September Sky centers around a newly unemployed reporter, Chuck Townsend, and his son, Justin. After suffering a painful break-up, Justin needs a change from his everyday life and withdraws from college. The two men take advantage of their circumstances to reconnect. While on vacation they meet an eccentric lecturer, Geoffrey Bell, who is convinced that time travel is possible. At Mr. Bell’s urging, the Townsends eventually make their way to 1900 to rediscover southern California and beyond. Although urged to have a minimal impact on the world around them, Chuck (your run of the mill good guy) has a difficult time letting some parts of the past stay in the past.
John A. Heldt has a refreshing writing style not often found in historical fiction. The story is buoyed along with snappy dialogue and realistic characters. While the story is not shocking or completely original, readers will find that they are attached to the characters and are engrossed in their journey. The author manages to grab your attention from the first chapter and doesn’t let go until the very end. Although it is technically a book with time-travel, the time travel aspect isn’t the star. Instead the book is a lovely take on mismatched lovers set in the year 1900. An impressive amount of research on the time period is evident throughout the book, and these accurate details keep the reader fully engrossed. John A. Heldt has woven together a masterful story filled with heart and whimsy. Any reader that enjoys tender romance or historical fiction will love this sweet story.
