Book:
SIXTEEN MINUTES by K J. Reilly
Thank you Netgalley and PenguinTeen for the EARC (Oct 15)

Review:
5⭐
The cover and title of SIXTEEN MINUTES is what drew me in. Going into this book, I didn't actually know what to expect, but what was delivered was better than I could have imagined.
SIXTEEN MINUTES follows Nell, Cole, and Stevie B. When a new girl shows up claiming she's a time traveller, Cole is ready to jump and time travel. Nell and Stevie B. are unsure, claiming it's too dangerous. Can they do it, will they save the day?
From page one, this book gripped me, and I easily devoured it in just a few days. I really enjoyed this book---the trio and how each of them were important to each other i their own way, the time travel, the author's writing, and the bigger picture of saving the day. This book was magical in the time travelling way. Though it is a work of fiction, I loves the author's reiteration through the characters about multiple universes and how one choice can change something in one universe and be entirely different in the other.
SIXTEEN MINUTES. That number was really important throughout this book, and I appreciated how the author tied the title in with other things in this. I would highly recommend this. 10/10 would read again.

Title: Sixteen Minutes
Author: J.K. Reilly
Genre: Teen/YA, Time Travel Mystery
Publisher: Penguin Group Young Readers Group/Nancy Paulsen Book
Pub Date: October 15, 2024
My Rating: 4.5 rounded up
Pages: 352

Charlotte, is a mysterious new girl at school, who might she be from the future.
She soon changes the lives of friends- Nell, Stevie and Cole.

~Nell is seventeen and sure she will never leave (or get out of) Clawson, NY. Her dad is dead and her mom works at the penitentiary.
~ Cole is her boyfriend; his little sister has asthma and has had dangerous breathing episodes.
~ Stevie B is an artist and now sees that his drawings are happening!

This is a delightful story.

I know am not the target audience for this but as a High School Guidance Counselor I love to read YA stories. It pleases me when I can recommend a book as well just talk about books and encouraging reading for fun other than text books. Additionally I love stories about time travel and this did not disappoint.

In the ‘Author’s Notes’ J.K. Reilly tells us this story is a work of fiction and was written to entertain and inspire and took some liberties. However there is science regarding the possibility of time travel, the potential existence of parallel universes, as well as the concept of the multiverse- based on respected work from highly reputable theoretical physicists and mathematicians.
Einstein’s theories of special relativity and general relativity to Hermann Minkowski’s work on geometry of space-time and its relationship to speed.

Additionally she lists several nonfiction books that cover more on the theoretical science of time travel and the possible of parallel universes and the multiverse.

If you are like me you just might be ready to read more.

Want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Group Young Readers Group/Nancy Paulsen Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for October 15, 2024.

*Sixteen Minutes* is a beautifully crafted blend of coming-of-age drama and speculative fiction that will deeply resonate with readers. The story, set in the small town of Clawson, follows seventeen-year-old Nell, who feels confined by her surroundings and finds solace in her relationship with her boyfriend, Cole. Their close-knit group, including Cole’s sister Finn—who suffers from a debilitating disease—and their loyal friend Stevie B, faces a profound challenge when a mysterious girl named Charlotte arrives, bringing a twist of time travel into their lives.

The novel shines in its raw and relatable depiction of human emotions and relationships. Nell’s journey, marked by her dreams of a life beyond her small town and the poignant symbolism of her expired passports, adds a deeply personal touch. The intricate dynamics between Nell, Cole, and Stevie B, coupled with Charlotte’s enigmatic influence, create a gripping narrative filled with suspense and heartfelt moments.

The author skillfully blends the emotional depth of a coming-of-age story with the thrill of speculative fiction, offering a thought-provoking exploration of love, friendship, and the allure of the unknown. The time travel element introduces compelling questions about choosing between a familiar, comforting life and an uncertain, potentially better future.

Though the novel is intensely emotional and beautifully written, with a classic love triangle that adds tension and complexity, some readers may find themselves yearning for more answers to the mysteries presented. Nonetheless, the heartfelt portrayal of the characters' struggles and the impactful themes make *Sixteen Minutes* a memorable and engaging read that lingers long after the final page.

Great young adult novel to read. The theme of this novel was very unique. I haven’t read anything like it! This is my first time reading a novel from this author but I would like to read more!

5 stars! ✨

A magical, shockingly beautiful tale about love, friendship, and who we consider our home.

