Hear me out this was a very slow start and I was millimeters from putting this in my DNF file, push through!
This was a fantastic coming of age story, and I think this is a wonderful read for teens. Especially those trying to find their footing for their future. The characters development and the journey they went through was enjoyable but heartbreaking.
I listened to the audiobook and this was one of my favorite narrators. Thank you for this wonderful novel.
Everything you need is already within you!

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚗 𝚊𝚍𝚟𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚙𝚢.

One Night in a Thousand Years by Craig Cunningham is a coming of age tale that wrestles with purpose, legacy, and mortality. I picked it up because it was narrated by James Van Der Beek. The main character is a senior HS football quarterback and I kept picturing Varsity Blues as I read… showing my age as this is actually a young adult book and perhaps the intended audience was not alive when that movie was released. It’s been a while since I chose a book with a teen, male protagonist (maybe not so long ago - I did read John Green’s Looking for Alaska) This was an earnest and deep book and did not progress as I expected. It makes you think about life, time, what you are here for… as a middle aged mom it’s a rather different outlook than mine - an 18 year old boy’s. Still a valuable and worthwhile listen.

I received a complimentary copy of this audio book from Netgalley for review.
What can I say, the nostalgic feel of this short audio was all-consuming. I felt like I was swirling in a cross between The Dead Poets Society, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day off and even a tiny touch of 10 Things I Hate About You. A story of self-discovery and unexpected mentorship, of facing and overcoming trauma and growing up; I truly enjoyed every moment of this book. It was short and it was absolutely perfect that way. I don't know if it's my overly nostalgic view-point or if it really was perfection, but I adored this book.

What a great book! I was really touched by the coming of age story told by the male perspective. Colt was a great main character.

I also enjoyed Lucas and the sacred circle he held for the young men that were cast aside. Their friendships, their grief and ultimately their resiliency brought all the feelings while listening to this story.

The narration by James Van Der Beek was also great.

If I'm being honest, I picked this audiobook solely because James Van Der Beek was the narrator. I didn't really know much about it and went in blind. This wasn't really an action packed story, but it was interesting to listen to. It was a good story about high school and how tumultuous of a time it is in a kid's life. So many big feelings and emotions and questions swirling around at once. I found myself invested in what was going to happen but I was always waiting for like the "big thing" to come and it never really did. Overall I enjoyed this listen! Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity!

Part of me has no clue why I picked up One Night in a Thousand Years, but I think the cover of a colorful night sky hooked me in. And I enjoyed this short listen full of philosophies about life and purpose, all revolving on a man reflecting on the senior year of high school that changed everything for him. Colt, the protagonist, is basically lost in his life when he starts attending a church group called the circle, headed by Lucas, a young man with a mysterious past. And throughout, they bond and start to understand the meaning of life, death, and other things, which made myself think more than once. There was quite a lot of impact to just about everything in this story and that ending was crushing in more ways than one and fit perfectly. The narration by James Van Der Beek was on point and really had that reflective tone. It said a lot in it’s four hour run time than many say in many hours more. Highly recommended, especially for those that are on the cusp of adulthood.

This is a very good coming of age story. I loved hearing about the guys life and how they were able to be themselves due to a mentor who helped encourage them. I think it's a great read to remind us that it's okay to think outside the box and to not let dreams die.

I've heard of but never watched Dead Poets Society, but the title + cover of this book drew me in.

The narrator did a great job bringing out the different characters. This short read goes through Colt's final year in high school. After an injury, he starts going to a youth group led by Lucas, who acts as their mentor and guides Colt + several other high school students on how to ask the hard questions to figure out what it is they want and/or are looking for in life. They meet weekly at a bonfire and learn + grow with each other.

I didn't realize this was based on a true story until the end + I really agree with the author -- I think society would benefit as a whole if boys were taught how to talk about + work through their emotions/thoughts/feelings in a healthy way.

Thank you to Netgalley + BooksGoSocial Audio for providing this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

This is a thoughtful coming-of-age book that's a bit unusual compared to many in that genre. Lucas is a pied-piper kind of guy who appeals to the younger boys he gathers together in his group. He has a hint of danger hidden in his mysterious past and this intrigues the boys who are determined to learn his secrets. Lucas could easily have led the boys down the wrong path, but instead he inspires them to live their 'best selves'. The book shows the growth in this group of boys as they learn to deal with life situations. Unfortunately, they must deal with one of life's most tragic and heartbreaking situations before the book ends.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for an uplifting and heartwarming read.

This storyline was unexpected and enjoyable. I enjoyed both the content and the audiobook performance. The title and cover led me to be interested in this book. There were a few twists and turns that made this book especially interesting

I was very excited for this audiobook, and did a small dance when I got it as ARC since is narrated by James Vanderbeek. The one and only the whole audiobook of coming on age journey was delightful for me. The dialogue in this book is just delightful and beautiful is what I enjoy most. A brilliant book to inmerse yourself in

This was a totally engrossing read, with a believably introspective and likable teenage boy narrator. It was about a high school senior who reluctantly joins a church youth group with a leader who completely goes off script and creates a forum for the young men to lean out of the toxic masculine narratives they think are expected of them and strive to find the best versions of themselves instead.

I haven’t read so many books about/for this audience and it was especially moving to learn in the author’s note that he had a similar experience as a youth - and how it inspired him to want to write stories and touch other people’s lives in this way. It makes the whole book feel like a “pay it forward” in the best way. So few teens have access to a space like this in real life, but maybe some can find it in this book.

I like how the enigmatic youth group leader was just bossy and mysterious enough to push the high school seniors to take an honest look at what they value and want to do with their lives and creates a safe space for them to write about and share their emotions, look at and change how they show up in their peer relationships, dream about for where they might want to travel, search for what mark they might want to make on the world.

I found it to be a well-crafted and well-narrated book and was almost disappointed that it provided so much detail in the final chapter and epilogue to tie aspects of the story up, happily ever after. I think it would have been more fitting and more powerful to leave them open ended as he set off into the world. What was important was that he said what he needed to say and accepted that he can only control only his own choices, not what ultimately happens.

The audiobook narrator was perfect for this story - it almost sounded like he was speaking in a low voice, steadily and honestly confiding in the reader or even reading straight from his journal.

Thanks to NetGalley for access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I was very excited for this audiobook, given it was narrated by James Vanderbeek and my inner teenager was reminiscent of Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues. This is a young adult novel that tells a coming-of-age story of adolescents. The story follows youth as they discover themselves and their faith. It was just an enjoyable read. Thank you to Craig Cunningham, BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the opportunity for this advanced reader copy.

One Night In A Thousand Years is a coming-of-age journey that is sure to be unforgettable. Listening to this audiobook took me back to my own senior year of high school when I felt like I knew everything and nothing at the same time. I felt that the author did an amazing job of capturing what that moment in time tends to feel like.

One Night In A Thousand Years follows Colt as he navigates his senior year of high school. He meets Lucas, a college-aged man with a mysterious past, who mentors a group of guys as they navigate their senior year and question their beliefs and the way they see the world. From falling in love, to dealing with heartbreak, and asking lots of big questions, Colt and his friends’ lives are changed forever.

James Van Der Beek’s narration of this story was incredibly enjoyable. While I feel like I would enjoy listening to him read just about anything (including the phone book), I thought he brought another level of emotion to an already moving book.

Thank you very much to the author (Craig Cunningham), the publisher (BooksGoSocial Audio), and NetGalley for providing a copy of this audiobook for me to review!

This short listen really caught me unaware. The narrator texas acxent is perfect for the characters. Its a coming of age highly poeric though provoking listen. It stays with you long after the story is finished. It made me wish I was back in that period but experiencing this dialogue. Its the dialogue that gets under your skiin The story itself seemed unimportant and its the chatactets interactions that make this is a 5 star listen. Although this would appeal to anyone looking for a nostalgic poetic right of passage story i think anyone doing through it would appreciate it more. This audio i found needed to be listened to a higher volume.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator

"One Night in a Thousand Years" by Craig Cunningham is an inspiring coming of age story. It's heavy on character development and reads like a true story. It turns out that is because it was based on a true story of the author.

