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The Next 167 Hours
For fans of Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead and Goodbye, Vitamin, The Next 167 Hours is the humorous, uplifting, and emotional story of a quirky, impulsive woman trying to rebuild her life and prove to herself and the world that she is deserving of happiness, stability, and maybe even love.
Ember Rue is doing fine. Sure, this has been the worst year of her life, and sure, nothing seems to be getting any better, but she has a job, a friend, and a daily routine with her French bulldog, Stormy. She’s holding it together. Mostly. People who are mostly holding it together don’t need therapy, right?
When her sister insists that she start seeing a therapist, Ember assumes it will be a waste of everyone’s time. She doesn’t want to talk about the past and she would just like people to stop treating her like she’s broken. But the space that Dr. Kayla holds for her becomes a comfort and a lifeline, and soon her week is scheduled around making it through the 167 hours between sessions.
As Ember finds herself on a reluctant healing journey, her world outside therapy refuses to slow down. The gorgeous woman who moved in down the hall has her thinking she might be ready to put herself out there again, while her parents’ love life seems to be falling apart in the most peculiar way.
Ember Rue is doing fine. Sure, this has been the worst year of her life, and sure, nothing seems to be getting any better, but she has a job, a friend, and a daily routine with her French bulldog, Stormy. She’s holding it together. Mostly. People who are mostly holding it together don’t need therapy, right?
When her sister insists that she start seeing a therapist, Ember assumes it will be a waste of everyone’s time. She doesn’t want to talk about the past and she would just like people to stop treating her like she’s broken. But the space that Dr. Kayla holds for her becomes a comfort and a lifeline, and soon her week is scheduled around making it through the 167 hours between sessions.
As Ember finds herself on a reluctant healing journey, her world outside therapy refuses to slow down. The gorgeous woman who moved in down the hall has her thinking she might be ready to put herself out there again, while her parents’ love life seems to be falling apart in the most peculiar way.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2023
15 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 27, 2024
4 Stars
I could taste the sadness in every page. I could feel the despair, it was very potent and if I’m being honest some parts hit close to home. A journey and a reminder that grief and healing is not linear. Mostly it’s one step forward, ten steps back and that’s ok. Tears were shed, tissues were spent. It’s a heavy read but a good one.
I could taste the sadness in every page. I could feel the despair, it was very potent and if I’m being honest some parts hit close to home. A journey and a reminder that grief and healing is not linear. Mostly it’s one step forward, ten steps back and that’s ok. Tears were shed, tissues were spent. It’s a heavy read but a good one.
February 9, 2024
I recieved a ARC of this book and I adored it and the beautiful representation. The mental health representation and struggles are so well written. Definitely a new found favorite. I will be adding a physical copy to my shelf.
July 31, 2024
What a poignant story. Very much reminded me of someone I know. For that alone, the read was so worth it. Also a very clever twist which caught me off guard. Well played! Looking forward to the next book from this talented indie author.
September 3, 2024
This is an endearing story and I can’t wait to read more books from this author. How did she come up with this story? I need to know 👀 the story is so complex.
I didn’t know I could feel so emotionally invested in a character. Ember is struggling with her mental health but her interactions with her best friend Bev and her family are very uplifting. I felt captivated by Ember’s story and couldn’t put the book down. It’s the simple, normal, conventional way she describes daily life.
As I kept reading, her life evoked love, tenderness, and loneliness in her routine and it was obvious that something was holding her back from feeling full and happy. You can tell early on that Ember is struggling with depression yet she’s so sweet and at times awkward which brings a lot of humor to the story, she made me want to be her friend so badly.
Ember’s job helps her keep her head up as does her four-legged fur baby Stormy who is VERY much present throughout the book. Her adventures with Stormy make me smile, how she dresses him up is just adorable. She loves him, as all dogs should be loved! I would say Stormy is her emotional support dog but also her baby and closest companion. She’s also very close to her sister, who motivates her to consider going to therapy. Ember decides to give therapy a shot. Dr. Kayla helps her with self-awareness and self-evaluation to heal and grow.
You’ll cackle at some of Ember's interactions with people. She’s unintentionally awkward, and her internal dialogues are hilarious (there’s one in particular, an interaction with an Uber driver that made me LOL).
Ember is a lesbian, and there are times when she has interactions with girls she’s attracted to. This isn’t so much a romance book as it is the story of a lesbian woman doing life with her sidekick dog and prioritizing her mental health, giving love a second chance with her “out of her league” neighbor Isla.
There’s also an intriguing storyline about her dad by the middle of the book, which makes you want to solve that mystery.
The end was brought together very suitably, very much Ember style. Also, the cover of the book describes Ember’s life perfectly. The park, the journal, Stormy, and possibly Isla’s painting?
PS. Ember gives Mae Martin vibes (comedian and just of Handsome podcast).
September 3, 2024
I’d also like to title this book: Ember Rue Needs a Break. Poor Ember is going through it. Right away, it’s obvious that something is wrong with Ember, something deep within her that needs to be healed. Her sister knows it, her best friend Bev-Bev knows it—I think that Ember knows it too, but is too, hmm, stubborn? To admit that something is wrong. She’s a very strong-willed individual, hates a handout, and thinks she can just... tell herself to get it together.
