“EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS ALREADY WITHIN YOU”
“Time is always moving and it’s also
Dancing. No use trying to slow the years down all you can do is live each and every moment to its fullest.”
This is an excellent story for any young man or woman that is treading water through the stages of adulthood. Having problems, deciding their future, need direction, or have trouble opening up.
At first glance, I thought the story was a little bizarre. I kept waiting for tragedy to strike curious if that was going to be the moral of the story.
Stick with the story and trust me it will all come together. It will leave a person of any age deep in thought. Possibly quite a few lightbulbs going off it has a wonderful lesson. Even though it has some hints of religion talk, the story is not about religion. It is about opening up, living your life to the fullest, appreciating your life and the people in it.

Colt is a young teenager who like many of his peers si getting ready to graduate. He connects with a man, Lucas Oliver who gives him and his friends a place to open up and really talk. Kids deal with so much so this was a great example of a safe place for teen boys.

I think this would be a great book for boys that are getting ready to embark on adulthood. I personally did not connect with this story.

One Night in a Thousand Years was a great read by Craig Cunningham. Colt’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets college-aged vagabond, Lucas Oliver, who has a mysterious past. Lucas ends up mentoring Colt and a group of eleven other senior guys and guides them through a series of rites of passage over their senior year. The all meet every Sunday night around a barrel fire at a local church. They talk about life and read their journal entries beneath the stars. I enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read more by the author.

I listened to the audiobook version of this. To be honest, from the jump I had my doubts about James vanderbeek doing the narration. At first I felt like I was watching a weird abc show. Once the story got going all of those doubts disappeared. This book gave me perks of being a wallflower vibe in the sense that all teenagers should have to read it. Tackling tough topics faced by youth and young adults, the storyline was intriguing, nostalgic and heartwarming. From a book I’ve never heard of to one of the books I’ll definitely recommend for this year. Read it, you won’t regret it.

This was a calming and insightful read. The main characters were relatable and the pacing was great. It’s a pretty short read in general, and wanting to learn more about Lucas’ character and see how all of the other young men would evolve kept me intrigued. James Van Der Beek’s narration was perfect: soothing and familiar. It perfectly fit the overarching feelings of the novel.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for having this audiobook available to listen and review!

This was a short book, narrated beautifully by Dawson - I mean James Van Der Beek.

Vaguely reminiscent of Dead Poets Society, which is in fact referenced in the book, this was a powerful and thought provoking piece. Sad and shocking, yet deep and inspiring. I was a little shocked but pleasantly surprised to not only hear the author explain it was drawn from personal experience but to also invite anyone interested to reach out to him.

A small story with a big message, live, truly live, and if you can pay it forward along the way, you should.

Thank you to Nergalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.

Wow!
What a very powerful, thought provoking book!
And in such a short amount of time too…

I was a bit hesitant to request this one as it’s listed as a YA.
But, it’s message crosses all age barriers…

Colt is a Senior in HS. He has his whole life ahead of him…
But then things always change, don’t they?

One night out with his friends…one night that he didn’t want to even be a part of… and everything can change…

But, because of this…his life will REALLY ultimately change…

As Noah becomes intertwined in his life.
And it is suggested that he join up with a church group.
He’s not really sure he wants anything to do with this, but once he tries it, he realizes it is just what he needs.

You see, they are split into groups…and his group is led by a young man.
Or should I say, a young nomad? He is unlike anyone Colt knows…and he challenges these kids to open up. To see into themselves. To strive to be better. To strive to go out of their comfort zones…

And what happens? They learn. They grow. They make themselves better people…and the group continues to grow…

I had several moments of heartbreak, and tears shed with this one, but ultimately, this book was WONDERFUL!

And the author’s note at the end, where he opens up about his own experiences… just priceless.

If you have a HS aged person in your life, you may want to pass this one along to them. So much truth. So much turmoil. So much reality expressed, and beautifully too!

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocialAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which was released in October, so should already be on shelves near you. And thanks too for having me go out of my comfort zone in reading this one. It was so worth it!

#OneNightInAThousandYears by #CraigCunningham and beautifully narrated by #JamesVanDerBeek.

Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr or
My Facebook Book Club @ Book Reviews With Elaine.

