The Seventeen Second Miracle by Jason F. Wright is a story about forgiveness, healing, love, loss, recovery and finding the joy that comes in the mere moments it takes to make a difference in the life of another. In Charlottesville, Virginia in September 1970, Rex Conner - a lifeguard - was swimming at the lake in Chris Greene Park with his girlfriend whom he nicknamed Sparks and her sister Lisa Ann, nicknamed Flick, on Flick's eighth birthday. Tragedy soon marred the party when Rex looked away for just seventeen seconds, during which Flick began to drown. Despite Rex's efforts to save her, he was unable. Buried beneath their grief, Flick's family blamed Rex for not saving their daughter's life and this led Rex to become very depressed to the tune of being suicidal as he mixed a stolen bottle of whiskey with a bottle of cleaner.
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Rex's life began to change, however, when he noted that a woman he had helped took out a tablet and made a note of his good deed. In love with the concept, Rex adopted the practice of noting good deeds and tried to perform one Seventeen Second Miracle every day.
Years later in present day Charlottesville, Rex's son, Cole, shares his father's story with students that the school's principal selects for a Seventeen Second Miracle discussion group. Soon, the students invited to be a part of the discussion group begin to see another side to life than what most teenagers would -- a side of compassion, service, good deeds and love, because as the book teaches: love is a verb.
Best part of story, including ending:
I had more trouble getting excited about this book than others that the author has written. The writing is very syrupy sweet and features almost too much sentiment. However, I did enjoy the concept behind the book and the fact that it does not take a lot of time or effort to make a difference in another person's life.
Best scene in story:
My favorite scene was when Cole asked his student, Miles, what he liked about Miles' girlfriend, Kendra (also in the discussion group). When Miles began spouting off what came to mind, Kendra was annoyed that he was struggling to come up with anything. When Miles finally settled on "She makes me feel like I matter," Cole asked Kendra how she felt. When Kendra said it took just 17 seconds for the discussion to change her viewpoint from insecure to happy, a breakthrough was born and the kids began to realize how simple making a difference can be.
Opinion about the main character:
I liked the fact that the main character, Cole, wants to continue making a difference by passing on his father's legacy and the story of how it does not take long to change a life. Even if graduation from the discussion group comes with a special treat for the students, I still felt - in a way - that keeping the legacy alive vs. staying stuck in the past was a balancing act for the main character and the reader. In a way, I felt that good deeds can be done simply and daily without staying stuck in the past.
