What an interesting premise! What would happen if you could go back in time and change an event in the life of someone you loved? Who would it effect besides your loved one? Those questions are explored in Michael Baron's book "Anything." And probably what allowed me to give this book a three star rating.The writing was solid enough, but there were several times I thought that the manuscript needed one more pass by an editor. The story was a bit slow at the beginning, and maybe even a little trite, but that was overcome once events of the past were revealed and then changed.Characters were interesting. Baron did a nice job in showing one person's effect on another by the personality contrasts from one reality into the post-time-change reality.The ending was a bit cheesy, but I would think that most readers would want the HEA ending. Personally, I think it would have been interesting to see happiness achieved in new relationships. But I never like easy.A clean read, with just a sprinkling of profanity. "Anything" would make for a good beach read this summer. I have read The Journey Home from Michael Baron and enjoyed it, so when I was offered a chance to review his latest novel, Anything I decided to give him another go. And I am so happy I did! This book had me hooked from the very beginning, and was one that I would constantly talk about to friends –asking the question: what would you do? Ken and Melissa, the focal point of the novel, are about to get married. Ken never knew he could love someone as much as he loves Melissa, and he is ready to start a new life together with her as his wife. While searching for just the right wedding present for Melissa, Ken stumbles upon a unique and mysterious shop. When the owner offers him a chance to look in on Melissa’s life when she was a girl, Ken decides to seize the opportunity. But when the look back offers a glimpse at a horrific incident from her childhood, Ken is enraged. But now Ken has a second chance – he can go back in time and prevent the incident from happening. Ken would do anything for Melissa, and to take away that memory would bring Ken such joy and he feels that Melissa’s life would only better from that. But when Ken returns to present time, Melissa is no longer in his life. She doesn’t even know who he is. By changing that one piece of the past, Ken has now altered both his and Melissa’s life – forever.I enjoyed getting to know a male protagonist, which isn’t something I get often with mainly reading chick lit and romance. Ken was such a lovely character, a man that I think everyone woman wishes she would meet and fall in love with. He had a great dynamic with Melissa, but the depth of these characters goes even farther. Ken says he will do anything for Melissa – even at the expense of them possibly never meeting. This was a terrific book, and like I said earlier, had me talking to people about what they would do given the opportunity. Check out this book – you won’t be disappointed!
What do You think about Anything (2011)?
I basically read this in two sittings. It's short, but so cute!
—OneDirection
Again,first time reading an author. Interesting, and good.
—laragudjonsd
Michael Baron is my new favorite author. Loved this book.
—megalejandra