Colt is a high school senior who gets invited to a church youth group by Noah, a girl he likes. Colt reluctantly attends and gets put in the group run by Lucas Oliver, a mysterious young adult who is not going to use the curriculum, but instead will help the boys to find their own truths. Luke creates a "Sacred Circle" that is not religious but is very spiritual. They ponder and write about and discuss the big questions about life and death and how they will make an impact. They walk in the cemetery and have camp outs. There is a lot of character development, but little action, yet it's very interesting and ultimately inspiring. There is a love story, but no spice.

I highly recommend this story to teens, young adults, and anyone looking for some inspiration.

The 4.5 hour long audiobook was narrated by actor James Van Der Beek, who did a great job with the many characters.

Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I listened to this on audio and it was beautifully heart-wrenching. A splendidly written story that takes place over the course of a year in a group of high school boys' lives. As high school is in it's final stretches, Colt joins a guys group that meets once a week in the church parking lot to share deep thoughts, life lessons, and learn about themselves. The picture of true accountability and friendship between a group of males was so refreshing. A stunning narration performance by James Van der Beek that left me feeling all the feels. 5 Stars!

I received the audiobook from Netgalley is exchange for my honest review.
One Night in A Thousand Years follows Colt in his senior year. He starts off following his friends around doing things he's not sure he agrees with. He meets Lucas and with a band of other young men form " the circle" in a church in parking light. Lucas challenges the boys beliefs and goals.
The whole thing is moody and full of teen angst. There is a sweet touch with a bit of romance between Colt and Noa. I also appreciated the sense of humor with the stupid things teenagers do, like blowing up a can of beans.
James Vanderbeek's narration is great and really brought this coming age story to life.

Based on a true story, Colt is a high school senior is full of expectations about his final year of school. Craig Cunningham tells the story of a year filled with many bumps and obstacles along the road. Meeting the mysterious Lucas Oliver, a mentor, he and his peers begin to contemplate life, morality and God. This YA novel has so much to offer, it will be appealing to high school students as well as adults. The cover of One Night in a Thousand years hooked me and the perfect voice of James Van Der Beek kept me listening. This quick 4.5 hour listen left me contemplating many of the issues it upturned. It is a must listen!
Thank you #NetGalley, Kent Studio and Craig Cunningham for the ARC.
#OneNightInAThousandYears

This gripping audiobook, narrated by James Van Der Beek, brings to life a profound coming-of-age journey set amidst the transformative landscape of high school senior year. Drawing parallels to the cherished movie "One Night In a Thousand Years," this poignant narrative invites listeners into a realm packed with laughter, wonder, heartbreak, and poignant moments based on a true story.

Colt's anticipated senior year takes an unexpected turn when he encounters the enigmatic Lucas Oliver—a college-aged drifter with a mysterious past. Embracing a mentorship role, Lucas guides Colt and a group of eleven other seniors through a transformative journey, engaging them in rites of passage that test their courage, authenticity, and understanding of life's profound questions. Amidst these revelations, Colt's growing feelings for Noa, a longtime acquaintance, bloom into a poignant romance, adding a layer of depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

As they navigate the joys, challenges, and burgeoning romances, the group encounters a pivotal event that compels them to confront their beliefs and values. Throughout this gripping odyssey, the trustworthiness of Lucas—particularly in his unorthodox beliefs about God, life, and mortality—remains a lingering question, adding a layer of suspense and compelling thematic depth to the story.

This audiobook captures the essence of adolescent wonder, the allure of romance, and the enduring significance of pivotal experiences. Packed with emotional resonance and thought-provoking themes, this unforgettable narrative is a must-listen for fans of both poignant coming-of-age tales and classic inspirational stories.