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3:59
by
Josie Byrne's life is spiraling out of control. Her parents are divorcing, her boyfriend Nick has grown distant, and her physics teacher has it in for her. When she's betrayed by the two people she trusts most, Josie thinks things can't get worse.
Until she starts having dreams about a girl named Jo. Every night at the same time—3:59 a.m.
Jo's life is everything Josie wants: ...more
Until she starts having dreams about a girl named Jo. Every night at the same time—3:59 a.m.
Jo's life is everything Josie wants: ...more
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Hardcover, 359 pages
Published
September 17th 2013
by Balzer + Bray
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Start your review of 3:59

Jun 17, 2013
Steph Sinclair
rated it
did not like it
Recommends it for:
People in search of mindless entertainment
Actual rating: 1.5 stars
One of the biggest reasons for me wanting to read 3:59 was because it took place in a location very familiar to me. Like many other readers, when I hear about a book that's set in my state or near my hometown, I feel this incessant need to read it by any means necessary. Unfortunately, 3:59 proved to be one big fat disappointment.
The book follows science wiz Josie Bryne who starts having dreams at 3:59 of a girl who looks just like her. As her own life begins to fall apar ...more

Feb 15, 2013
Lenore Appelhans
added it
So when I was reading 3:59, this happened:

If a lemur wants to read it, you know it's good :D ...more

If a lemur wants to read it, you know it's good :D ...more

For an entertaining thriller, 3:59 does a good job. Some of it is overwhelming or far fetched, and specific parts made me cringe, but it's an action packed read that's great for a quick thrill.
With a title like 3:59 you already know that this specific time is important to the story. So from the start, the time stamp shown on every page works to keep us on edge as we know that something is coming - and soon. Then 3:59 hits and something bizarre does happen, but we can't make sense of it quite ye ...more
With a title like 3:59 you already know that this specific time is important to the story. So from the start, the time stamp shown on every page works to keep us on edge as we know that something is coming - and soon. Then 3:59 hits and something bizarre does happen, but we can't make sense of it quite ye ...more

May 20, 2013
Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies
rated it
it was ok
Shelves:
siblings,
ya,
romance,
sci-fi,
mental-illness,
mystery,
high-school,
alternate-universe,
twins-triplets-clones,
parallel-time
Actual rating: 2.5
I've read my share of books about parallel universes this year. Most of the time, the basis is simple, but then eventually the idea turns into a mess beyond comprehension, both plot-wise and conceptually. This book executes the idea much better than most of the books with a similar premise...but considering those book were mostly utter crap, this book will be elevated by me beyond that, to the glorious category of "unstinky-poo." The plot is also plagued with one gigantic, gapi ...more
I've read my share of books about parallel universes this year. Most of the time, the basis is simple, but then eventually the idea turns into a mess beyond comprehension, both plot-wise and conceptually. This book executes the idea much better than most of the books with a similar premise...but considering those book were mostly utter crap, this book will be elevated by me beyond that, to the glorious category of "unstinky-poo." The plot is also plagued with one gigantic, gapi ...more

3.5 Stars.
3:59 was a fun action packed read from start to finish. Throw in some romance, mystery and danger and I was a happy girl.
Josie’s life has been less than ideal lately. With her parents separated, her mother consumed with work, and her boyfriend, Nick, distant lately, she feels a little off-kilter. Right off the bat, things go from off-kilter to bad, especially in the romance department, and your heart goes out to poor Josie. After an explosion in her mother’s home workspace, Josie star ...more
3:59 was a fun action packed read from start to finish. Throw in some romance, mystery and danger and I was a happy girl.
Josie’s life has been less than ideal lately. With her parents separated, her mother consumed with work, and her boyfriend, Nick, distant lately, she feels a little off-kilter. Right off the bat, things go from off-kilter to bad, especially in the romance department, and your heart goes out to poor Josie. After an explosion in her mother’s home workspace, Josie star ...more

Aug 23, 2012
B
marked it as to-read
The Parent Trap meets Event Horizon?
...more


Holy cow! This book was awesome! I have been on such a contemporary kick that I have been neglecting all of the other genres that I used to love. Including fantasy and science fiction. Oh, how foolish I have been. 3:59 reminded me just how much I love these genres. I need to go find other fantasy books to read right away. I haven't experienced a Gretchen McNeil book yet, but I have no idea what I was waiting for. This book is easily the best written, most exciting book I have read all year. 3:59
...more

