Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
9th out of 15 books
—
7 voters
The Seventeen Second Miracle
by
Jason F. Wright (Goodreads Author)
From the "New York Times" bestselling author of "The Wednesday Letters" and "The Cross Gardener," a story of small kindnesses-and life- changing miracles.
Seventeen seconds can change a life forever. This is what Rex Connor learned on a gorgeous summer afternoon in 1970 when he diverted his gaze for seventeen seconds and tragedy occurred. Forty years later the waves of th...more
Seventeen seconds can change a life forever. This is what Rex Connor learned on a gorgeous summer afternoon in 1970 when he diverted his gaze for seventeen seconds and tragedy occurred. Forty years later the waves of th...more
ebook, 304 pages
Published
September 28th 2010
by Berkley
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
1,869)
A "miracle" is defined as an extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers. The Seventeen Second Miracle, by Jason F. Wright, is a story about tragedy, forgiveness, hope, love, healing....and miracles. The theme of this book is that it only takes a few seconds to change another person's life....for the good or for the bad.
The title of the book refers to the 17 seconds it took for a young girl to drown. Seventeen year old Rex Conner was swimming with...more
The title of the book refers to the 17 seconds it took for a young girl to drown. Seventeen year old Rex Conner was swimming with...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I liked this book for a multitude of reasons and in no particular order. First, I have read this authors other works as a study in a style I like. Simple, not extraordinarily complicated characters, drive a story that seems like it could be happening in my own world. Thus, the reader relates to everything the characters go through. The other thing I like about his style is the way the chapters are introduced and ended with a "cliffhanger" type of sentence making it tough to put down. I would rec...more
The Seventeen Second Miracle is a fine example of the kind of feel-good book that I love to immerse myself in once in a while. Poignant and heart-warming, this novel evokes a desire to do better, to love more and to be aware that all of us can perform seventeen second miracles every day of our lives. As a teenage boy, Rex Connor, has a young girl drown while on his "watch" as a lifeguard, a girl who is the sister of his girlfriend, both of which he adores. If being distracted by someone with who...more
I loved the concept of looking for simple miracles in everyday life and also being the kind of person that might provide those miracles to others (whether they notice or not). I think keeping a journal of the wonderful but simple things that you see could be very uplifting as you focus on the positive things around you that other people are doing. These can be simple, but still make a big difference. I give that part of the book four stars. The reason I give this book three stars overall is beca...more
I just finished reading this book a few days ago.
I thought that it was a really great read! Considering that I bought this book on a whim, I can't be more satisfied with this particular buy.
The story of Rex Conner can change lives. If you let it to.
I particularly love one thing that he said to Cole on the parking lot of the mall:
"Why don't you take a few more steps just simply because you can, and let others take a few less."
I think it's really powerful. And his 17 sec miracles really can change...more
I thought that it was a really great read! Considering that I bought this book on a whim, I can't be more satisfied with this particular buy.
The story of Rex Conner can change lives. If you let it to.
I particularly love one thing that he said to Cole on the parking lot of the mall:
"Why don't you take a few more steps just simply because you can, and let others take a few less."
I think it's really powerful. And his 17 sec miracles really can change...more
Apr 16, 2013
Melissa
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
fiction,
greenfield-book-club
This is a great inspirational read. The book begins with the story of 17 year old Rex who takes a job as a life guard and meets a beautiful girl whom he nicknames "Sparks" and her younger sister whom he nicknames "Flick." As he gets closer to the family, he falls more in love with "Sparks." Rex is invited to a birthday party for "Flick" the younger sister at the beach to be an extra set of eyes. Though there are life guards on duty, when Flick starts to drown, Rex is playing a guessing game with...more
I've had a copy of The Seventeen Second Miracle (our April Book Club selection) sitting on my shelf for a couple of weeks. I was finishing up a big list of other books first, and even though I've really liked most of Jason F. Wright's books, the thought of reading another book I didn't pick wasn't appealing.
But, I'm so happy that I picked it up and gave it a try. It is a touching story that I didn't want to put down.
Seventeen seconds changed Rex Connor's life forever. Although he almost couldn'...more
But, I'm so happy that I picked it up and gave it a try. It is a touching story that I didn't want to put down.
Seventeen seconds changed Rex Connor's life forever. Although he almost couldn'...more
Dec 07, 2011
Erin
rated it
2 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
People who like Mitch Albom
Shelves:
mormon
This isn't my genre, so I didn't really care for it, but it is a good read-alike for Mitch Albom. The message that the little things we do can have big impacts on others (both good and bad) is a relevant message.
