In looking back at my review for Apples Never Fall, I said that there were too many characters and the book was too long. The same applies here. The concept of the book is interesting enough (although already done... see The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin and to an extent, The Measure by Nikki Erlick). A bunch of people are on a plane and a woman gets up and starts telling everyone when she expects they will die (their age) and the cause of death.

Everyone on the plane is rattled, understandably, and the woman (Cherry) has no recollection of this. Through a lot of jumping around and different points of view we get a slightly bigger picture. Cherry's chapters are almost always in between other characters so we learn a lot about her past, her love life, her mother, and more.

The problem here is that there are SO many characters that I can't easily follow their stories (was he the one that was supposed to die in a workplace accident or a fight?). The chapters are plentiful and short... but often end on a cliff-hanger of sorts and then you go through Cherry chapters and multiple other characters and by the time you get back to that person, you forgot what the cliff hanger was... lessening the overall impact.

You get to form a lot of your own conclusions by the end, which is ok if you like that kind of thing (I wanted more decisive chapters for the 10,000 characters I followed along through the book). I loved the epilogue - that was my favorite part of the book... but it took 500 pages to get there.

As always, Liane Moriarty is going to keep me on tenterhooks until the very last second. Whenever I read her writing I am constantly holding my breath awaiting a devastating plot twist that is going to send me reeling. This book was another nailbiter that will keep the reader guessing if all the folks that received their predictions were going to meet their untimely...or is it timely...demise. 4 stars!

Oh how I loved this book. At first the concept wasn’t totally something I’d normally read… I was so wrong for having that initial reaction. I loved everything about this book. I loved the characters and the creativity of the entire storyline. I devoured this book and the ending was well executed. Bravo for a totally amazing and inspiring book. I can’t wait for my best friend to read this when it comes out so we can talk about it!

“Here One Moment” is by Liane Moriarty. One of the things I like about Ms. Moriarty’s stories are that they make you think (even if you don’t think it will).

For once, I’m going to start with the negatives:

This book would have greatly benefited from chapters with the name of the person speaking. There are a number of points of view in this book and each one took a little bit of time (a paragraph or two) to figure out whose story the reader was switched to. Usually a chapter about Cherry, the woman who made the predictions, was between each separate POV story.

I found Cherry’s predictions and backstory interesting but the backstory felt way too long for my enjoyment. Additionally I was a bit “meh” about her actual job - though I did like how it was “solved”/figured out by one of the other people in the story.

The meh:

I felt that the ties between/connections people on the plane were at first “random strangers,” but then when people in Cherry’s life started connecting the dots that she was the one who made the prediction, it felt a bit … forced.

I felt that the newly married couple’s stories weren’t as complete as I would’ve liked - which maybe was the point (they were on the path to something better, bless them).

The last few chapters one could see the “winding down” of the story - and it felt a little, for lack of a better word, flat for me. I liked the ending/epilogue, but the build-up to that wasn’t as satisfying as I had anticipated.

The good:

Lots of short chapters - so don’t let the fact that this book is over 500 pages and over 100 chapters turn you off from reading it. The stories do move along rather quickly in this format.

The overall idea of this book I found very interesting [and a bit like a Twilight Zone episode]. I’ve no idea what I would’ve done in any of the passenger’s situations - she’s harmless, but gee, maybe a check-up with a doctor to make sure?

The passengers’ stories really were well done - enough drama, enough people worrying, and enough suspense to make them rather interesting. Although I’ll do a shout-out to the married doctor couple - you’re physically fit enough to travel at your advanced ages - you two are my heroes!

Moriarty’s latest novel kicks off with a thrilling premise: a supposed psychic on a plane predicts the age and cause of death for several passengers. The story then follows the passengers as they grapple with whether to believe her, only to see some meet their foretold fates, prompting a desperate effort to avoid their predicted demises.

The setup creates an intriguing start. However, the narrative falters by focusing unevenly on six characters. This imbalance makes the novel feel overly long, with some really boring long chapters dragging the pace. The ending, unfortunately, is underwhelming.

Despite its promising start, the execution falls short. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Liane Moriarty's best book since Big Little Lies...

What would you do if you were told the age and cause of your death?

"On an ordinary, short, domestic flight, something extraordinary happens. People learn how and when they are going to die. For some, their death is far in the future—age 103!—and they laugh. But for six passengers, their predicted deaths are not far away at all".

The story follows the alternate POV's of the psychic and six passengers who are given an age of death in the near future. When some of the predicions start coming true these passengers must look at their lives and decide what is most importan to them and how they want to live their lives if it will indeed be ending soon. I loved that each of the passengers are in different stages of their lives and we see how how each views their life at that time. From the mother of young baby to a couple in their 60's, each person's perspective is different.

