One Moment In Time

by Glenn Snyder

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 an ending that questions the very nature between life and death, reality and dream.

270 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2011

About the author

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. For five years, Glenn taught Finance at San Francisco State University, while he also wrote the first draft of One Moment in Time, which he published in May 2011. Glenn is currently a Finance Director and is working on his second novel.

Reviews

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 3 out of 5]

One Moment In Time by Glenn Snyder focuses on the life of Jack Barrett, a man who was destined to impact the world. It opens with twenty-three year old Jack and his friend Travis being involved in a horrible car accident. Then it jumps ahead in time to Jack at age seventy-five. He was elected World Chancellor in 2040 and is being interviewed by a reporter for a retrospective piece on his life. As the reporter asks questions about his life, Jack recalls several of the pivotal events in detail.

One Moment In Time is basically about the impact that one truly good person can have in the world and in the lives of all of the people they encounter. The novel swings from the reporter's questions about an event in Jack's life at the beginning of a section and then his detailed answer follows in subsequent chapters. It's sort of a This is your Life show.

Glenn Snyder said on Amazon: "Although it sounds cliché, the inspiration for One Moment in Time came from a dream. It was one of those rare dreams that you remember well after you wake up. As I began to write, the story came together very easily. I wanted to write a story about the power of the individual, how one person can truly change the world, and the dream gave me the twist I was looking for. I hope you enjoy reading about Jack Barrett as much as I enjoyed writing about him."

To be honest, I think One Moment in Time might have been more successful for me as a short story or a novella. It's not long at 270 pages (for the paperback) but the whole message might be more successful and the impact greater with a tighter narrative that moves along quickly. Some of the details watered down the impact of the twist at the end because, well, as the saying goes "the devil is in the details" - and some of the details were presented in an overly simplified manner. And that's the problem. The details in several events were not necessary to propel the message of the story forward but since they were presented they most certainly detracted from the flow of the narrative for me.

But, the ending did make up for this deficit. Even though the description really gives away too much, I'm not going to say much more beyond the fact that the ending made me feel much more forgiving toward the flaws that were so glaring as I was reading. It isn't a complicated story and it's an easy read so you can get to that ending quickly.

Recommended
(I was given a review copy of this book.)
http://shetreadssoftly.blogspot.com/

[Rebecca Graf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be really careful with this review. What I loved the most about this book is the ending which, of course, I can't reveal. Glenn Snyder brings to you One Moment in Time that will have you really thinking about your own life.

Jack Barrett takes his buddy, Travis, out for his birthday. They don't go far before a truck slams into them changing their lives forever. Jack sees how precious life really is and begins to live his life for the fullest. He starts down a road that will change the world. But..... I have to stop there though I'm chomping at the bit.

First off, I found this a very easy read as I sped through it. It is not a book that will keep you riveted but will entertain you. It had me crying and smiling. Then it had me crying and contemplating at the end. Again, darn it, I can't say anything.

The characters are entertaining and well developed. Jack and his wife show a great depth of love and sacrifice as they charge forward facing the world. But the best part of all was the message delivered by this book.

What are we doing in life? Are we just sitting here waiting on it to pass us by, or are we looking at each new day as a gift that we are blessed with? How much could all that change us and those around us? How important is one moment in time?

Mr. Snyder is an extremely talented author that delivers in a message that you obviously get while giving you a literary right-hook that has you spinning. You'll be thinking about this book long after you've read it. In fact, I highly recommend this book for your book club. You won't regret it. This is one of the year's best reads that I have had.

Note: This book was given to me as part of a book tour with no expectation of a positive review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I have to say I truly enjoyed this book, I was in a bit of a funk and feeling a little apathetic with my current reading list. Having been asked to be apart of the author's virtual book tour, I thought I would read/review One Moment In Time early and have everything read to go, just in case something came up ( I like to be prepared ). The characters are likeable, Jack is truly your “ boy next door “ you can’t help but like him/route for him, I found myself laughing out loud often, awwwwing in some parts and crying in others. Glenn Synder did a really good job making the characters come to life for me. I am a sucker for a good love story and I fell right in hook line and sinker for the romance aspect of this book, and enjoyed how the Jack and his wife interact with one another with respect, love and mutual understanding. Its hard to imagine one person having to face so many adversities in the span of one life time, and Jack came out a better person for it every time. I don’t want to add a spoiler here because I am a true believer in finding out for yourself what’s going to happen next but I will tell you I was genuinely surprised at the ending. I kind of thought the author was going in another direction so I was a bit surprised by the ending, with that said it in no way took away from the book at all, I loved it and I’m not ashamed to admit I was crying at the end. I would recommend this book to anyone. It’s a light easy read that will leave you pondering lifes little mysteries at the end.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow! This was a brilliantly written book. I loved reading about Jack’s life. He was such a well written, full character. It seemed he was the epitome of “The Golden Boy”. The things he accomplished were very inspiring. He never took anything for granted, he had a great sense of humor, could be a take charge kind of man, gave everything he did 100%, and had a fierce love for life and those he chose to spend his life with. I loved the relationship Jack had with Maggy, and the love they both had for Ana.