When I read it as a Mormon book, rather than a motivational book, I thought it was an interesting exploration of the costs of serving others. Mormons are given stewardships through callings, etc, that can easily devour our lives and the lives of our families. You can find opportunities t...more
When I read it as a Mormon book, rather than a motivational book, I thought it was an interesting exploration of the costs of serving others. Mormons are given stewardships through callings, etc, that can easily devour our lives and the lives of our families. You can find opportunities t...more
view 1 comment
Great book to get you thinking outside yourself and how you can better (and more regularly) serve those around you. The title is based on an experience a character in the book has - the experience is what leads to the character to begin living a life of service. The story line is about three teenagers attending a group discussion about the seventeen second miracle and how it can play a role in their individual lives. As the story goes along, you learn a lot more about the main characters (and th...more
It is because of Jason Wright's bestseller, "Christmas Jars" that I will be giving away my first jar this Christmas season. And now after reading Wright's latest, "The Seventeen Second Miracle",(SSM) I purchased a journal to record daily SSMs -- ones that I make happen and the ones that happen to me. The SSM is a book that causes self-reflection that leads to action. It is about the capacity of humanity to make positive differences (small and large "miracles") in the lives of fellow human beings...more
In the Seventeen Second Miracle, Rex Connor learns in one summer afternoon in 1970 when his gaze is diverted for just “17” seconds, what tragedy can happen. Forty years later the waves of that day still ripple through the lives of many people, including Rex’s son, Cole.
Cole Connor is a patient teacher and he has long shared his father’s story with those in need. This fall, Cole has invited three struggling teenagers to learn about Rex Conner – and the Seventeen Second Miracle.
The teens will hear...more
Cole Connor is a patient teacher and he has long shared his father’s story with those in need. This fall, Cole has invited three struggling teenagers to learn about Rex Conner – and the Seventeen Second Miracle.
The teens will hear...more
A touching book about how important it is to do the little things (for others) in life.
The main character holds a "discussion" group annually with teens that have been recommended
by the local high school principal. He never knows what it is the teens have been recommended
for and neither do they. The discussions start with a really heart-wrenching story and then
go from there, to help each of them learn to look at life differently and become better
people. It bounces between the main character's p...more
The main character holds a "discussion" group annually with teens that have been recommended
by the local high school principal. He never knows what it is the teens have been recommended
for and neither do they. The discussions start with a really heart-wrenching story and then
go from there, to help each of them learn to look at life differently and become better
people. It bounces between the main character's p...more
I feel like a jerk saying that I didn't much like this book, but I have to be honest. I have read The Wednesday Letters and Christmas Jars by Wright and enjoyed them very much, so I was excited to get Seventeen Second Miracle. I was certain I was going to love it. I was shocked when I didn't - I had to force myself to finish it.
It's not that the story itself or the idea of the seventeen second miracle is bad - I think reminding people to notice others' needs and offer help and kindnesses in all...more
It's not that the story itself or the idea of the seventeen second miracle is bad - I think reminding people to notice others' needs and offer help and kindnesses in all...more
This was a really compelling story intertwining the past present and potential for the future. I was able to listen to the audio book for this and really enjoyed the narrator - he really brought me into the story. The author's detailed description are not cumbersome but really paint a picture that you can place yourself in.
Amazon book info: Seventeen seconds can change a life forever. This is what Rex Connor learned on a gorgeous summer afternoon in 1970 when he diverted his gaze for seventeen s...more
Amazon book info: Seventeen seconds can change a life forever. This is what Rex Connor learned on a gorgeous summer afternoon in 1970 when he diverted his gaze for seventeen s...more
Being a devoted Jason Wright fan, I was so excited to read this book! Through all his books, "Christmas Jars" has remained my favorite...until now. This one jumped to the top in one reading! Life changing!!
1 like · like · see review
This was a very thought provoking book. I read it in 1 day and then thought about it for a good long while. It made me wonder if I see the service opportunities that surround me? It also recalled to my mind the many times a miracle has entered my life through the kindness of someone else. The book was touching and I cried a couple times as the situations that the characters went through brought to my heart pain or gratitude I have felt during some of my own life experiences. I would recommend th...more
This was a great story about doing good for others and recognizing the good that is done for you daily.
It starts out with the story of Rex and a tragic summer he spent on the lake. Then the story cuts to Cole Conner, his son, "The Seventeen Second Miracle", the theory that a miracle is performed, on average, every 17 seconds. During their time together the group must discover why they were all suggested for join the group.
Eventhough god is not mentioned in the book, it is definitely about Gods...more
It starts out with the story of Rex and a tragic summer he spent on the lake. Then the story cuts to Cole Conner, his son, "The Seventeen Second Miracle", the theory that a miracle is performed, on average, every 17 seconds. During their time together the group must discover why they were all suggested for join the group.
Eventhough god is not mentioned in the book, it is definitely about Gods...more
I actually read this 300 page book in just one short day. I loved it and couldn't put it down! If you like Mitch Albom, you'll love this book. The writing reminded me a lot like Albom and really just kept you wanting more. The seventeen second miracle is something that should be done every single day yet I'm sure most people don't take the time to do it. This is a book that will make you grateful any day of the year, but I think it meant more now because it's around Christmas and the "season of...more
This is the 2nd book that I had picked up from the bookstore by Jason F Wright.
