutters), but most importantly there would still be greed - and therefore shortages and misappropriation of limited natural resources resulting in food and wealth inequalities, Secondly, in my opinion this book is simply too long and goes off into philosophical discourse too frequently.

The book is written in the first person, in the form of a memoir and occasionally 'breaks the fourth wall' by referring to itself with a self-awareness is quite refreshing. In summary, an interesting read which I'd happily go to see if it does ever become a film.

I love a time travel novel and this one did not disappoint. I first noticed it when I saw the hardback cover which was weird and wacky but wonderful. I will look out for more from Elan Mastai!

Going into All Our Wrong Todays I didn't really know what to expect. The blurb made the book sound wacky and interesting, but also didn't give much away. I wasn't sure if I should give this book a go, but in the end, decided to pick it up. What I found was a surprisingly romantic, very charming and extremely intelligent science fiction novel.

Elan Mastai is better known as a screenwriter, so it is not surprising that All Our Wrong Todays is cinematic. Mastai is an excellent writer. His prose is intricate, impassioned and enigmatic. His writing is full of style, it flows with ease across the page. Mastai's worldbuilding is exquisite, inspiring and imaginative. He is bold, and he takes risks that mostly pay off. Nevertheless, there are moments that get a little too technical. I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to science and physics. There were moments where this just lost me, and I got trapped under all the jargon.

All Our Wrong Today's had an absorbing storyline. It is full of imagination and originality. The chapters were short, and the first person narrative really helped keep me interested. I found parts to be funny, touching and characterful. There was an honesty about it that I adored. All in all, I ended up being quite charmed by this novel.

An exciting idea and overall the plot is good. However, the first phase of the book drags and repeats itself over and over, it really needs to be half the length. The second phase of the book is a little better paced, but still could be a bit shorter, leaving out some of the repetition. The summaries are a complete waste of time and serve no purpose. The third phase of the story could do with some expansion. The post-apocalypse era is just glossed over, whereas this could be padded out with more detail. The pace of the final part where it all comes together is fine. With these adjustments to proportions, it would be an excellent read. As it is you really have to wade through the first half of the book hoping the pace picks up eventually.

Provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

I couldn’t finish this book. I started it ages ago and kept putting it down as I really didn’t identify with the main character and the plot didn’t hold my attention at all. I hate giving up on books, but unfortunately, this is one of them.

Incredible book - I couldn’t put it down.

Have recommended this to many people as I enjoyed it so much. Unique story telling at its finest - an absolute must read

There were lots of twists in the book and unexpected turns. I would recommend this book for someone looking for an unusual love story. Its full of ups and downs and not the usual love time travel book.

Usually I like a time-travel story, but found this one a bit dull and uninspiring. The premise made it sound good, and it started well (there's no doubt the idea is a viable one for a time travel story), but the narrator is a dull, incompetent and whiny individual. He's also given to long-winded prose which doesn't actually say much about the 'alternative reality' world. The female characters were also quite sketchy, as the world(s) clearly - and literally - revolve around the narrator. I abandoned and went back to it a couple of times, but gave up about halfway through.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.

Oh my goodness, I really loved this book. At first I found it a little difficult to get in to but once I did WHOA!! You know that fairground ride, the wild mouse? Well that’s what this book reminded me of, one minute you’re going this way then BANG, off in a different direction altogether. I lost so much sleep ‘cos I needed to know what was coming next and also ‘cos my heart was racing!
Although I do enjoy sci-fi films I tend to prefer a good old twisty psycho thriller for my bedtime reading but I’m so glad I gave this book a chance. I urge you to do the same.

A surprisingly really good read! I read this much slower than I normally read and couldn’t quite get into it at first but I found myself really enjoying it. It is very confusing and I have no idea the theory behind it makes any sense but if you can read past the sci-fi and focus on the actually story, it really is a good read. The whole book had me guessing where and how it would end - I just couldn’t call it!
The ending was very Hollywood with the countdown scene and then I read that the author writes screenplays... so that explained that! The countdown chapter was confusing and I’m not sure I fully visualised what was going on but still very enjoyable and should it ever be made into a film, I’d really enjoy watching that countdown scene!

A 5🌟 read for me (although I know this book wouldn’t be for everyone!)!