The author wrote with such a clearness that I could see the different places Jack went as if I was looking at a photo. All the other characters were as well written as Jack was, and they were characters I won’t forget for quite a while.

As I was reading, I kept thinking that we all need to be a bit more like Jack. The book is only 270 pages, which is my kind of book, and even though it wasn’t my usual mystery/thriller, it did keep me interested and I read it rather quickly. It was just plain interesting. I wanted to see what Jack did next.

I don’t know what else I can say without giving something away, but I will say the ending blew me away!! I was not expecting it to end that way at all, and it came as quite a surprise, and am still thinking about it.

I loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one from this author.

[Lynn · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story opens with Jack, a young professional getting ready to pick up his best friend, Travis, so they could celebrate Travis' birthday. It was a rainy night and one the way to dinner, they are involved in a traffic accident that killed the other driver and left Jack and Travis with severe injuries. Both survive but Jack takes the opportunity to make the most of his life-traveling to Italy where he meets his wife, Maggie; traveling to Mexico where he saves the life of a young girl who they end up adopting after both her parents are killed by drug lords; saving fellow passengers on a train after an earthquake in San Francisco causes the tunnel they are in to collapse; winning the governorship of California through a write in campaign; becoming president of the United States; taking on some supreme ruler of the world position and procuring peace in the Middle East.


Snyder should have sent more time writing a story and less on the details. I skimmed the last third of the book just to get through it. Jack's made for TV life was a bit much. After the opening chapter, you knew that the story had a catch-it was just trying to figure out what it was. Was it that Jack really did die in the crash and Travis took on Jack's identity to life out his life, or was it that Jack's second chance at life really was so charmed.

[Paula Ratcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack Barrett has a car accident and manages to overcome it and lead an exciting life. First he travels to Milan Italy, and meets Maggy who becomes his wife then he meets Ana a girl living in Mexico who escaped the Mafia. All this is being told as an interviewer is conducting an interview with a older Jack Barrett. Jack decides to live his life to the fullest and get the most out of people he meets and helps. Which leads him from Governor of California all the way up to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House. The details that get him there were beautiful told. From a train crash in San Francisco to helping Teachers and State Education Board and Students to get what they need out of the Education kids are granted. Jack seems almost too good to be true when the spotlight ends the story is finished and so is Jack.

We find out Jack is back to that fateful night in November and the car accident, did everything he talk about happen or was it a dream? Definitely an edge of your seat adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Jack Barrett and what he went through and over came.

[Wendy Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first page, I found myself transported as a bystander, watching the crash that takes Jack's friend Travis. Then, to see that Jack has had an awakening. He knows that each day is a gift and he is determined to life everyday to the fullest and do what he can for others as well. His life is a wonderful journey and Jack ends up with a great family and does inspiring things with his career. He goes right to the top.

Jack is seventy-five and he's being interviewed about his life. That is how the reader is given the glimpses of Jack's life. The only thing I could ask for more of, is who Jack was before the crash. I wanted a comparison and I felt that lacking. But I don't care about that anymore. The ending of One Moment in Time is phenomenal and that cancelled out my want. Snyder has written a book that is thought-provoking, inspiring and entertaining. It's well-written and I really enjoyed it! Definitely pick this one up - it's great!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 liked Jack Barrett but wished we could have gotten to know him a little bit better before the book was off and running. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others.

[Theodora · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glenn Snyder delivered a great fast paced book. It was a bit cheesy at times, but I like that in small doses so it wasn’t too much to handle. I like the idea of one person being able to change the world, and Jack Barrett takes you through his world as he changes it for the better. The ending was a surprise that is absolutely heart wrenching.

This is a great book that is a quick read, because you will not be able to put it down. I can't wait to read more from this author!

[Susan Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glenn Snyder's One Moment In Time was interesting and kept my attention. Some of the flashbacks needed a smoother transition, but overall good. The only consistent issue was the irrelevant detail. Some details move the story forward, but some tags, and other detail could have been edited out, thereby, allowing for more flow to the reading. The story is excellent. I recommend it.

[Maureen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick, easy read. A bit disappointing as the book description gave too much away. I predicted the end if the book after the first 20 pages. Overall it is a feel good read.

[William Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Done reading...