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Turn of the Century: 2100

Charlie Pedersen
Outskirts Press (2007)
ISBN 9781598003291
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (2/07)

In 2085, 9-year-old Aly was summoned to the bedside of her namesake, Alyson, her grandmother. The 105-year-old Alyson is dying and had been living on a Rejuvenator the last 15 years of her life. Four generations of women sit in the room, all scientists. Aly knew that her granny wanted something from her but didn’t know what; she knew she’d been preparing for a quest all her short life. Granny had written a book, “Turn of the Century.” Aly had read it over and over. Her mission would have something to do with that book and with two letters that her grandmother showed her. She was told that she could not read the letters yet, the time wasn’t right.

Years previously, when Alyson was in the prime of her life, she was part of a particle physicist team. A photon probe was sent from the year 2108. The probe offered warnings if messing with the time space continuum a paradox could take place. Events could be altered.

Five Oracles were included in the probes. The oracles were suggestions to be presented to the UN. The oracles concerned human rights, environment, multi-culturalism, international medical and organic health and militarism.

At age 29 Alyson is allowed to read her grandmother’s letters. Her quest is clear. She is to find Jacque. In less than four hours after meeting him, they are in love.

What if we were offered a chance to redo the past? Would we heed the warnings? Would we make changes? What would we be willing to sacrifice?

“ Turn of the Century,” by Charlie Pedersen, is a “timely” (pun intended) novel. Mr. Pedersen is an extremely talented author. The characters are well developed. Aly is a multi-dimensional character. She is brilliant and yet has a soft side. The plot is filled with intrigue, twists, suspense and romance. While there is definitely a serious statement in this plot, I also felt the author strived to lighten it with humor. A case in point is the relationship between Aly, Alyson and Jacque. I was a little intimidated when I first began reading this book. I am definitely not a “science person.” But Mr. Pedersen has included Appendices that assist in defining terms and statistics to help even science-challenged persons like myself to understand the theory behind the plot. To sum it up this was a fascinating book. Well done Mr. Pedersen. I highly recommend “Turn of the Century” to fans of science fiction.

Amazon reviews:

A wild ride which leaves you feeling responsible for doing someting positive!
March 7, 2007
Reviewer: Larry Stevens (San Diego)
Turn of The Century 2100 is simply a terrific and thrilling read. It spans time and makes you believe all this science is possible. Artfully interwoven is the moral issues facing each one of us on the planet. At the end of the book you feel you have to do something positive. It truly is a book at the right time since there is no question the planet is in DENIAL! I highly recommended this an outstanding read , it is a wild ride.

Charlie Pedersen Explains It All...
March 6, 2007
Reviewer: Nathaniel May "Nathaniel May" (Cincinnati, OH USA)
Mr. Pedersen thoroughly explains not only the science and technology behind time travel, but creates a timely plot that mirrors the real-life political, socio-economic, and environmental struggles our world is going through today in the present.

What if our future generations could reach back through the arrow of time and give us a wake up call? Would we begin to see how silly and trivial our society's consumerism and political machinations are?

This book brings the science behind quantum mechanics and the theory of time travel within a lay person's grasp. In fact, I would venture that if time travel is ever discovered, they will be able to credit Mr. Pedersen's work much as Jules Verne can be credited with inspiring space and undersea travel. The science fiction of today becomes the science fact of the future. I for one, am looking forward to the brilliant mind who will digest this novel and use the knowledge within to make these dreams a reality.

Much like Edward Bellamy, the 19th Century author who penned "Looking Backward", Mr. Pedersen's semi-utopian vision of the future has some socialistic overtones. Whether or not the idealism explored in this book can overcome the profit motive of capitalism in the real world remains to be seen. But science fiction either deals with a pessimistic Armageddon, or a hopeful Utopia. Taking a look at any headline in Newsweek, or Time, I can say I prefer the latter.

Now, not only is this book a scientific tome, but it also contains strong male and female characters, a romantic sub-plot, and even some good old fashioned action scenes. It has the feel of a romantic epic; but I don't want to give any spoilers. You'll have to read for yourself!

Gives you hope for our planet - and a great ride along the way!
March 4, 2007
Reviewer: Patti Negri "www.BrainBrewEntertainment.com" (Hollywood, California)
Wonderful story. Amazing cutting edge science. Romance, intrigue, espionage - and a real and solid plan to save the world -- who could ask for more? After reading this, even the thought of time travel makes perfect sense. World leaders should definitely read this! (And everyone else too!)