#32 The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

Jump to the 1970s I was in Jr. high at the end of that time and there were not a lot of Science Fiction and Fantasy that existed in a 700 square foot library that was in our old building. It had been built when there were only 40-50 students in a grade.

I remember the options were low. A string of Conan Books, John Carter of Mars and Tarzan, a few Isaac Asimov, Arthur C Clark, Wizard of Oz, and a smattering of a few others. Most of them were old when I was born in the 60s

This book of course came to mind. There was an old movie in the 60s. Let’s be honest, in that era that was not an old movie. It played once in a while on Friday night or on Saturday. I remember first picking up a classic comics’ version of it that was in the library, then eventually to a paperback that the library had turned into a hardback. They would buy the paperbacks then cut the cover off and glue the cover on the outside, and the book to a hardback binding.

What innovation. I thought it was a good book, but even more so as time passed. The book was written in 1895, one hundred and twenty-five years ago. This was in an era before cars, most of what we take for granted now, was new and innovative. I am amazed at the creativity.

Then to think, he gave thought to the ancient past and the far future. To him, the world looked bleak as well. I love science fiction. Often it makes me look at the present with a critical eye. Good science fiction will do that. Making it relevant, and telling a good story is key. It is valid enough the tropes he created still exisit to this day. Time travel, changing of the future, and meddling with time always seems to appear in every science fiction story sooner or later.

If i read it more often it may be higher on the list. However it is short, and simple. I tend to return to fantasty in that catigory and to complex sci-fi. however this book is amazing, and still relivant today.