“I only want one. One universe. One life. One you. One me.”

Thank you to Netgalley and Nancy Paulsen Books for sending me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In “Sixteen Minutes” we follow the pov of Nell. She is a seventeen-year-old who has never known a life outside of her small town in Clawson - and tends to feel trapped in this space she grew up in. The brightest light in her life is her boyfriend, Cole. Boyfriend feels like a light term because to Nell, Cole is everything. They have known each other since they were children and understand one another better than they understand themselves. Finn - Cole’s younger sister suffers from a disease with no current cure that affects her breathing and more often than not lands her in the hospital. When she was born Nell and Cole always wanted to give her “one lung from you, and one lung from me.” They spend their days with their close friend Stevie B. swimming the quarry, going to school, and looking forward to the future (in hopes for a better one) until one day a mysterious girl Charlotte arrives and changes the trajectories of their lives as we know it. Our trio must trust the universe, and accomplish the impossible to save the person closest to their hearts.

The way the author describes human emotions and relationships is so raw and relatable. I truly connected with Nell as I too have lost my father at a young age, and felt trapped in my “seventeen year old” teen years. For a sci- fi YA novel I was not expecting this to be as emotional or in depth as it was. These characters are so special to me.

“If you’re too scared to jump, I will hold you and keep you safe forever.”

Nell is such a unique individual. Collecting expired passports to imagine all of the places she wants to go broke my heart. She is so young and has her whole life ahead of her, and she doesn’t even realize this yet.

The way Nell and Cole care for one another and have found their safety nets and home in each other’s souls makes me so incredibly happy - after all the trauma they have endured they deserve to find peace. In whatever that may be.

Stevie B - the most loyal, loving, and hilarious friend. I hope he finds the love he deserves. 🥹

Such a heartfelt tale. This is going to stay with me for quite some time.

**Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! These thoughts are my own.**

I did not have time to read this book, and to be honest, the parts I did read didn't particularly make me want to continue. As a Christian reader, the relatively frequent curse words were annoying, and I just couldn't get behind the writing style. The main character girl's POV (which I'm pretty sure is the only one) really grated on my nerves. She annoyed me so much that I just couldn't continue.

It's very possible this book gets better as it goes on and I just didn't have the time to reach that part, but I just couldn't do it.

Sixteen Minutes by K.J. Reilly offers a well-structured narrative with a blend of suspense and drama. While the story presents an interesting premise and engaging moments, its overall impact may vary depending on individual preferences for character depth and pacing. The novel provides a solid reading experience but may not stand out significantly in the genre.

This novel promises a captivating blend of coming-of-age drama and speculative fiction. The introduction of Charlotte, a mysterious newcomer with a claim to future knowledge, immediately injects a thrilling element of uncertainty into the lives of Nell, Stevie B, and Cole. The author skillfully sets up a classic love triangle, adding layers of complexity and tension to the story.

The concept of time travel offers endless possibilities for exploration, and the idea of choosing between a familiar, comfortable life and an unknown, potentially better future is a compelling one. As the characters grapple with this life-altering decision, readers are likely to find themselves deeply invested in their choices.

With its exploration of friendship, love, and the allure of the unknown, this novel has the potential to be a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.

I wanted to love this since I was immediately sucked in while reading the synopsis but this reads way way too young for me. It is marketed as YA but much closer to preteen leading into YA. I think it'll pop off in that demographic but not for me unfortunately.

The way I have needed my next sci-fi book like my next breath! This was stunningly original and I am always such a sucker for a good time travel background. The mystery surrounding what the future held and why Charlotte came back for them was so intriguing and kept me going and then took me out. I loveloveloved the trio's dynamics (a classic) and the underlying concept of what it means to fight for your future.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters. Once I started reading, I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. Were they going to be able to achieve their goal? The tangling of relationships mixed in with time travel really kept my interest. I think this was a great read.

"Are we gonna be okay tomorrow? If you can't promise me forever, can you promise me tomorrow?"

Sixteen Minutes is the kind of book you read and keep thinking about weeks later. I don't know if I'll buy a copy or reread it, but I know that I'll be thinking about it for a long time. It's not a perfect book, I'll be honest about that now. It has some problems that made it hard to get through. But, to me, it's worth giving the chance. The potential not-so-great things are worth pushing through to get to the powerful stuff. The stuff that will cling to your brain and heart and hold on forever.

