5:48

by Chloe Cheng

Claire is lost and scared and utterly alone. Her family is in shambles after the death of her older sister Ina, and she’s left to pick up the broken pieces of herself as her life heads into a downwards spiral of loneliness. Her heart leads her to 5:48, a little cafe by 33rd street, where she finds her new home amidst the waitstaff: Jasper, the waiter by day and painter by night; Ezra, the young baker; and Drew, the flirtatious chef.

This family has gone a long way from finding each other, and they’ll be going a long way together too as reality comes catching up to them, threatening the newfound happiness they’ve found with each other. Secrets are revealed, pasts become presents, and lives are changed. Slowly but surely, they all find their way back home.

Genres: Young Adult, Ebooks, Contemporary, Romance

252 pages, Kindle Edition

About the author

An over-caffeinated and metaphor filled university student by day, who has a not-so-secret-identity as an aspiring writer by night.

Her writing mainly resides in Wattpad under the username cityscape.

Reviews

[husna · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book just has to be published so people will get over their stereotypical thought that wattpad is just a website for teenage girls to read fan fiction and lovey-dovey love story, when really, there are lots and lots of very talented writers (i mean, like, crazy-genius writers that aren't even 20 years old yet) over there.


but yeah, besides that, of course, i feel like 5:48 is one of those few books that everyone should read and experience the beauty at least once in their lives. i can absolutely see this book as a new york times bestseller next to any john green's books because oh my goD this book is life-changing and it's nothing like you've ever read i assure you and you just can't help but get really heart-warmed by it because of the storyline and the unique characters and the writing is just purely beAUTIFUL YOU'LL JUST CRY THE WHOLE TIME

[Vikas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know , the book is not yet completed and is in progress. Till now it just started to make sense and intrest was building up - do complete it fast

[ekai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book, like, three years ago i think, and i will never forget how great this story is.
I think this is the one of the best things that I've ever read. Chloe's writing is so good i cant.

[Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

so...
this book is deep. it's thought-provoking. it's slightly depressing.
but it's also one of the best books i have ever read. it's truly a masterpiece: stunning, beautiful, and amazing. as you read this book, you will embark on a journey that just might change your life forever. you'll find a home in that little cafe and the time 5:48 will never have the same meaning again.
this isn't published yet, but it deserves to be. go onto wattpad and read this book.
the author, chloe, came up with a term:

stay anchored (n)- the quality of holding on when everything else is sinking, grabbing on to what keeps you standing, and having the courage to continue swimming no matter how fierce and scary the ocean.

this story is kind of like an anchor- if you're going through a hard time, or you just had a bad day, you need something to keep you steady. grab on to this anchor and don't get swept away by the ocean.

you won't regret it. i promise.

stay anchored, darlings <3

[saakshi⁷ (taylor’s version) ☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was always in my library, but i thought of giving it a try yesterday when i opened my account after 9289383 years. i couldn’t read the whole book, since the author Chloe was re-writing it and she has not updated for the past 3 years (which i noticed after i read all the ten chapters.)
needless to say, i was so engrossed and intrigued. she has a way of weaving words so beautifully and i could tell that this was a deep, beautiful and heartfelt story that needed to be heard. it deals with so many important issues and really feels like home. it was just so sweet and pure even though i just read ten chapters of the book. i wish i could read the whole book, i really really do. hopefully, i will get to read it someday. till then, and even after that i will be keeping the five stars :) already in love with the book ha x

[Manpreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: 5:48

5:48. It is probably just a time to many of you. However, for others it could mean so much more; just this one time. Even right now, at this very moment are some people’s happiest moments while for others it is the exact opposite. It is so odd, isn’t it? This time has its own entire meaning in this novel. 5:48 is a book on Wattpad by the user, “AnchoredShips.” This is a fiction and romance book which is intended for people between the ages of fourteen to nineteen. I absolutely loved this book because it was just so well thought out and changed my views on many things. The author actually thought out the way she wrote this novel so it had a great writing style, the plot is very engaging, and the characters are amazing.