Something to know upfront: this book deals with themes of depression, and it doesn’t shy away from the harder parts of it. Hickcox writes these scenes of depression with such detail that a few times, I had to remind myself to take a breath. Ember also very clearly has a problem with alcohol and it gets her into quite a few problems. So if either of those themes are a struggle for you, take care of yourself while reading this.
I was rooting for Ember as she went through this spiral of depression. I wanted her to get a win. I wanted her to realize the people around her were there to support her, even the parts of her she didn’t feel like were worth supporting. Her journey through therapy helped her achieve all that, thank goodness. There is a happy ending here, a promising start to a new future.
One of my favorite parts of this story was the C-plot involving Ember’s parents. It was just the right kind of crazy, that it cut the tension in Ember’s life in a way that I’m sure she didn’t appreciate (because, you know, added stress), but as a reader, I appreciated the brevity.
Overall, this was great read. I could feel Ember’s beating heart; Hickcox did great character work. Ember’s choices all led her to a better life, one I know she is going to take full advantage of, surrounded by the people who love her completely.
Something to know upfront: this book deals with themes of depression, and it doesn’t shy away from the harder parts of it. Hickcox writes these scenes of depression with such detail that a few times, I had to remind myself to take a breath. Ember also very clearly has a problem with alcohol and it gets her into quite a few problems. So if either of those themes are a struggle for you, take care of yourself while reading this.
I was rooting for Ember as she went through this spiral of depression. I wanted her to get a win. I wanted her to realize the people around her were there to support her, even the parts of her she didn’t feel like were worth supporting. Her journey through therapy helped her achieve all that, thank goodness. There is a happy ending here, a promising start to a new future.
One of my favorite parts of this story was the C-plot involving Ember’s parents. It was just the right kind of crazy, that it cut the tension in Ember’s life in a way that I’m sure she didn’t appreciate (because, you know, added stress), but as a reader, I appreciated the brevity.
Overall, this was great read. I could feel Ember’s beating heart; Hickcox did great character work. Ember’s choices all led her to a better life, one I know she is going to take full advantage of, surrounded by the people who love her completely.
February 20, 2024
After going through what everyone else would describe as the worst year ever, Ember things she is doing fine and just going through the steps of her everyday life. After some loving nagging from her sister Sawyer she agrees to go to therapy, if for no other reason then to make Sawyer shut up. This book follows Ember through the steps of going through and processing out the things that have gone on to make the previous year the worst year ever, while trying to balance things in her life to not just fall apart and implode.
Not only did the interactions that Ember has in her every day laugh make me laugh, but at times they touched me deeper then a book has in a while. This being said... yes I cried, I bawled at one point like a baby. The author has a way or writing that has just struck all of my empathy in just the right way to make me feel all of the things. Including the moments when Ember absolutely uncomfortably embarrasses herself. I could not have been more happy then to have discovered this book via #booktok and taken the time over the past week to read it.
Not only did the interactions that Ember has in her every day laugh make me laugh, but at times they touched me deeper then a book has in a while. This being said... yes I cried, I bawled at one point like a baby. The author has a way or writing that has just struck all of my empathy in just the right way to make me feel all of the things. Including the moments when Ember absolutely uncomfortably embarrasses herself. I could not have been more happy then to have discovered this book via #booktok and taken the time over the past week to read it.
August 21, 2024
Reading this book has been heartbreaking, but also so beautiful. I love the fact that the writer wrote a book about mental health and the road to getting better, even though it isn't easy (which was also very clear in the book). The way it was written made me feel like I was walking Stormy together with Ember, just like how they would huddle up in bed together when it was all getting too much. It really managed to grab me and didn't let go (at least until I finished the book, which is probably also the reason I read it in one go).
In the beginning of the book, I could have never expected the book to turn out the way it did. However as the story developed more, I wasn't really surprised about the big reveal, not that it made it any less impactful when I read it.
I would love to read a short follow up story about where Ember is like a year after the book ended, but apart from that, I also look forward to other books this writer might write in the future.
This is definitely one of the best books I have read in weeks, so there's no doubt about the 5 stars this book gets from me.
In the beginning of the book, I could have never expected the book to turn out the way it did. However as the story developed more, I wasn't really surprised about the big reveal, not that it made it any less impactful when I read it.
I would love to read a short follow up story about where Ember is like a year after the book ended, but apart from that, I also look forward to other books this writer might write in the future.
This is definitely one of the best books I have read in weeks, so there's no doubt about the 5 stars this book gets from me.
March 4, 2024
Healing from trauma is non-linear.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster. Ember, the main protagonist is relatable and likeable, but flawed. This made the story feel all the more real.
I loved how the author did not sugarcoat therapy and dealing with mental health. It is a messy, non-linear process that has been portrayed realistically and beautifully. It was hard to read Ember's angst sometimes, but it made me root for her all the more.
