Gina Rae Mitchell

Earth Jumped Back by Philip Reari

Summary:

Earth Jumped Back by Philip Reari is an absorbing and adventurous novel that will captivate readers who appreciate historical fiction, science fiction, and environmental themes, particularly those who are drawn to stories that explore the complexities of human connection, responsibility, and the power of the past to shape our understanding of the present. (Storygraph)

Earth Jumped Back by Philip Reari [Book Review] #LiteraryFiction #TimeTravel #Environmental #Historical #1960s @re_ari

Book Details

Earth Jumped Back by Philip Reari
Published by Black Rose Writing on July 17, 2024
Genres: Fiction, Time-Travel, Historical
Format: Audiobook, eBook, Paperback
Pages: 281

College junior Ethan Trousock has his own problems: professor Bourman's history exam, parental aging, dating dry spells. The devastating oil spill that blanketed his university's coastline half a century before and led to the birth of the modern environmental movement is ancient history. Until one night when an ocean portal transports him back to 1969.

Denise Pirouet, an overwhelmed student reporter, has a front row seat to the ominous undercurrent unleashed by the inky, oil-laden ocean, including a pernicious bombing at the Faculty Club. Ethan befriends Denise and her boyfriend, whom he suspects he recognizes from the future. As campus unrest mounts, culminating in a bank burning and a violent standoff with the national guard, Ethan and Denise become linked in unexpected ways that will only become clear 50 years later.

Earth Jumped Back is a historical, time-bending novel based on events in Santa Barbara, CA, that occurred during the same period of generational upheaval as the Manson murders. Philip Reari is an environmental reporter and editor whose first novel was shortlisted for the Santa Fe Literary Awards. Listen to this book for an entertaining, probing peek into the recent past that will make you think differently about today.

Source: BookSirens

 

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Purchase Links for Earth Jumped Back

Also available in Paperback and Audiobook.

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My Thoughts on Earth Jumped Back

As someone who came of age during the tail end of this period, I have always been captivated by the transformative events of the 1960s and 1970s. Phillip Reari’s “Earth Jumped Back” was an absolute treat. Reari deftly blends historical events with a compelling time-travel narrative, creating a story that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

We follow Ethan Trousock, a relatable college junior whose everyday worries suddenly seem trivial when an ocean portal hurls him back to 1969. This unexpected journey places him in the thick of a pivotal moment in environmental history—the aftermath of a catastrophic oil spill that reshaped public consciousness and birthed the modern environmental movement.

What I loved most about Ethan’s journey was his evolving relationship with Denise Pirouet, a tenacious student reporter. Denise offers us a front-row seat to the campus unrest and environmental upheaval of the time. Reari masterfully captures the tension and fervor of the era with scenes that vividly depict the turmoil—from the bombing at the Faculty Club to the intense standoff with the National Guard.

The story’s backdrop of Santa Barbara, CA, during a period of generational upheaval, adds an authentic touch. Reari’s own experience as an environmental reporter shines through, giving the narrative a unique depth and insight. The environmental themes resonate strongly, prompting reflections on our current ecological challenges.

“Earth Jumped Back” is more than just a historical novel; it’s a poignant reminder of how past events shape our present and future. The unexpected twists, particularly the connections between Ethan, Denise, and her enigmatic boyfriend, kept me turning pages until the very end. This book offers a fascinating peek into a turbulent time and encourages readers to rethink their perspectives on today’s environmental issues.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, time-travel tales, or just looking for a story that combines heart, history, and a dash of the fantastical, “Earth Jumped Back” is a must-read. Phillip Reari has crafted an entertaining and enlightening narrative, making us all reconsider the ripple effects of the past on our current world.

I may have received a digital copy of the book from the author, publisher, or tour company.

Unless otherwise noted, it is from my personal library or Kindle Unlimited.

This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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I love to read books through my  Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription. 

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