Living in the past,present, and future

Pages 151-320


Summary-  So many different things have happened so far in the novel.  Henry and Clare are still together and they will probably still be together since the future Henry told Clare that they would get married. The were practically destined to be together. Lately Henry hasn't been time travelling much, but when he does he goes to his past. He has not traveled to Clare's childhood yet. Henry also got to meet Clare's parents and to his surprise they liked him. He spent Christmas with them, but he time traveled once during his stay in their house. He was watching T.V with Clare's sister, Alicia, because he was trying to be normal. There are things that make Henry times travel like stress, watching T.V, and flashes of light. He thinks that running and having sex helps keep him in the present.
              Then  Henry and Clare got engaged. Henry gave Clare a ring that was once his mother's. He had to visit his father in order to get the ring and he found out that his father was depressed and had turned to alcohol. His father doesn't show much emotion, but he did approve of Clare. During the wedding Henry time traveled four days forward but a future Henry time traveled just in time. Now they want children since they are already settled down. Henry doesn't want to take the risk of hurting Clare or having a problem with the pregnancy. Henry decides to go visit Dr.Kendrick, but in order to get the doctor to believe him he had to tell Dr.Kendrick that his son was going to be born w th down syndrome. Now they are going to try to find a solution to their problem.

Quote-   "Running is many things to me: survival,calmness, euphoria, solitude. it is proof of my corporal existence, my ability to control my movement through space if not time, and the obedience, however temporary of my body to my will." (Niffienegger 154)

Reactions- The quote above shows how running makes Henry feel like he is in control of his life. He can control the speed he is running in, which is different for him. He has absolutely no control when he is time travelling. Henry also says running is survival, because sometimes he may find himself being chased by dogs or police officers. He wouldn't be able to do anything without his feet. He even said once to Clare that cutting his feet would be like killing him. Running is a form of meditating to Henry and he usually runs when is stressed.
                   So far I really like this novel. I like how it is romance, but Henry and Clare have a big problem. At times it seems that time travelling doesn't really affect him, but I have a feeling that Henry is going to get hurt one day. One day Henry told Clare that he knew everything was going to be okay until he is 43 years old, so I think he may die. He also time traveled when he was 43 to Clare's childhood. I can infer that Henry may die or get badly injured. I also wonder if Henry is going to be able to have a healthy child with Clare.