I picked up this book because of the interesting story about how every seventeen second can change someone else and your own life.
(view spoiler)...more
I picked up this book because of the interesting story about how every seventeen second can change someone else and your own life.
(view spoiler)...more
I admit I was prepared not to like this book. The cover, the title, the Nicholas-Sparks-ness of it all... I don't usually go for tangibly touchy-feely books where you are supposed to Learn A Lesson. But it actually wasn't that bad, and I admit I didn't really see those last couple of twists coming. I think the last few chapters really pulled it together much better than I was expecting. I'm somewhat surprised to admit it, but I rather enjoyed this one. Besides, the Lesson in this book is one we...more
What a heart warming story. Everyone should read this story to remind them what life is all about. It is definitely a "feel good" story and a heart warming one at that! I recommend this book to anyone young and old and everything in between. It is a story of a father who lived through a tragedy and decided to quit feeling sorry for himself and starting "loving" other people. He started performing 17 second miracles everyday. He left a lasting legacy with his son who carries on those seventeen se...more
I liked the premise of the book, that lives can change in seventeen seconds. The story is about how someone remade his life-seventeen seconds at a time- by performing small acts of kindness that sometimes had life-altering consequences. It could change your life or someone else's if you let it.
I liked to the book overall although I did feel that it dragged in places and that the point could have been made a lot sooner. I really do like the idea of recording the miracles you perform for others an...more
I liked to the book overall although I did feel that it dragged in places and that the point could have been made a lot sooner. I really do like the idea of recording the miracles you perform for others an...more
The Seventeen Second Miracle:
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. It is an inspirational tale pointing out how one can make a big difference in another's life - in mere seconds. Rex Conner experiences tragedy when a little girl drowns in the 17 seconds he is distracted. But, instead of letting it ruin his life, he starts a journal noticing all of the good things that happen to him every day (what he doesn't mention are the good things he does for others). His son carries on his legacy...more
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. It is an inspirational tale pointing out how one can make a big difference in another's life - in mere seconds. Rex Conner experiences tragedy when a little girl drowns in the 17 seconds he is distracted. But, instead of letting it ruin his life, he starts a journal noticing all of the good things that happen to him every day (what he doesn't mention are the good things he does for others). His son carries on his legacy...more
Somewhat cheesy storyline and dialogue, relatively unrealistic, though it does provide a good reminder to take time to serve others. Story wasn't immensely deep, but pleasant enough "easy" read. Question: why is it that people think it's okay for girls to slap men when the girl is frustrated or angry? The author had this happen a couple of times in the book. To me, that's not okay and is simply evidence of poor coping mechanisms on the part of the "slapper". No decent guy would put up with it in...more
This one is a little hard for me to review because the writing itself would rate more like a 3. Many of the conversations and characters felt contrived. It's the message, however, that deserves more like 4.5 stars. I've thought about it several times since I finished it and even had my own "seventeen-second miracle" happen to me last Friday. After it happened, I realized that I wanted to do what the main character in this book did and begin keeping a journal to remind myself of the good things o...more
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wednesday Letters and The Cross Gardener, a story of small kindnesses-and life-changing miracles.
Seventeen seconds can change a life forever. This is what Rex Connor learned on a gorgeous summer afternoon in 1970 when, as a lifeguard, he diverted his gaze for seventeen seconds and tragedy occurred. Forty years later the waves of that day still ripple through the lives of countless people, including his son, Cole.
Cole Connor has become a patient t...more
Seventeen seconds can change a life forever. This is what Rex Connor learned on a gorgeous summer afternoon in 1970 when, as a lifeguard, he diverted his gaze for seventeen seconds and tragedy occurred. Forty years later the waves of that day still ripple through the lives of countless people, including his son, Cole.
Cole Connor has become a patient t...more
Agree whole-heartedly with the message: we could all use a discourse in the art of helping others for the sake of spreading a little love throughout the world on a daily basis. I get it, the very nature of altruism. These selfless acts are, in fact, "miracles", but only because we live in a world that rears its ugly head more often than it shows its sunny side. Otherwise, these deliberate, and not random, acts of kindness would be the norm, ergo, not miracles. But the book, as it stands, reads l...more
The Seventeen Second Miracle is one book which truly reflects the category of 'inspirational fiction.' It is a short book and a fast read but upon finishing, I felt such a pull to get up and go do something good for someone. Every character in the book had a unique story and everyone of them touched me in some way. I loved that Cole didn't know why these specific students had been selected to participate in the Discussions and that he didn't pretend to have all the answers. While he had the stor...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Jason Wright was raised in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is a regular contributor on Fox News, offering political commentary on the presidential race and serves as founder and managing director of the widely read political destination, PoliticalDerby.com. Jason enjoys volunteering and has created a literary program dedicated to creative writing for middle school students in the central Virginia ar...more
More about Jason F. Wright...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