Thanks so much for reading!📚⭐️📖

🎧One Night in a Thousand Years (Audiobook)

𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: Craig Cunningham
𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫: James Van Der Beek
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Literary Fiction | Teens & YA
𝐋𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡: 4h 18min

I usually don’t go for literary fiction, but I gave the Audiobook for “One Night in a Thousand Years” a shot. I was intrigued because James Van Der Beek was the narrator. His storytelling is solid, hitting the emotional notes you’d expect from a coming-of-age story.

However, the pacing for the story itself felt a bit off. The audiobook is fairly short, at just over 4-hours, and still there were moments when it felt like the story was dragging by. The characters in the story seem a bit one-sided, which makes the emotional parts not hit as strongly as they’re supposed to.

Since “One Night in a Thousand Years” is so short, it’s worth it to give it a shot to see if you enjoy it, especially because James Van Der Beek does a fantastic job narrating. I’d recommend checking out the audiobook for his excellent performance.

And of course, thank you NetGalley for access to this audiobook in exchange for my honest review. 🖤

Finished listening to this last night - I really loved it! It is only about 4 hours long (less if you listen on a faster speed) and whilst it’s not quite the ‘modern day Dead Poets Society’ it claims to be, it is definitely an engaging coming of age story about young guys in their Senior year in the US, and it does have that similar vibe of the enigmatic and wise teacher trying to get these boys to truly look into themselves and what they want from their lives. I adored the guys talking about their feelings and expressing themselves and really talking to each other - it’s really nicely done and is based on the Authors own life.
.
And I loved the Narrator and just pictured Dawson as the main character for the whole thing. 🤣 He’s too old for the part now, but had this been made into a movie in the early 90’s, he would have been perfect for the role of Colt, with Matthew McConaughey as Lucas. It would make a great movie.

I strongly recommend it!

Craig Cunningham's "One Night in a Thousand Years" is a mesmerizing tale that seamlessly weaves together the threads of romance, destiny, and the passage of time. Set against the backdrop of a small town in Maine, the novel follows the intertwined lives of two strangers whose fateful encounter sparks a chain of events that will alter the course of their lives forever.

One of the most compelling aspects of "One Night in a Thousand Years" is Cunningham's skillful portrayal of his characters and their relationships. From the enigmatic stranger with a haunted past to the spirited young woman searching for meaning in her own life, each character is imbued with depth, complexity, and a palpable sense of humanity. As their lives intersect and intertwine, Cunningham deftly explores the power of love to transcend time and space, weaving a rich tapestry of emotion and longing that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Cunningham's prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the beauty of the Maine landscape and the magic of a fleeting moment with equal grace. With its vivid descriptions and haunting imagery, the novel transports readers to a world where anything is possible, and where the line between reality and fantasy blurs with each passing moment.

While "One Night in a Thousand Years" is undeniably a romance at its core, it is also a story about the power of second chances and the importance of seizing the moment. Cunningham's characters grapple with their own fears and insecurities as they navigate the uncertainties of life and love, ultimately discovering that sometimes, the greatest rewards come from taking the biggest risks.

In conclusion, "One Night in a Thousand Years" by Craig Cunningham is a captivating and poignant exploration of love, destiny, and the enduring power of the human heart. With its richly drawn characters, lyrical prose, and timeless themes, it is a novel that will linger in the mind and heart of readers long after the final page is turned.

A thoughtful coming of age story that pulls at your heartstrings. The likable characters ask the universal life questions in a way that reignites your own search for meaning and purpose.

I particularly liked how familiar the main character was with the reader, making me feel like I was a part of the “sacred circle” that he had come to lead himself.

James Van Der Beek was the perfect narrator.

Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for graciously providing a copy of this audiobook. My review is entirely voluntary, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

I do not think I (a middle aged female) was the intended audience for this book.

James Van Der Beek (Dawson's Creek) narrated. At 2x speed, it was fine. Anything slower really dragged on and on. Not much inflection in his voice to help keep the reader interested.