A big shout out to the amazing Bev! I loved her as Ember's non-judgmental and dependable bestie. I adored the fact that Bev was from a different generation than Ember. It made their friendship more fun and unique.
The only complaint I have about the story is the rushed ending. The relationship(s) felt forced, and I didn't feel it (them.)
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a meaningful women's fiction novel. You will not be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster. Ember, the main protagonist is relatable and likeable, but flawed. This made the story feel all the more real.
I loved how the author did not sugarcoat therapy and dealing with mental health. It is a messy, non-linear process that has been portrayed realistically and beautifully. It was hard to read Ember's angst sometimes, but it made me root for her all the more.
A big shout out to the amazing Bev! I loved her as Ember's non-judgmental and dependable bestie. I adored the fact that Bev was from a different generation than Ember. It made their friendship more fun and unique.
The only complaint I have about the story is the rushed ending. The relationship(s) felt forced, and I didn't feel it (them.)
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a meaningful women's fiction novel. You will not be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 20, 2024
Quirky, Relatable and Charming
I adored this book! The main character, Ember Rue, is very relatable and speaks to anyone who is a little uncertain of themselves, especially in the realm of love and personal growth. She struggles with not embarrassing herself in front of crowds, especially when she is drinking! There are more than a few scenes that will make you laugh, and I was certainly cheering for her the whole time as she figured things out. Her struggles with heartbreak after loss are truly inspiring and moving. Great representation of the importance of taking care of mental health and seeking help when needed. A great Sapphic read for anyone who wants to laugh, cry, and feel seen!
I adored this book! The main character, Ember Rue, is very relatable and speaks to anyone who is a little uncertain of themselves, especially in the realm of love and personal growth. She struggles with not embarrassing herself in front of crowds, especially when she is drinking! There are more than a few scenes that will make you laugh, and I was certainly cheering for her the whole time as she figured things out. Her struggles with heartbreak after loss are truly inspiring and moving. Great representation of the importance of taking care of mental health and seeking help when needed. A great Sapphic read for anyone who wants to laugh, cry, and feel seen!
December 26, 2024
The story of Ember Rue has a little bit of intrigue right from the beginning. You will fall in love with the quirky main character, who seems to get a little more quirky as the story progresses. Ember just wants a peaceful, happy life and to get over the woman who left her heartbroken. The relationships with the people in her community, her colleagues and friends will have you grinning ear to ear. I was absolutely screaming at the book a couple of times, especially at a particular love interest who I wanted to ogle and slap, all at the same time. Christa Hickox is an extremely engaging author who will take you on a journey that will make you laugh out loud, scream, cry and collapse with relief. A great read!
October 25, 2024
167 hours each week between therapy sessions for Ember our FMC. This is a story of working on healing trauma. This deals with mental health and alcoholism.
Some of the emotional moments are definitely emotional but the ending felt almost rushed compared to the rest of the book.
Overall a good read but the sad parts have me sad. Also, I loved Bev. We all need a Bev in our life dog.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Some of the emotional moments are definitely emotional but the ending felt almost rushed compared to the rest of the book.
Overall a good read but the sad parts have me sad. Also, I loved Bev. We all need a Bev in our life dog.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 9, 2025
I found the MC, Ember, relatable because of her quirky and awkward personality. Ember’s journey depicted the many ways that sensitivity mental health manifests in our lives. As an animal lover, I found it especially endearing that one of the greatest sources of comfort for Ember when she was struggling was her dog, Stormy. I was proud to say I guessed a “plot twist,” a detail that added to the story’s depth.
December 30, 2023
Ember is someone that you can connect to on so many levels! This book had me laughing, crying and all of the above. With every turn of the page I just knew that the Character was relatable, humorous and so fun to watch grow in this novel. I will definitely be reading more by this Author!
March 31, 2025
*3.75* this book was very up and down for me. some spots were really interesting where as other parts got really boring. one constant during the whole story was the emotion you could feel through the words and storytelling.
April 6, 2024
Great job on discussing mental health and the ending of relationships. It’s a topic that needs to be addressed more often
May 29, 2024
WOW
I did not expect the turn of events towards the end of the book. My heart broke for Ember, the love of her life broke her heart.
Emotions were all over the place.
I did not expect the turn of events towards the end of the book. My heart broke for Ember, the love of her life broke her heart.
Emotions were all over the place.
January 26, 2025
This was beautiful and touching story. It's been a while since I've found a book that is difficult to put down, but I found myself zipping through the pages.
From the very beginning, the book hooks you and you don't even realize it. The writing was so immersive that I felt like I was looking over the main character's shoulder the whole time. I love, love, love when a book can do that and manage to be so incredibly relatable and validating in the process.
I'd recommend this book to anyone that has ever struggled with depression, insecurity, or feelings of inadequacy. The mental health representation was truly well done. I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.
From the very beginning, the book hooks you and you don't even realize it. The writing was so immersive that I felt like I was looking over the main character's shoulder the whole time. I love, love, love when a book can do that and manage to be so incredibly relatable and validating in the process.
I'd recommend this book to anyone that has ever struggled with depression, insecurity, or feelings of inadequacy. The mental health representation was truly well done. I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews