Monday, March 20, 2023

The 9:09 Project

The 9:09 Project 
By Mark H. Parsons 
Delacorte Press, 2022. 386 pages. Young Adult 

It has been two years since his mom’s death, and Jamison, his dad, and his younger sister have been dealing with their loss separately and in different ways. When Jamison almost forgets the date of his mother's birthday, he worries that his memory of her is slipping away. To help make sense of the passing of time, he picks up his camera. Jamison begins to take photos of ordinary people on the street, at the same time and place each night. As he focuses his lens on the random people who cross his path, Jamison begins to see the world in a deeper way. His endeavor turns into a school project, and then into something more. Along with his new outlook, Jamison forges new and unexpected friendships at school. But more importantly, he’s able to revive the memory of his mother, and to connect with his father and younger sister once again. 

This was such an emotionally intense and thought-provoking story that I had a hard time putting it down. It was beautifully written, but not in terms of flowery language, rather by the emotions it evoked and Jamison’s evolution and self-discovery. While this story focuses on photography, having a background in photography isn’t necessary to enjoy it. It’s an easy read and I think most people could find something they relate to in it. I would especially recommend this for artists of any medium. Definitely one of my favorite reads of the last several months. 

If you liked The 9:09 Project, you might also like: 

By Kat Spears 
Wednesday Books, 2021. 307 pages. Young Adult 

Dane Riley's grasp on reality is slipping, and he's not sure that he cares. While his mother has moved on after his father's death, Dane desperately misses the man who made Dane feel okay to be himself. He can't stand his mother's boyfriend, or the boyfriend's son, whose favorite pastime is tormenting Dane. Then there's the girl next door: Dane can't quite define their relationship, and he doesn't know if he's got the courage to leave the friend zone. An emotional novel about mental health, and dealing with grief and growing up.  

By Jeff Zentner 
Crown Books for Young Readers, 2017. 404 pages. Young Adult 

Looks at a teen's life after the death of his best friend and how he navigates through the guilt and pain by celebrating their lives--and ultimately learning to forgive himself. 

 ACS

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