The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is the best book that I read in 2007. How do I categorize it? Is it science fiction? Is it a romance? Well, it involves time travel, so it must be science fiction. At the same time, it is one of the most touching love stories I have ever read. Can you tell that I highly recommend this book?

Henry is a librarian with a strange medical disorder called Chrono Displacement Disorder. This simply means that he can travel in time. But Henry has no control over his time travel. It can occur at anytime, anywhere. It is actually time travel that leads him to his wife, Clare the artist. Did I mention that Clare was only six years old when she first met Henry? The story shows us the story from their first meeting and how they keep reconnecting with each other throughout time. Although, it is not done in that precise order.

The story of The Time Traveler's Wife is a bit confusing when you first start reading the book. The point of view goes back and forth between Henry, the time traveler, and Clare, his wife. After you get used to the concept and rules of Henry's time traveling, it becomes a very enjoyable read.

As with all books, even The Time Traveler's Wife isn't perfect. The first half of the book is much better than the rest. As I was reading The Time Traveler's Wife in the beginning, I was astounded by its unique quality. Then it seemed to become a rollercoaster hurtling down into the dark tunnel. It's as if the author suddenly got in a hurry to get to the ending.

Even if you're not a romance fan, don't miss the chance to read this excellent book. It is romantic without being sappy and cheesy. If you read The Time Traveler's Wife, you will not soon forget the story or its characters. It isn't easy to imagine that The Time Traveler's Wife isn't Audrey Niffenegger's first book. I certainly look forward to reading more by this excellent author.