As her usual style, Here One Moment is full of quirky characters and heartfelt family moments. I could not put it down and found myself worrying that the predictions might come true! My only complaint is that I wanted more after it ended.

Many thanks to the author, Liane Moriarty, and Crown Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book. The publication date is set for September 10, 2024!

I am already a fan of this author so I was very excited to have the opportunity to read this new book ahead of its release date. The title and plot had me instantly intrigued - I was unsure how this story would unfold but I truly believe Moriarty did a wonderful job executing a topic that can be quite heavy. There is so much beauty in her words and her writing style provides the reader with an instant connection to every single one of the characters. I felt tied to each of them and at times, was at the edge of my seat. I loved reading Cherry's backstory and how it intertwined with the rest of the characters. And my gosh, the epilogue was perfect.

This one is a bit lengthy but don't let that discourage you as every chapter added to the story. A part of me even craved a bit more even though there is closure for all of the characters. The other "downside" for me was that the chapters weren't labeled. I love multiple POVs and although the author did a great job executing the actual narrative/dialogue switching from one chapter to another felt choppy at times as you aren't always sure right away which character's story we are delving into. This was a little confusing at first but as I read I acclimated to this style of POV writing.

Otherwise, a top-notch book by Liane Moriarty. I highly recommend adding this one to your TBR list. I can't wait for publication day to snag myself a copy for my home library. This kind of story makes you ponder things and shows the impact of how one small deviation in your life can change its trajectory. A touching, meaningful book. 4.25 stars!

I received a temporary digital copy of Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty from NetGalley, Crown and the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A woman prophecies cause of death and age of death to fellow passengers on a plane. After the first prediction comes true, do you change the way you live in attempt to change your destiny?

What has happened to Moriarty's writing? I feel as if when an author becomes incredibly famous, publishers want more pages or no one feels as if they should edit the author. I thought Moriarty's last book was bad, this is somehow worse. Here One Moment was at least 212 pages too long. There are six main characters Moriarty follows who receive a death prediction plus the "Death Lady" or Cherry's chapters--over 100+ chapters, none of which are identified. I had to reread the first paragraph of every chapter just to remember who the character was or figure out who Moriarty dedicated the chapter to. Cherry's chapters were exhausting; you don't even need to begin reading her chapters until chapter 105. Don't even get me started on the world's most lackluster ending; 500+ pages for that?! Reading this book was a chore and I would have never finished it if I wasn't reviewing for NetGalley. Do I give up on Moriarty's stories? After this one, I just may have to.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for providing me an ARC of this book for my honest review. I have previously read three other books by Liane Moriarty and have enjoyed them all but Here One Moment is by far my favorite book of hers! This book is filled with suspense and wonderfully interesting characters that I loved. I will forever think about these characters and their lives and decisions that were made when they learn how and when they are going to die. Which brings up the questions if you knew when and how you were going to die would you try to fight fate? Would you live your life differently? This book gave me ALL the feels and is definitely a MUST READ!!!

⭐️4.5 stars ⭐️

How would your life change if you were told your age and cause of death? Would you start living in the present? Would you cut back on work and spend more time with your family? Would you obsess over the information and try to change the predicted future?
When a “psychic” boards, what should be a normal and short flight, she gives information that changes the lives of 6 specific passengers and throughout the story, we see the effect it has on each of their lives.

This was an emotional and a give you chills kind of book. It’s one that makes you think about how you would react in these passengers situations. It was on the longer end; some of the chapters are very short but even the longer chapters are very easy to read. There’s a lot of anticipation, wondering what is going to happen or IF something specific is going to happen. This was a very enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it! This is my first book by Liane Moriarty and I was not disappointed. Thank you NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the opportunity to read this advanced digital readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

Wow!! I haven’t read a book this thought provoking and captivating in a long time. Truly a remarkable read. Thank you NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the advanced copy. I really enjoyed it! Publication date September 10, 2024.

Occasionally, you stumble upon a book that you just can’t put down, and Liane Moriarty’s “Here One Moment” is one of those exceptional reads. I found myself grabbing every spare moment, even if it was just five minutes, to immerse myself in the unfolding story. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

The narrative kicks off on a busy plane filled with diverse characters, each on their own path. They become connected through a mysterious woman named Cherry, who reveals to each passenger two things: the age they will die and the cause of their death. Naturally, this shocking information causes a significant stir, especially among those told they have less than a year left.

Cherry’s chapters are presented in the first person, while the rest of the book follows the plane’s passengers in the third person. Moriarty deftly navigates between characters without causing confusion, and the rich detail she provides for each one makes them come alive.