5:48 is the name of a small and quaint café on 33rd Street. It may just seem like your every day café from the outside but inside there’s so much more to it that you would have never even come across your mind if you just passed by it. Claire is going through problems just like we all do. She may think she’s alone, but she’s not. That’s where these three people Jasper, Drew, and Ezra come along and Claire meets them in café 5:48. They are all also going through many obstacles in their lives right now. Maybe some aren’t like Claire’s and maybe some are. However, let’s just say you’re never really alone, sometimes you just like to convince yourself that you are. Welcome to café 5:48. Welcome home.

This author’s writing style is amazing and she absolutely out did herself! “As I stare at the blank ceiling, the shadows of the gnarly trees and its leaves dancing across it, my stomach does these little flips you get when you’re suddenly dragged up and down by gravity-that feeling you get when you’re on a roller coaster.” –Lesson 17 page 2. That was just one of the several examples of how descriptive this author was. This is one of the main reasons I just couldn’t put this book down. I could vividly picture every setting and situation in this novel, it was absolutely brilliant. The author used a very wide variety of words in this book which made it even more engaging. As well as being very descriptive it had a great flow to it. When you read it, it wasn’t choppy or hard to understand because the order of all of the events was thought out very well.

The story was written very well and it wasn’t predictable at all also the characters really did grow on me because they were just so realistic. So I felt like I could actually connect to them. It did have the absolute slightest cliché sense to it but that just made it a lot better. However, the introduction didn’t really get me hooked into it right away. After I read the first little bit of the first chapter I thought it would be like every same romance story where the boy loves the girl but she has a lot going on etc. When I got to chapter two that’s when I realized how unique it actually is. There are so many plot twists in this novel and all the events go well together. Along with the plot, the characters in this book were fantastic. Claire, Jasper, Ezra, and Drew are the four characters that this novel is mainly focused on. They aren’t like most characters in books and are very realistic. They all go through problems that many teenagers have nowadays so you really can connect with the situations and interpret them in your own ways. All four of them are dynamic and round characters. They are very well-developed characters and they’re all so fascinating. For instance, Claire starts out as timid, shy, and quiet but throughout the novel her personality starts to grow. Even if I could I wouldn’t change a thing about these four amazing characters.

5:48 had many strengths in it and only one or two things could have been changed just the slightest bit. The writing style was fantastic and very descriptive, the plot was also very interesting. However, I would have liked the introduction to be a bit more captivating because it just didn’t get you hooked into it right away, and lastly the characters had absolutely no weaknesses to them. I would give this book five out of five stars for several reasons. I always love books with a lot of depth in them and ones that contain a deeper meaning. And that is exactly what this book had. For you to actually understand it you would kind of have to read in-between the lines. You can relate to it in so many ways because there are just so many possibilities. The author put many examples in this novel to things just in our everyday lives so you could understand what she was trying to say. 5:48 made me laugh and definitely made me cry a lot. It really does change your perspective on various things in life; it just makes you think.

[Caitlynn Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book centers around 4 major characters: Jasper, Drew, Ezra, and Claire. Each of them are broken in their own different ways. Jasper is mute, Drew has an eating disorder, Ezra has major anxiety, and Claire suffers from depression.

Claire is a regular customer at the cafe. One day while she's sitting at the table, drinking her tea, Jasper offers her a job at the cafe. This is how the story begins and as it progresses, we're told why each character is the way they are. Each has a different, depressing backstory. The plot really focuses on each character confronting and ultimately fixing their major problems in life.

I can absolutely understand why a lot of people love this book. I can also understand why some would probably hate it.

This book drew me in with the first few lines:

"The gloom outside the quaint cafe darkens my mood. Soft pitter patters of rain drops slide down the glass window panes, painting the world beyond it into a distorted image of reality. Cars come and go, their headlights shining on rain drops that glisten like diamonds."

5:48 is full of gorgeous sounding details and imagery, such as the example above, and a lot of metaphors. I do mean a LOT.
If you're a fan of that kind of writing, then you might enjoy this book. If you're the kind of person that finds this kind of writing pretentious and annoying, don't read this.

In my opinion, the story started out pretty good. I was interested in everything that was going on and I fell in love with the writing. However, as I read more, I grew really tired of all of the constant metaphors and emotional writing. Towards the end of the book I also found myself uninterested in the plot. It felt too unrealistic for me. Like, seriously? 3 boys with troubled pasts just get taken in by a complete stranger. I would check how much farther I had to read to finish the chapter and I'd skip over lines and paragraphs to hurry it up a bit. In all honesty, not a lot happens as far as plot goes. It's a lot of just the characters talking about their emotions and feeling sad.

