Review: 180 SECONDS by Jessica Park

180 SECONDS

by Jessica Park

Publication Date: April 25, 2017

Published by Skyscape

Pages: 300

Source: Netgalley

Add to Goodreads

Purchase Amazon 

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.

My Thoughts

If you're just discovering Jessica Park's writing with 180 SECONDS, THIS is the story that will make you fall in love with her books.

After having read just a few chapters, I messaged a friend told her "It's already amazing. I'm just going to hand over my heart to Jessica Park. Seriously, just take it." I felt this way early on and that emotion continued throughout.

There is a tone and pacing to her writing that makes everything else fall away and I became immersed in the lives of the characters. I love the college setting and depiction of college life and the combination of social media. I work on college a campus and I could imagine walking up and seeing some of the scenes playing out.

180 Seconds has a lot of the Flat-Out Love vibes, but the Left Drowning feelings. Left Drowning is the book that means everything to me, and 180 SECONDS makes my heart feel just as full.

My favorite quote:
"There's no sorry here, only love." 

180 SECONDS exudes the power of human kindness and compassion, and everything you want to believe in love and trust and friendship. It's a book that you'll want to put into the hands of those most dear to you. It's the book that you'll want to share with a stranger. 

5 Stars are not enough. So I give it my heart. 

Disclaimer:  I received this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.  I was not compensated in any way other than the e-ARC provided.  I've also purchased a copy of this title for my personal libraryThoughts and opinions are my own.