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Time for Andrew summary
Brief summary
Time for Andrew is a captivating story by Mary Downing Hahn. When Drew travels back in time and meets his ancestor, Andrew, he learns about the hardships of the Civil War and gains a new appreciation for his own life.
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Time for Andrew
Summary of key ideas
A Haunting Reunion
In the book Time for Andrew by Mary Downing Hahn, we meet twelve-year-old Drew, who is spending the summer with his aunt in a small town in Vermont. Aunt Blythe's house is old and eerie, and Drew is not thrilled about being there. One day, while exploring the attic, he finds a photograph of his own face, but the boy in the picture is wearing old-fashioned clothes and looks exactly like him. The boy is Andrew, his great-great-uncle, who died in the Civil War at the age of fourteen.
Andrew's ghost appears to Drew and asks him to help him. He wants Drew to go back in time to the year 1864 to prevent a tragic accident that led to his death. Drew is initially skeptical but soon finds himself transported to the past, where he meets Andrew and his family. He is taken aback by the stark difference between their lives and his modern comforts.
Parallel Lives and Time Travel
As Drew spends more time with Andrew and his family, he begins to understand the harsh realities of their lives. He learns about the sacrifices they made during the Civil War and the challenges they faced. Drew also realizes that he and Andrew share many similarities, despite the century that separates them. Both boys are the same age, have similar interests, and are dealing with their respective family problems.
Despite his growing attachment to Andrew and his family, Drew remains determined to fulfill his mission. He tries to prevent the accident that led to Andrew's death, but his efforts are in vain. The accident occurs, and Drew is devastated. He feels guilty for failing to save Andrew's life and is unsure of how to return to his own time.
Accepting the Inevitable
While Drew grapples with his sense of failure, he realizes that his time in the past has brought him closer to his own family. He appreciates his life and the opportunities he has in a way he never did before. He also understands that certain events are inevitable, no matter how much we want to change them. He finds solace in the fact that he was able to spend time with Andrew and help him understand his own fate.
Eventually, Drew is able to return to his own time. He brings back with him a newfound appreciation for life and a deeper understanding of his family's history. The experience has changed him, and he is determined to honor Andrew's memory and the sacrifices of his family. As the summer ends, Drew leaves Aunt Blythe's house with a sense of closure and a renewed perspective on life and death.
Concluding Thoughts
In Time for Andrew, Mary Downing Hahn weaves a poignant tale of time travel, family, and acceptance. Drew's journey not only helps him understand his family's past but also enables him to come to terms with his own present. The novel ends with Drew leaving the past behind but carrying with him the lessons he learned from his haunting summer in Vermont.
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What is Time for Andrew about?
Time for Andrew by Mary Downing Hahn is a captivating story about a boy named Andrew who travels back in time to meet his great-great-grandfather. Set in both the present and the Civil War era, the book explores themes of family, friendship, and the impact of history on our lives. It's a heartwarming and thought-provoking read for middle-grade readers.
Time for Andrew Review
Time for Andrew by Mary Downing Hahn (1994) is a captivating story that delves into the realms of time travel and family relationships. Here's why this book is definitely worth picking up:
- Explores the intriguing concept of time travel and the impact it has on the characters, creating a unique and engaging plot.
- Focuses on the complex dynamics of family ties and how they can be tested and strengthened through extraordinary circumstances.
- Keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful twists and unexpected turns, ensuring that boredom is out of the question.
Who should read Time for Andrew?
Readers who enjoy ghost stories and supernatural mysteries
Young adults who are interested in exploring themes of family history and identity
Those who appreciate a blend of historical fiction and contemporary storytelling
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Book summaries like Time for Andrew
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Time for Andrew FAQs
What is the main message of Time for Andrew?
In Time for Andrew, the main message revolves around the importance of empathy and understanding in dealing with the complexities of family relationships.
How long does it take to read Time for Andrew?
Reading Time for Andrew takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Time for Andrew a good book? Is it worth reading?
Time for Andrew is a compelling read that delves into themes of family, time travel, and understanding. It is definitely worth your time.
Who is the author of Time for Andrew?
Mary Downing Hahn is the author of Time for Andrew.
What to read after Time for Andrew?
If you're wondering what to read next after Time for Andrew, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
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- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher