Any time I read something that says “a modern day _____” I roll my eyes and it gives me pause. Unfortunately, even though I try to be objective about it it tends to be an uphill battle for me to push through the comparison.

The tag line to this audio book is “a modern day Dead Poets Society” and well, it lives up to that.
At first I thought that the work may have been trying too hard to embody that statement but as it unraveled that wasn’t the case at all. There are so many books from the female perspective so it is refreshing to consume a book that surrounds young men and their self discovery journey. Despite it being male centered, it is pertinent for any gender. It’s the type of book that each individual will probably get something different out of.

When I was looking for an ARC to request from Net Galley (of which I thank them and the publisher for granting me the copy) it was the narrator that drew me to the title. It is read by James VanderBeek and he was the perfect person to do so, especially for middle aged folks that grew up on Dawson Creek and Varsity Blues.. I’m not sure if the choice of him was because the character he played in Varsity Blues could easily be the main character Colt. It is almost like an alternative time line if Mox had gotten hurt instead of Lance.

So if you are a fan of Varsity Blues or even Dawson Creek where there is some comparison to Dawson as well, you’ll really enjoy this book. For those that this book is intended as it is YA and honestly it should be on High School Reading lists, it will be enjoyable and the if jt provoking for them as well.

The book rings authentic and probably because it is based off a true story, a fact I didn’t realize until I was finished with it. It is also a very fast read at about 4.5 hours long for the audiobook. I will be picking up the paperback as well just to have in my personal library as it’s that good to be able to share with others.

When the Lucas Oliver returns out of nowhere, the town's prodigal son decides to mentor a group of senior boys as they think about what the next few years have in store for them. Somewhat reluctantly, Colt finds himself becoming a core member of the group and the experience will change his life forever.

Part Varsity Blues, part Good Will Hunting, this book takes a very different approach to a coming of age story than most. The budding love story between Colt & Noa is secondary to the story of the students in the group. There are definitely Dead Poet Society vibes (and references) and while I do think this book did a really good job of steering away from being super preachy, I'm not quite sure it reached Dead Poet Society status. Still, I absolutely loved this book. It kept me listening and I blew through it quickly and thought a lot about it afterward. The wrap up reminded me of the end of a helmet head movie where you get a glimpse of their future while they acknowledge their past. Highly recommend for nearly everyone.

Quick note on the narration: As I sit here in my twenty-year-old 'Team Pacey' shirt, the teenager in me hates to admit that James Van Der Beek did an absolutely masterful job with this book. I love, love, loved it. Who better to narrate a thought-y coming of age story than Mr. Dawson Leery himself? Please, I'm begging you guys, let the man narrative every male POV teen story on the market. It's perfection.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio.
First off - picking James Van Der Beek to narrate? 10/10. If Mox from varsity blues had a spiritual awakening, this would be it.
Overall a great read about coming of age, and living life, with a little bit of found family roped it. A quick read, but provides a good amount of reflection as well. Loved Colt and the Circle’s story, and finding out it was based on Cunningham’s own experience made it even more special. Would definitely recommend, and hug your circle a little tighter!

Craig Cunningham cultivated a heartfelt, tragic yet uplifting story.
One Night In A Thousand Years was well written and enjoyable.
I absolutely loved James Van Der Beek's narration of this! His voice was perfect for the setting of this story.
3.5 Stars.

Thank you NetGalley for this Audiobook.

This is a very thought provoking book. Even though I graduated from high school twenty years ago, I couldn’t still relate to life’s unknowns. Every new beginning brings with it so my new questions. By the end of the book I was both crying and smiling. I won’t go into why, so I don’t spoil it.

The audiobook narration is beautiful. James Van Der Beek did a great job. I definitely recommend listening to this meaningful, coming of age story.

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. This was an absolute powerhouse of a novel - short, but packs an emotional punch. Infinitely quotable

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced audiobook. I had not heard of this book before and to be honest it mostly caught my eye because James Van Der Beek was the narrator, but I am sure glad I took a chance on it. 'One Night in a Thousand Years is a wonderful coming of age book where Colt, a senior in high school learns to live life to the fullest, ask the hard questions and make the difficult decisions. The book, while not long is very powerful and is one that will stick with me.

Thank you to BooksGoSocial Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ARC of One Night in a Thousand Years.

What a beautiful story about a young man learning how to live life at its fullest and is given the strength and ability to ask the hard questions and make those big decisions for himself, rather than to appease others.

