Wow, rockzmom,

this is quite a good discussion on the topic with a number of interesting comments:
Quote Originally Posted by writingsuga
... I think sometimes the topic your writing about will make a big difference regarding which tense to use. Present tense is for action, action, and attention (as I call it)...
Quote Originally Posted by Ryan G. Hagger
I've read a number of present tense stories and found they tend to be more character-driven than plot-driven. In present tense the story's focus is on the character -- not the plot. However, there are publishers who'd rather have character-driven stories, and there are those who want stories that are plot-driven. Either way, I guess it boils down to taste. I personally enjoy stories in past tense rather than in present.
Well, the "Time Traveler's Wife" is now in my reading list for sure. By the way I was quite surprised with the option of second person narration, so my reading list is certainly lengthened.