I love this book because it's so unashamedly honest in its portrayal of the teenage experience. There were so many quotes that I highlighted simply because they perfectly captured the essence of what it felt like to be a teenager. All of the chaos and confusion and uncertainty is wrapped up in an exciting adventure that left me breathless (sometimes literally).

I don't know if everyone would enjoy this book. But, if you're on the fence about it, I'd say give it a try. If you like YA sci-fi with time travel and small towns, read it. If you need to hear that you matter and that your life is worth more than you know, go buy this book.

I wasn't in the best headspace when I read this book, but I think it helped heal something in me. I think that Nell and Cole and Stevie B and Charlotte came together to remind me that I am important. That I matter in ways I'll never know. That my little life has the power to change individuals and maybe even the world.

What I Loved
- Nell, Cole, and Stevie B. There's no way to separate them, even just to talk about why I love them. They are a trio that is truly unbreakable, and their relationships (platonic between some and romantic between others) are written so well. They feel realistic, and their actions always make sense because of who they are.
- The "small town girl" trope. I think this will always be a special trope to me, despite not living in a small town myself. What I love the most about this part of the book is that Nell doesn't have the same arc that we usually associate with this trope. I can't explain this in more detail without spoiling parts of the ending, but just know that I think the author really understands the beauty of the ordinary and that sometimes that's enough.
- The themes. It's hard to talk about this book without launching into a whole analysis of how beautifully the themes are woven together. At it's core, this is a book about why we all matter. This message is intertwined in every moment, action, thought, and piece of dialogue, and it happens so naturally. None of the themes felt forced or heavy-handed.
- The writing style. I go back and forth on this, but I've decided that I love it. Nell's voice is so unique and powerful, which makes the narration of the story even more powerful. There were a few moments where I wondered why the author didn't switch to another POV, but it all made so much sense in the end. I also really love Nell's accent. Dialects and accents are really hit-or-miss for me, but it worked here and definitely added something extra special to the story.

What I Didn't Love
- The pacing was a little slow in the first third of the book. There were several times where I struggled to pick it back up, but every time I did, I would get sucked back in. Once the story picks up, though, it rockets off into a fast-paced story that you will not be able to put down.
- Some things don't get explained. If you want a sci-fi book where everything has a specific explanation and every single part of the story is explained, then you may not enjoy this book. There are explanations for the science-related elements, but one of the big parts of this book is discovering why the characters have to time travel in the first place. For me, the answers for this weren't enough to really wrap up that thread. I understand why the author chose to do things this way, but I didn't love it.

I received an ARC from Nancy Paulsen Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Content Warnings: Blood, cursing, death, death of a parent, drug abuse, drug use, grief, gun violence, infidelity, injury/injury detail, medical content, and sexual content (kissing and alluding to sex).

I love a good time travel story, and this one is interesting, but it definitely feels more middle grade than YA, which it is marketed as. The writing is simple with very casual language in a way that didn’t feel very contemporary. I think this book would be most popular with young teenagers/older preteens.

Thank you so much for allowing me to ARC read this book.

However, I had to lowball this rating.
This book seems like it is wonderful for a kids read. However, for a teen/adult, there’s too much that is just Randy thrown in and just confused the readers.
I honestly couldn’t finish the book and had to DNF it.

2.75/5
Gripping scifi that I can appealing to 12-15 age range.
While I feel like I'm too old for the target age range I can definitely like this book is good for Grades 7-10. The characters were interesting enough that I didn't mind following them and the mystery set up at the beginning was intriguing.
I feel like the book did slog in the second half but I still liked the ending. Thought it was fine but I could see someone loving this book.
Thanks to the author and publisher for the E-ARC.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC! Here’s another one of those books I try to see from adult and YA reader age perspectives bc my rating is different for each. I try to keep my star score around the middle. As an adult reader, there were many things here that didn’t add up or left things hanging/left questions. The references to real science were neat, but it all still didn’t add up for me. I also wasn’t buying the Stevie B & Cole & Nell triangle -it just seemed unnatural and not like a real love thing. The character of Charlotte was randomly thrown into their school all of a sudden (why does she even bother to go to school?), and the lead-up to the weird circumstances and reasons why she’s there and hanging out with Cole seemed rushed, like we opened the book in the middle of the situation before we even know anyone. Charlotte and Cole are being sketchy, and Cole won’t explain himself, and then all of a sudden like the next day after Nell and Stevie question him and he won’t answer them, he and Charlotte come clean about what’s going on with really no issue. Nell also puts things together too easily with very few clues. The book is fast-paced, which I think kids will like. The characters are likable, and there’s a small-town vibe some kids can relate to. I think there’s also enough adventure and a little mystery thrown in that they’d enjoy. For me-too many holes and unrealistic parts to the narrative. For kids-a fresh story with enough mystery they’d probably like. I would rate it 2 stars but maybe 3 bc it has more appeal for kids who aren’t paying as much attention to the things it’s missing. FYI some profanity and talk of drug abuse