Cole, rising star football player for his high school has a season ending injury one night that ultimately changes his whole path. Encouraged by his friend, Noa, he begins attending a youth group where he meets Lucas who guides Cole and the boys in his group to open their minds, ask the hard questions and to share with one another, creating an unbeatable bond.

Beautifully written and I absolutely love the narrator choice. I would absolutely recommend this book to everyone!

An incredible story about growing up and discovering yourself. Part Dead Poet’s Society, part Catcher in the Rye, part memoir—this book is cinematic and beautifully captures the place between child and adult.

Such a beautiful coming of age story. Quite short, which did mean character development wasn’t as in depth, but still an amazing story and it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment.

This was a wonderful coming of age story narrated by James Van Der Beek. The story follows Cole and friends through senior year as they transition from adolescence to adulthood and the rites of passage along the journey. Cole meets Lucas after an unexpected injury changes his plans for senior year. This led him and 11 others to spend nights around the bonfire weekly to discuss their journal entries, faith, futures and life in general.
James Van Der Beek was perfect for narrating making you feel along with him the laughter, heartbreak and wonder of trying to find your path in life.
Many thanks to Net Galley for an audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend!

Colt is a senior in his high school, captain of the football team when he breaks something in his leg everything changes in this life. In his church group, he meets Lucas a not much older boy who is guiding a group of boys to find meaning in life.

This book started very slow, at some point I thought there was no story here, but it's a nice coming of age story. The ending is sad and beautiful. I think it would be a great read for young adults trying to figure out their life. I would recommend this book for people who love Dead Poets Society or Emerson. It has a lot of quotable quotes like "you have everything you need within you"

It does leave some questions open: Do these kids not go to college? Do they all grow up to create their own groups?

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy is exchange for my honest review.

This was a cute coming of age literary fiction story. I loved James Van Der Beek as a narrator, and if I am being honest that was the reason I picked up this book. There are some fantastic themes, and lots of introspection. I didn't vibe with the church aspects, but the teenage boys questioning the meaning of life will resonate with a lot of readers. Loved the Dead Poets Society references.

I wish I connected with the characters more. It is a short book, so I think some of the interactions between the friend group were not as developed.

I would read more by this author.

ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.

James Van Der Beek did a wonderful job with the narration of this book! All the characters fit perfectly and his Texas accent makes you feel like you’re part of the story! I really connected with this writing. While the book is short, its message is powerful and I know it will stick with me for years to come! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a little inspiration or light in their life, you won’t regret reading this!

This is a quick and interesting coming-of-age story beautifully narrated by James Van Der Beek.

I have a son, and I am acutely aware of how hard it can be to grow up in this world. I like the idea of teens getting together to benefit from the community of the sacred circle and to get motivated to do good. The leader also encouraged members to create and write, which I think is such a valuable tool in life.

It is well-written, and I will definitely have my son read it one day. The final sentence was so wonderful and will leave a lasting impression: "Carpe diem, I said, and in the winds of my soul, I heard an echo."

Colt is in his senior year, and it doesn't all go like he planned. He is a football player and he's excited by senior year. But then he meets Lucas and a different path is waged.

Many thanks to Net Galley and BookGoSocial Audio for an audio copy of this book in exchange due an honest review.

Wow, this short read completely took me by surprise! Initially, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much, especially since it wasn't the typical thriller or fantasy novel I usually dive into. It turned out to be more of a real-life lesson, and discovering from the author, Craig Cunningham's Acknowledgement, that the sacred circle was real added another layer of authenticity.

Expressing how much I unexpectedly liked this book is a bit challenging; words don't quite capture it. Reading it on Kindle while simultaneously listening to the audiobook on NetGalley created an awesome experience. James Van Der Beek's narration, with his captivating speaking voice, made me emotional, allowing me to vividly imagine the entire story unfolding before me.

I didn't even realize I was teary-eyed by the time I finished the book. I ended up binge-reading it over three hours, despite it being just 207 pages. This book stirred up memories of my high school days when shyness held me back, resulting in fewer friends and being the target of bullying due to my perceived weirdness. Although college allowed me to bloom, this book made me reflect on the importance of enjoying life and exploring all its facets. It made me realize that everything one needs is already within.

A poignant quote from the book resonated deeply with me: "All of you have been gifted with breath not for selfish gain, but to do something meaningful—even remarkable—with your lives." This simple yet profound message taught me to appreciate life and not take things for granted. We all have a purpose, and sometimes, the answers are within us.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a laid-back time on the beach and wants to delve into an amazing short read packed with valuable life lessons.