I don't usually start reviews like this, but...
Oh my fucking God. I am dead. I can not live. Guys. I just. No. My heart. It fails me. GUYS. Oh my fuck. I can not even. But. Just.
Everything hurts.
So I absolutely have to start off with the sci-fi aspect of this. There is a ton of sci-fi in there and Gretchen McNeil obviously did her research. There were so many theories thrown around, not to mention a ton of...oh God, I don't even know what to call them, much less understand! But the sci-fi is ha ...more
Oh my fucking God. I am dead. I can not live. Guys. I just. No. My heart. It fails me. GUYS. Oh my fuck. I can not even. But. Just.
Everything hurts.
So I absolutely have to start off with the sci-fi aspect of this. There is a ton of sci-fi in there and Gretchen McNeil obviously did her research. There were so many theories thrown around, not to mention a ton of...oh God, I don't even know what to call them, much less understand! But the sci-fi is ha ...more

DETAILS
3.5 STARS
Parallel Dimensions
Creepy Bird-Like Creatures
Teen Drama Thriller
Tween Romance
Futuristic Techy
Narration: Tavia Gilbert
BOOK THEME SONG:
Disturbia
☆3.5/5 STARS☆
MY THOUGHTS
First Impressions: The title and the cover are super awesome…and the synopsis is too. I have a thing for parallel universes…
This didn't exactly live up to my first impressions. While mostly entertaining, you just have to not think too deeply about it all, otherwise, it's sort of unbelievable or just off kilter-ish. ...more
3.5 STARS
Parallel Dimensions
Creepy Bird-Like Creatures
Teen Drama Thriller
Tween Romance
Futuristic Techy
Narration: Tavia Gilbert
BOOK THEME SONG:
Disturbia
☆3.5/5 STARS☆
MY THOUGHTS
First Impressions: The title and the cover are super awesome…and the synopsis is too. I have a thing for parallel universes…
This didn't exactly live up to my first impressions. While mostly entertaining, you just have to not think too deeply about it all, otherwise, it's sort of unbelievable or just off kilter-ish. ...more

**Special Note:** My KP, Stacee from the wonderfully fabulous Adventures of a Book Junkie, let me borrow her ARC of this title. All quotes and opinions will be of this version and not from the published edition.
My full review will have to wait until my closer to the publication date, but you should all know that this was AMAZING!

3:59 was such a unique, well-delivered book-- fantastic characters, engaging and perfectly crafted plot, and surprising twists (OH THE TWISTS!)-- that made for a spe ...more
My full review will have to wait until my closer to the publication date, but you should all know that this was AMAZING!

3:59 was such a unique, well-delivered book-- fantastic characters, engaging and perfectly crafted plot, and surprising twists (OH THE TWISTS!)-- that made for a spe ...more

Feb 13, 2013
Angela
marked it as to-read
This sounds amazing, omg.
And it comes out a few days before my birthday.
I know what I'm buying myself. ...more
And it comes out a few days before my birthday.
I know what I'm buying myself. ...more

In My Own Words:
Parallel universe. Teens smarter than the average. Portals. Scientific jargons that, surprisingly enough, I was able to understand. Matter can occupy the same space at the same time; meaning, two versions of one person can be on the same plane of existence. It also features the kind of nocturnal giant birds that I’ve only seen in that movie, Pitch Dark. It has the right mix of high octane action, romance and Sci-Fi that did not make my head spin. In short, this book was worth the ...more
Parallel universe. Teens smarter than the average. Portals. Scientific jargons that, surprisingly enough, I was able to understand. Matter can occupy the same space at the same time; meaning, two versions of one person can be on the same plane of existence. It also features the kind of nocturnal giant birds that I’ve only seen in that movie, Pitch Dark. It has the right mix of high octane action, romance and Sci-Fi that did not make my head spin. In short, this book was worth the ...more

