Book Review: One Moment in Time by Glenn Snyder

One Moment In Time
by Glenn Snyder.
Bear Moose Press, February 23, 2012
270 pages

It is hard to know what is safe to say about this story that would entice someone to give it a try without revealing the plot surprises and thus spoil the very experience you are trying to sell.

Although plot plays a huge roll in the quality of this story, character--as in players in a story--is the driving force and character--as in the core values and moral fiber of a person out of which their actions emerge--is one of the themes.  Related to that is the concept played out via the plot that how individuals respond to events really matters as they can never know just how the ripple effects of their actions will spread through their life and the lives those their behavior impacts.

The story opens with a prologue in which we meet young Jack, settling into the life that had been mapped out for him, working for his father's company and not realizing he is living only half consciously.  Then he is in a horrific accident--the one moment in time--that serves to wake him up.

The first chapter then jumps decades into the future where an aging Jack is being interviewed on television as a significant cultural and political public figure, one of the most influential persons in centuries. This interview becomes the frame for reviewing the significant events of his life that followed that car accident.

I really can't say much more without risking spoilers.

There were a few passages that seemed to drag for me--too much minutia holding up the 'what happens next' maybe but maybe it was the fault of my own fatigue.  In the end I was not sorry I pushed through.

This story was written to encourage thoughtful reflection but it does not stint on entertainment.  The author has woven a message into the story but is never preachy and always keeps the focus on the story.  The main characters are fully drawn and worth caring about, drawing us in and keeping us engaged.

Mr. Snyder has provided discount coupon codes for purchase of this book at his website and at samshwords:

I'm more interested in having people read my book than trying to make money off of it.

For copies of One Moment in Time:Paperback:  $2 off when purchased through www.OneMomentInTimeNovel.com - coupon code WL5W3K6YE-book (any format):  25% off when purchased through Smashwords (www.smashwords.com/books/view/62532) - coupon code WQ79X

From the Publishers:

On a stormy November evening, Jack Barrett had plans to treat his best friend Travis to a night of fine dining and jazz. As they neared their destination, a truck ran a red light, plowing through Jack's car, and changing his life forever. Jack found a new outlook on life, and took on adventures that made him one of the world's most admired people. With each step, Jack grew as a person and a leader; piecing together a family from different corners of the world, while risking himself and his family to save others. Jack's impact on the world was like no other, but in the end, when the lights and the cameras were gone, Jack was about to die, or was he? Prepare yourself for a surprising ending that questions the very nature between life and death, reality and dream.

What they are saying:

"This was a fun and entertaining book to read. Snyder did a great job bringing his characters to life through a storyline that keeps you captively enthralled.  Can't miss read. Highly recommend!"- Hornet, Amazon Reviewer

"Exciting and Imaginative, One Moment in Time is a creative view of global politics through the eyes of Jack Barrett, a character we not only like, but can relate to. Jack's journey takes us through laughter and sadness, suspense and joy, only to be blown away by a surprise ending. A quick and fun read that everyone will enjoy."- Moose, Amazon Reviewer

"Fun and Inspirational - Highly Recommended: One Moment in Time is a great read that is full of adventures and sub-plots that keep the story moving. It's very inspiring and gives the reader a sense of what the world could be with leaders who are more interested in what's right than their own personal power. This story takes a unique approach with a shocking ending that makes it a must read."- Antler, Barnes and Noble Reviewer

"A must read for all!  One Moment in Time is a quick and uplifting story that will make you laugh and cry. Glenn Snyder's portrayal of how one person can impact the world provides inspiration for today's times."- Seymore,  Barnes and Noble Reviewer

" I laughed, I (almost) cried. Great story, even though I hated to think/find out that the one moment in time had other options besides the one I had been pulling for throughout most of the book. The truth can hurt. I loved the way that Jack was easy to pull for, easy to love. His life seemed an example of "good things happen to good people" instead of the good die young.  I enjoyed the way Snyder painted such vivid pictures of Jack's surroundings; the storm and the accident were dramatic - almost as if in slow motion."- Monica L. Austin, Amazon Reviewer

"If you're looking for an easy summer read, One Moment in Time IS your book!!!  I found a bit of everything in this story - it was warm, exciting, funny, and inspirational.  Reading this book reminded me of how one person can truly make a difference - whether in another's life or in the lives of many. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a good story that does have a shocking end."- Theodora, Goodreads Reviewer

"I got One Moment in Time by winning a Goodreads contest. The book started quickly and hooked me right away. I won't post a spoiler here but will say the author does a good job by the end of the book making the reader contemplate how his actions in life effect those around him. Every action you take in life has an impact on those around you. A "ripple in the water" if you will. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others."- Lisa Welsh, Goodreads Reviewer

" One Moment in Time takes us to interesting places with well developed characters. The description of foreign locations is authentic and we never expect the surprise ending.  It's a fast reading book, written with great imagination."- Ellen Ann, Smashwords Reviewer

Glenn Snyder grew up in Marin County, a few miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. After graduating from UCLA, Glenn worked as a finance professional. In 2001, Glenn earned his MBA from the University of San Francisco.  Shortly after his MBA, Glenn pursued two of his dreams, teaching and writing, while still working full time. For five years, Glenn taught Finance at San Francisco State University, while he also wrote the first draft of One Moment in Time. In May of 2011, Glenn published his first novel, One Moment in Time. Glenn is currently a Finance Director and is working on his second novel.

Visit www.OneMomentInTimeNovel.com to find out more.
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