Colt is a bit of a lost high-school senior, not sure what's next for him in life, until he ends up at a Sunday church group led by 20-something Lucas, who seems to have insight into how to truly live and make an impact. The story is a coming-of-age moment focused around experiences built on the bonds of brotherhood, but Lucas almost seems to create a cult following. It's interesting that the young men follow him so easily, buying into his easy demeanor and charm, but at least they spread kindness and good will to others as the story progresses.

For me, it was a bit too cheesy to believe. And the ending was a far too pretty bow that didn't seem realistic. Several kids just opting to forego college to "experience the world"? I think parents would have something to say about that...

Overall: 2 stars (It was just fine)

I'll tell my students about: language, alcohol, drugs, violence/gore/death, sex, religion

**Thank you to NetGalley & BooksGoSocial Audio for the free ALC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

This is one of those books that is supposed to be thought provoking but nothing really happens and the author just tells you what you're think, rather than showing you through the characters' actions.

“Everything you need is already within you. Everything.”

As a Dawson’s Creek fan, I can openly admit that James Van Der Beer drew me to this audiobook. I knew nothing about the story beyond liking the cover, but I’m glad I did because while I came for Dawson Leery, I stayed for the story.

I’ve never been a teenage boy, but this coming-of-age story was inspiring nonetheless. We meet protagonist Colt as he’s starting his senior year and gets to go along for the ride as he navigates family, friendships, relationships, and a newfound mentor, Lucas, with a mysterious and complicated past. Through their interactions, Colt begins to see the world in a different way and learns valuable lessons about life, love, and forgiveness.

Overall, I’d say it’s a story about the lasting impact that can be made in someone’s life in a short period of time and to live each day like your last.

James Van Der Beek was a great narrator, nailing the Texas twang and really embodying Colt, while giving the other characters their own personality. Definitely worth the listen.

As Lucas says, “Go. Be courageous and true.”

4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for my honest feedback. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

If you want to do an audiobook by what you feel is the perfect narrator, then this is it. I felt that James was the embodiment of the author. That he had read and loved this book so much to spin a tale of heartbreak, love and second chances that even though this was the story of coming of age for boys…. It touched my soul and made me realize just how your actions at 17 or 18 can impact others.
What if that senior year of excitement and the foreboding feeling colliding turned you to the love of your life and a new calling?

I didn't know what to think going into this book and was really surprised by this emotional story. I have been a fan of James Van Der Beek's since Varsity Blues. I thoroughly enjoyed his telling of this story. He has such a unique voice and did well acting out all of the characters. I also have to say the cover of this book is absolutely beautiful. This simple yet profound message taught me to appreciate life and not take things for granted. We all have a purpose in life sometimes it just takes us awhile to figure out what it is. This was a quick listen but has such a message in the four hours you listen to it. I would HIGHLY recommend this book!


Thank you Net Galley and BooksGoSocial Audio for allowing me to listen to this ARC for my honest opinion.

This story was as advertised a coming to age novel. The MC started in one place and ended in a place of growth and personal development. It was an easy listen. And it did pull me in, but I wasn’t dying to know how it ended. I enjoyed the realness of what can happen during senior year. And I thought the characters were well written. The ending is sad, but the epilogue gives hope!

I received an ALC (Advanced Listener Copy) of this audiobook from NetGalley & BooksGoSocial Audio.

4.5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5🎧

I don't really have the right words to describe this story. It's heartfelt and poignant in a way I wasn't expecting. It's a coming-of-age story of a group of men just wanting more. To come together in creating a safe place for them to share their experiences and emotions without judgment. It was inspiring, to say the least.

I loved the message it gave. The fact that it was taken from the author's own personal experience adds more weight to the message.
The narration and cadence of the narrator really gave the gravity that the book's message was giving. It only added to the nuance of it all.

This was such a beautiful story & having James Van Der Beek do the audiobook was such a perfect choice, he really helped with the timelessness of it all. This feels very influenced by Dead Poets Society and Catcher in the Rye while still being its own thing. This is definitely a book they should have kids read in school.

3.5 stars. A short, pleasant, coming-of-age story reminiscent of Catcher in the Rye and Dead Poets Society (the latter of which the author makes reference to in the text itself). Exploring themes of life and death and figuring out what we should be doing with what little time we have, I found it to be a thought-provoking listen that was excellently narrated in the audiobook.