The Seventeen Second Miracle by Jason Wright

Normally, I wouldn't pick up something like The Seventeen Second Miracle, mainly because I find actual history more inspiring than fiction, but I am so glad that Melissa Dodge had me borrow this book.  This novel was not only inspirational, but moving.  Its message, that we should convert our thoughfulness for our fellow human beings into action, is timely and much needed.  The book is not a call to remake the world; it is a call to be mindful of whatever little corner of it we may occupy; and the "action" that will improve that little corner may only take 17 seconds.

Author Jason Wright, who lives in Woodstock, Virginia has filled his novel with such realistic characters and with such great local detail (Route 11 potato chips and Joe's Steakhouse in Woodstock are referenced, for example) that I actually googled these characters to see if perhaps this was based on a true story.  The main character, Cole Conner, runs a discussion group from his wife's book store in Charlottesville.  He is carrying on a certain legacy of his father's; a legacy that came to his father under tragic circumstances.  Students are assigned to the group by the local school principal, but Cole doesn't know why they have been assigned.  He only knows that these kids need a seventeen second miracle.  Having taught high school kids for 20 years, I can say that the teens look, sound, and act like the real thing.  The realism gives way to an It's a Wonderful Life ending, however, in which certain characters change and certain situations are resolved a little too conveniently.  It's a flaw that is easily forgivable, especially since the very last chapter returns the characters to a grim realism with which many of us are all too familiar.

Having little foreknowledge of what the book was about heightened its impact for me and so I will say no more.  I will, however, give away the "punch-line":  Love is a verb.  Most of us recognize this to be true.  Read the Seventeen Second Miracle and you will be inspired to act on that recognition.

This novel is quickly paced and I highly recommend it.  You'll find it an especially appropriate read during the Holiday season.

Comments

[Melissa Dodge]

I felt the same way Austin. This is not usually the type of book I'll reach for but I'm so glad it came my way. I believe that good literature will move you in some way by touching upon any array of emotions, positive or negative. Many times a good book is thought provoking and perhaps perception altering. Rarely do you find a book that will actually change the way you live and interact with others. I think that because a 17 second miracle is so approachable and do-able you can barely keep yourself from performing them. Many of us perhaps have always done those small kindnesses because of our natures or upbringing. Through reading Jason's book I became more aware of them and by becoming more aware of them I became more conscious of presented opportunities to perform them. Seventeen second miracles have a ripple effect; by dropping that small pebble of kindness into the universe you are setting into motion the spreading of concentric circles of good will which will go beyond your own space in the world. Isn't that all anyone really wants from life...to make a difference?

[Michelle Denson]

I've been a Jason Wright fan since Christmas Jars came out. I read this book and LOVED it!! (Side note...I'm "Maddi the Bombshell Denson's" mom as well as "Zack McKenzi's". So yes, some of the characters are "real" people!) I bought a classroom set and had my 9th grade English classes read it after Jason came for an assembly and workshops. The response was unbelievable! I watched students start performing little Seventeen Second Miracles for each other such as opening doors, loaning pencils, picking up dropped binders and papers, etc. THEY recognized them as Seventeen Second Miracles and the result has been WONDERFUL!!! We can't wait to share it with another group of 9th graders after the holidays.

[Austin]

Well said, Melissa! Really, isn't it time for you to start guest blogging?

Welcome aboard, Michelle! I believe that this is the first time you have commented. Hope to see you again.