The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger (2004)

In contrast to the last book I mentioned, this was a fascinating book given to me by a friend to read. This is the first novel of a professor of Book and Paper Arts in Chicago. Clare, the "wife" in the title, is a paper arts artist, so we get a few glimpses of paper art techniques. The most fascinating thing of the book is the whole premise - Henry has a genetic condition that makes him time travel involuntarily, often to his own past and those of his loved ones. He meets his wife when she is a little girl. Every section starts with the date and the ages of Henry and Clare, so we know if we are in straight time or if Henry is time traveling. I was amazed that the author kept everything straight - what each of them knew when. This is a beautiful love story, as well as an intricate alternative reality. I enjoyed the setting of Chicago and South Haven - places I know quite well. With such a great first book, wonder what Niffenegger will do next.