Review of Stealing Time by Tilia Klebenov Jacobs and Norman Birnbach
Time travel has always held an irresistible allure for me, be it through the pages of a book or the frames of a film. When I stumbled across Stealing Time, it felt like a charming blend of everything I love: family drama, rich character development, and a heavy sprinkle of humor woven into the fabric of a multi-layered time-travel narrative. Jacobs and Birnbach craft a delightful adventure that tackles the sometimes messy business of family and connections across generations.
At the heart of this riveting tale lies Tori, a fifteen-year-old girl caught in the tumult of her parents’ separation. As she grapples with her own feelings of loss and confusion, she unearths a family secret linked to a magnificent yellow diamond and a poignant past that includes her grandfather’s arrest. The drama compels Tori to leap back in time to 1980s New York—an era without smartphones and filled with grit and graffiti, yet brimming with vibrancy and life.
It’s in the lively 1980s that she meets her teenage father, Bobby, a wonderfully crafted character who is both relatable and complex. Their dynamic is a standout aspect of the novel; through Tori’s eyes, we see not only the earnestness of young adulthood but also the emerging connection between a daughter and her father—two souls separated by time yet woven together by shared struggles. The dialogue is witty and relatable, and I found myself chuckling at Tori’s quirky observations—calling summer camp “New York with mosquitoes” had me grinning.
Jacobs and Birnbach excel in their writing, striking a perfect balance between suspense and humor while deftly avoiding overly convoluted time-travel theories. Their narrative flows smoothly, ensuring the pacing keeps you engaged without feeling rushed. The way the authors blend the emotional weight of Tori’s current reality with the thrill of a crime mystery creates a rich tapestry that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The exploration of family dynamics, resilience, and the impact of choices across generations adds depth that resonates long after the final page.
One memorable moment that encapsulates the novel’s magic comes when Tori, navigating the cultural quirks of the 1980s, realizes the importance of understanding her family’s past to mend her present. This theme is both poignant and universal, shedding light on how our histories shape who we are today. A testimonial from bestselling author M.J. Rose encapsulates it perfectly: “Stealing Time is as clever and inventive as it is fascinating and compelling.”
I genuinely believe this book will appeal to a broad audience—whether you’re a young adult grappling with growing pains or an adult who relishes a rich tapestry of nostalgia and adventure. It’s a delightful reminder that sometimes, to understand where we are going, we must first reckon with where we came from. Reading Stealing Time was not just an escape; it was a heartfelt journey through time, laughter, and ultimately, healing.
If you’re looking for a fun read that effectively combines family secrets, humor, and a thrilling adventure, Stealing Time might just be your next favorite find. So grab your copy, and let Tori and Bobby’s escapade sweep you back in time. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!
You can find Stealing Time here >>