Why Gretchen McNeil? WHY?!
Beyond a doubt this was a great book. There was action, suspense, mystery and science fantasy. But that ending made me want to pull my hair out. After everything... I just --- I can't get over it. It hurts!!!
I love you non-asshole Nick!!! I ALWAYS WILL!!!
So anyway, let me just give out a short summary. Josie Byrne is an intelligent young science geek. Her mom's a scientist too and is always busy. She becomes an emotional wreck after she finds her beau cheating on her w ...more
Beyond a doubt this was a great book. There was action, suspense, mystery and science fantasy. But that ending made me want to pull my hair out. After everything... I just --- I can't get over it. It hurts!!!
I love you non-asshole Nick!!! I ALWAYS WILL!!!
So anyway, let me just give out a short summary. Josie Byrne is an intelligent young science geek. Her mom's a scientist too and is always busy. She becomes an emotional wreck after she finds her beau cheating on her w ...more

When I first saw this book, I was beyond excited. It sounded amazing and there was no question that I would be reading it sometime soon after it came out. The only other novel I've read by this author is Ten, and though I had a few complaints about it, overall I enjoyed the story and thought it was a pretty good mystery. However, I can't say I'm as happy with 3:59. There were bits of it that I liked, but mostly it was an execution fail for me. What's really frustrating is that this could have be
...more

This is the second book I've read by Gretchen and I have to say, I think she's officially one of my go-to authors now. I LOVED this book. It was super creepy, suspenceful and cleverly written. I was particularly impressed by the extensive science to her fiction...I didn't understand any of it but it sounded super sciency and convincing! :-)
Josie was a great main character - likeable and strong, but REAL too. She makes choices for the wrong reasons, has selfish moments, and doesn't always have th ...more
Josie was a great main character - likeable and strong, but REAL too. She makes choices for the wrong reasons, has selfish moments, and doesn't always have th ...more

So disappointed. I have been looking forward to reading this book for a really long time. The concept sounded so cool, but in reality it just fell face down flat on the pavement.
I really wanted to like Josie, but this chick was just your typical 16-17 year old YA book girl who hates her life and whines about everything. Usually I can push past that because sometimes that's just what YA is.
What really pushed me over the edge was when Josie started dipping over to the parallel universe and these ...more
I really wanted to like Josie, but this chick was just your typical 16-17 year old YA book girl who hates her life and whines about everything. Usually I can push past that because sometimes that's just what YA is.
What really pushed me over the edge was when Josie started dipping over to the parallel universe and these ...more

Great little find here!
I randomly picked this up at the library, and I'm happy I did!!
It's got some different ideas that you don't see a lot: multiverse theory and dopplegangers, mixed with a lot of other things that are science-y but very accessible and understandable the way this author has done it. I don't want to say anymore and spoil it for anyone :)
If you like good YA with a good dash of romance that's fast paced and well written, then grab this one up! ...more
I randomly picked this up at the library, and I'm happy I did!!
It's got some different ideas that you don't see a lot: multiverse theory and dopplegangers, mixed with a lot of other things that are science-y but very accessible and understandable the way this author has done it. I don't want to say anymore and spoil it for anyone :)
If you like good YA with a good dash of romance that's fast paced and well written, then grab this one up! ...more

Sadly, this book had a lot of potential but it got bogged down by a stupid romance and a parallel universe that didn't make much sense.
...more

Mar 26, 2021
Carol Riggs
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
young-adult,
science-fiction
This book has a fascinating concept/premise. I really liked the alternate world scenario, and the doppelgangers who weren’t quite copies of each other. They had their own personalities—some similar to Josie’s world and some far from it. The physics jargon went over my head, but that tech-speak did lend an air of reality to the novel. I was surprised by the ending, but how it turned out is probably more realistic. The thing that bothered me the most (I’m trying to stay vague and avoid spoilery de
...more

I was fascinated upon reading the plot. Imagine seeing your doppleganger from a different dimension every 3:59. Then you have a chance to talk to her and to switch place just for one day?
It's cool having those portal from the other dimension and discovering what is with the other world.
This made me read this book. I super love the book, the story and how it goes.
Just that some parts were predictable (my theories were right) I just didn't expect that biggest revelation about Jo's father. That w ...more
It's cool having those portal from the other dimension and discovering what is with the other world.
This made me read this book. I super love the book, the story and how it goes.
Just that some parts were predictable (my theories were right) I just didn't expect that biggest revelation about Jo's father. That w ...more

Jun 05, 2013
Sarah Stack
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Pretty much anyone
Recommended to Sarah by:
The author, Gretchen McNeil
After nearly a month of this book sitting in my gift back from the writing convention I went to back in May, I finally dug it out and started reading. It might be fifty-five chapters, but it took me less than 24 hours to read, which was great. Granted there were a few moments that I wasn't a big fan off, but overall I really loved this book!
Pros:
1. The characters. Overall the characters were all well thought out and were developed well. There are a few exceptions to this pro, but mostly it's tru ...more
Pros:
1. The characters. Overall the characters were all well thought out and were developed well. There are a few exceptions to this pro, but mostly it's tru ...more

My lovely friend Stacee was wonderful and allowed me to borrow this book from her and I need to send her more baked goods for it.
Josie Byrne isn't happy... her parents are divorcing and her best friend and boyfriend totally betray her. She's stuck in a life where she's unhappy and no one really seems to care one bit about her.
Then something interesting happens.
Every twelve hours at 3:59 she dreams about someone else's life. From what she can see, Jo has everything that she wants. Parents who l ...more
Josie Byrne isn't happy... her parents are divorcing and her best friend and boyfriend totally betray her. She's stuck in a life where she's unhappy and no one really seems to care one bit about her.
Then something interesting happens.
Every twelve hours at 3:59 she dreams about someone else's life. From what she can see, Jo has everything that she wants. Parents who l ...more

3:59 is a spine-tingling, chilling read that shook me to the bone and had me so wrapped up in this world. Gretchen McNeil has created another supernatural masterpiece - one that sets the bar high and can't be topped. I fell in love with this book so hard.
Gretchen McNeil has written some of my favorite books of all time: they're always spooky and haunting, and I just can't get enough of them. 3:59 was no exception to McNeil's incredible storytelling. Everything about 3:59 will send chills down yo ...more
Gretchen McNeil has written some of my favorite books of all time: they're always spooky and haunting, and I just can't get enough of them. 3:59 was no exception to McNeil's incredible storytelling. Everything about 3:59 will send chills down yo ...more

RUN-DOWN
Josie's life is going downhill.
Her parents just got divorced, her boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend, and her life isn't getting any better.
Then she starts having dreams, always at 3:59 AM. She dreams of a perfect life. Her parents still married, still with her boyfriend, and popular. Until she realizes that the dreams aren't dreams at all, but the life of another girl. And she's Josie, just from a different world.
They decide to switch places, just for a day, and Josie fin ...more
Josie's life is going downhill.
Her parents just got divorced, her boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend, and her life isn't getting any better.
Then she starts having dreams, always at 3:59 AM. She dreams of a perfect life. Her parents still married, still with her boyfriend, and popular. Until she realizes that the dreams aren't dreams at all, but the life of another girl. And she's Josie, just from a different world.
They decide to switch places, just for a day, and Josie fin ...more

Feb 11, 2016
Colleen Houck
added it
I sped through this read like those crazy flesh eating invisible bat things were chasing me. What a thrill from the opening page! Love the whole idea of the parallel world. Wish I was smart enough to understand all the sciency stuff cause it's super cool. Fell for the hero. Love the title too despite the fact that it doesn't lend itself to hashtagging.
...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
YA Buddy Readers'...: 3:59 by Gretchen McNeil - GBR - Starting March 1st 2020 | 20 | 164 | Apr 03, 2020 07:06PM | |
What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Newer YA book about switching places [s] | 4 | 82 | May 14, 2014 12:07AM | |
Crazy for Young A...: 3:59 by Gretchen McNeil → Start Date: October 31, 2013 | 112 | 86 | Nov 05, 2013 07:33PM | |
YA Today Book Club: Discussion #22: 3:59 by Gretchen McNeil | 1 | 2 | Nov 02, 2013 11:12AM | |
YA Today Book Club: Selection For October 2013 | 1 | 7 | Oct 05, 2013 04:46PM |
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Gretchen McNeil is the author of the YA horror/suspense novels POSSESS, 3:59, RELIC, GET EVEN, GET DIRTY, and TEN (a YALSA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Horror Fiction for Youth) all with Balzer + Bray for HarperCollins. Gretchen’s first YA contemporary I’M NOT YOUR MANIC PIXIE DREAM GIRL, also with Balzer + Bray, hit shelve
...more
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“You can take the girl out of the universe but you can’t take the universe out of the girl.”
—
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“Yep, she was a disastrophe. Pathetic.”
—
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