As I read this book, I experienced a range of emotions, from laughter to tears, and often stopped to consider what I would do if I knew the specifics of my own death. This engaging and thought-provoking story is perfect for book clubs, offering ample topics for discussion and contemplation.

I have read a few of Liane Moriarty's books and loved them, so I was happy to get my hands on her new book. If you knew when and how you'd die, would you try to avoid it at all costs or accept your fate? Which begs the question: would you want to know the date of your death? This intriguing premise, set in Australia, forms the backbone of Moriarty's latest tale.

Passengers on a plane from Hobart to Sydney are told the time and cause of their death by a mysterious old lady the press dubs the "Death Lady." Initially, no one takes these predictions seriously until some of them start coming true. The book follows several of these passengers, alternating between their perspectives (in the third person) and the fortune teller’s (in the first person). Some fight their fate, while others accept it.

The book explores themes of free will vs. predestination, grief, fate, and love, as well as the Butterfly Effect. This theory from chaos science explains how a tiny change in one part of the world can cause a huge effect elsewhere. The fortune teller is that butterfly, setting in motion a series of events that affect the lives of the passengers. As we get to know them, their interactions can also be thought of as additional ripples in this effect.

The book started slowly but picked up pace. Overall, I enjoyed it. Despite its length, it was a quick read. It was fascinating to read about the different reactions of the people to their predictions. At first, I enjoyed the passengers' portions more than the fortune teller's, but she grew on me. While I appreciated her backstory, I think the author could have tightened some of those portions and trimmed some of the philosophical rants.

I loved how the different storylines were connected, even if it felt a bit contrived at times. The message of living each day as if it were your last, while not new, was conveyed effectively. The book’s exploration of fate and healing resonated with me. Moriarty's writing style, as always, is engaging and vivid, making the characters' journeys compelling. I loved the book and found it very touching. I definitely recommend it to those who enjoy stories about fate, healing, and finding oneself.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

I really loved this book. It was well written, sweet, thoughtful, and the plot swept me along. I truly did not want it to end.

Here one moment is a deep dive into… life. Cherry, an elderly women on a plan predicts the age and type of death of each of the passengers on the plane. The story goes back in forth between Cherry setting the stage to that moment and the passengers on the plane dealing with the prediction. This story drug at times, I just wanted it to get what would happen but I wouldn’t have traded a second of it. This is a must read.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for my copy of Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty in exchange for an honest review. It publishes September 10, 2024.
It's official, Moriatry does it again. Writes what's technically a long book that I just cannot put down. Be prepared to lose sleep to keep reading this book, because it's so interesting you won't be able to stop reading it. I loved this premise so much, and even with there being a very large cast of characters, it doesn't feel overdone or overwhelming. I love the way that the stories are weaved together, and how everything comes together in the end. No spoilers from me, except, you have to read this book!

I feel like I have been waiting for AGES for a new Liane Moriarity book to come out, and Here One Moment did not disappoint. Liane is a master of multiple POVs, and deftly weaves multiple stories connected by a single thread. As usual, her impeccable pacing keeps you turning the pages, in anticipation of how these stories will come together. Here One Moment is a reflection on aging, grief, how we live our lives, how and with whom we choose to spend our time, and the power of connection. There is no way to read this book and not come away deeply affected by. Thank you to NetGalley and Crown publishing for my gifted ARC!

Liane Moriarty consistently delivers, and "Here One Moment" is no exception. This compelling read allows the reader to delve into intricate concepts such as predestination, autonomy, and parallel worlds, all while grappling with themes of love and loss. While Moriarty’s other novels touch on death, this one addresses it with unprecedented frankness. Although the narrative can be challenging to follow due to frequent and abrupt changes in perspective, the concise chapters and rapid-fire delivery of information ensure that the story maintains momentum. Moriarty has a talent for writing characters so crisp they crackle off the page - I know I will still see and hear "Cherry" in my head until the inevitable movie releases.

In true Liane Moriarty style this book kept me hooked and guessing from the beginning. I am excited for this one to come out so I can add it to my library. I will for sure recommend it to friends. Thank you for the chance to read it first!

Another awesome book by Liane Moriarty! I am a big fan of her books and loved this one! I truly did not know what direction it was going to take and it kept me guessing. I loved how she explained how Cherry came up with the predictions based on statistics while eluding to her psychic abilities! Loved that there were some happy endings for people as well and that Cherry didn't end up being quite as notorious as she could have. Loved Cherry and I loved learning her backstory. I also really enjoyed how some characters ended up becoming intertwined in unexpected ways! I always rate my books on a scale of 1-10 after I read them and I gave this a 9.5 and would definitely recommend it to others.