180 Seconds by Jessica Park Review!

Synopsis:

Some people live their entire lives without changing their perspective. For Allison Dennis, all it takes is 180 seconds…

After a life spent bouncing from one foster home to the next, Allison is determined to keep others at arm’s length. Adopted at sixteen, she knows better than to believe in the permanence of anything. But as she begins her third year in college, she finds it increasingly difficult to disappear into the white noise pouring from her earbuds.

One unsuspecting afternoon, Allison is roped into a social experiment just off campus. Suddenly, she finds herself in front of a crowd, forced to interact with a complete stranger for 180 seconds. Neither she, nor Esben Baylor, the dreamy social media star seated opposite her, is prepared for the outcome.

When time is called, the intensity of the experience overwhelms Allison and Esben in a way that unnerves and electrifies them both. With a push from her oldest friend, Allison embarks on a journey to find out if what she and Esben shared is the real thing—and if she can finally trust in herself, in others, and in love.

Review:

This novel is such a powerful work of art that demonstrates that no matter what, you can keep moving forward and truly find yourself.

“Whether I like it or not, he is taking in pieces of me, just as I am taking in pieces of him, too.” 

Esben and Allison are two people who have been dealt some terrible cards in life. They have each suffered through so much in such a short amount of time, that you can't help but feel their pain and sorrow. Despite this, you truly root for them. You want them to succeed and have a happy life, all the while hoping they are able to move forward and deal with the things they have been through.

“It’s going to hurt until it doesn’t anymore.”

I have never read any other book even remotely similar to this one. All of the subtle elements and details added in by the author, made this novel and absolute must read!

“I know you’re fragile. I get that.” His touch lingers against me. “You’re also tougher than you think. You’re fighting right now, and fighters aren’t weak. But you don’t have to fight alone.” 

Jessica Park has knocked it out of the park with 180 Seconds! I truly hope everyone will pick up this novel.

5/5 Stars!

*Thanks to Thomas Allen and Sons for providing me with a complimentary review copy*