This is the first time I have written a review for an ARC book, so apologies that I am not as eloquent in my words as I would like to be.
Minor spoilers follow.
The book started off a bit slow for me, but I stuck with it. Once I realized how the title of "Sixteen Minutes" tied to the plot is when things got interesting and I was truly hooked.
A few of the plot points didn't entirely make sense or felt unnecessary to me, but it didn't damper the overall enjoyment of the story. Such as: why did Cole teach Nell to steal when they were children? It also seemed like as a child he knew more than he should have, and perhaps it is meant to be attributed to the aspect of quantum entanglement but it didn't seem clear to me.
The end of the book also felt a little rushed. I would have liked to see more detail in Nell and Charlotte's heist to give more emotion and emphasize the raised stakes of the clock running out. Just because they were in a hurry doesn't mean the writing has to be hurried. There could have been more emotion after as well with Nell and her mom, perhaps a more fleshed out reunion and heartfelt conversation between them to wrap things up.
Overall though, I love the book and think it is definitely worth a read. My thanks to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

In a small, working class, pretty much nothing town in NY, we meet three high school students who have been friends forever. Nell’s dad is dead and her mom works at the penitentiary. Her boyfriend Cole has a little sister who suffers from asthma and has very dangerous breathing episodes. And the last part of the friendship triangle is Stevie B who is an amazing artist and begins realizing some of what he drew a couple yrs. ago are actually things that are happening now. When a new girl shows up at school things start to lean towards the idea that she may be from the future. This one is hard to put down.
I’ve not read Reilly’s other books, but I enjoyed this one so much that I will definitely go check them out.

✨”We're all dominoes tumbling. One into the next, throughout time. And some of us matter in extremely important ways, even though it may not seem that way to us during our lifetime."✨

I’m still thinking about this (coming of age) YA sci-fi that touches on love and the realization that the world is much larger than the bubble of our youth.

“Sixteen Minutes” took me on a path full of twists and turns! I thought the science inclusion was well-played. I could really imagine and believe in the multidimensional space and time travel throughout the story. And, I loved that the plot was laid out in a timeline around the major event, creating a suspenseful build up of tension and excitement.

I did have some difficulty gauging some of the character intentions and purpose (for example, the love triangle between friends). However, I eventually came to the conclusion that it seemed to illustrate the idea that in another time and place, with different variables, perhaps life (and the love triangle) would have played out differently.

Overall, I think this was a fun YA book that will appeal to many young readers looking for mystery, adventure, and excitement. The cover art pulled me in and will absolutely appeal to the target audience as well- 10/10 love it!

💖✨”But, I don't look back. With a final, single breath, I fill my lungs with air. And then I do it. Feet first. Heart second. Head a distant third. I jump.”✨💖

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Teen, and author K.J. Reilly for the opportunity to read and review an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is an exciting adventure in time, racing to save the life of Cole's little sister but maybe also the world as we know it. I am an adult reading a book that is targeted to a much younger audience. For teens or young adults, this is an edge-of-your seat adventure that opens up the world beyond the vastness of the stars. For someone much older, it is still an edge-of-your-seat adventure while exploring the possibility of other dimensions and the soundness of space-time theories. Reilly does a great job of basing the story on theoretical ideas and stirring in enough fantasy to show that anything is possible. It has a great message about overcoming your fears and becoming a better person such as how you are seen by others close to you. I loved the very creative construct of the portal and that is was not open to just anyone walking through the opening. Considering the background of the kids, I did not understand why Cole would be teaching Nell how to steal without getting caught - I don't think this is a common thing among kids and felt that it struck an off-chord for me. I understand the basis for this later in the story, but didn't like the indication that this was an acceptable activity like earning a Boy Scout badge. Although the action mostly involves Nell and Cole, I really like Stevie B as the anchor of the group and the beacon of change for the town. I very much enjoyed this tale even though I have differing ideas about parallel universes.