Literally All That Happens in The Book:

* Jasper gets sad and emotional about his ex girlfriend
and ex best friend after they come into the cafe.
* They bake an old lady lasagna and eventually she gets
sick, but don't worry. She's okay.
* Ezra's abusive mother is looking for him and wants him
to come home with her.
* Claire runs away from her emotions and from her sister's
grave.
* Drew is secretly a millionaire's son and he goes back to
work for the company to save the cafe because it was
hardly ever open because they took so much time off to
worry about their emotions and big surprise, they don't
make enough money to pay the rent.

Okay, no, but seriously what even kind of thing was that with Drew??? That was so weird and out of place and as soon as I read it, I rolled my eyes. It was so dumb.

I really don't mean to just talk bad about this book, because I obviously liked it enough to give it 3 stars. A thing I really, really, really, really appreciated: This book could easily be focused on romance. But it's not. Sure, there may or may not be a blossoming romance near the end of the book, but for the most part, this book is just about friendship. Four friends that own a cafe and live together. No mouth kisses, no sex, nothing like that. Just broken people trying to help fix one another. I was so relieved.

I read other reviews and as I stated before, I understand why this can be a likable read. I didn't not enjoy it. But I definitely don't like it nearly as much as some of the other reviewers. It seemed to drag on a bit too long, not much actually happened as far as plot, and I got so tired of the writing after a while, but it did make me smile or even laugh occasionally and I do believe the author developed the characters to be likable and somewhat relatable.

[Jasmine]

I read this book probably more than 6 years ago, it was whenever it was first getting published on Wattpad, and throughout all these years it has been the one that stuck with me. Every time I feel like something is hard I ask if I ate that day. The themes in this book could describe what I was going through when I didn't have the words myself. It's been so many years and I loved it then and I'm sure I will still love it when

[You-know-who · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I first started reading this story, I was enchanted by the writing. The way the author writes is beautiful. From the first paragraph I had a perfect, crisp image in my mind and it left me wanting more. Unfortunately, good writing isn't the only thing that makes a good story. There was just so much misfortune thrust upon the main characters that it was difficult for me to relate any of them. I felt no connection to them at all. Almost every chapter there was something new for the main characters to cry about and I grew tired of it. I know, it's supposed to be a sad story. But even the saddest stories have those rare moments of true happiness and this story failed to show me that.

As I read further and further into the story I started having second thoughts about the writing. It felt overwritten and things began to get too flowery for my liking. It began to be the kind where you just skim the description so you can get to the dialogue.

I never finished 5:48, though I tried. It just couldn't keep my interest for long enough. I will say though, this is better than a lot of stories that are found on Wattpad.

[Brooklyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read on Wattpad years ago, before it was taken down and revised. I can't remember the plot to the fullest, but I remember how I felt. Very symbolic book with a great story.
I remember the author was hoping to publish. Would love to read the original again.

[Sinou Thangal]

would be cute but I can’t see how it’d be effectively made into anything

[Nadine Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

5:48 tackles the issue of self-acceptance and persevering with the strength of love. Past the seeming perception of a typical romance story, the book by Chloe Cheng digs much deeper into the lives of the characters, interlinking them with a common . Though the café outlook might seem superficial, it is definitely a fresh breath of air from the thousands of teen/romance stories dominating the social platform of Wattpad, that allows authors to write and post their stories for all to see.

This book uncovers the dark thoughts trapped in broken souls, hauntingly mirroring the lives of many others. It deeply connected with me, as I understood exactly where they were coming from, as if I was the one living their lives. Her precise use of language strongly brings out the emotions and issues brought forth. There was little error in her writing, only the occasional spelling mistakes, making her writing extremely smooth and comprehensible.
It was definitely not a book that I could glance once over. I had to reread a few times in order to grasp the messages hidden beneath the words. The author's strong grasp of language helped her to effectively emulate the characters, which seamlessly connecting their stories to the present. The time 5:48 stands out within the scenes of the book, and is an appropriate title. Her powerful use of different perspectives on characters helps the reader to empathise with each individual, bringing the layers of personalities together.

5:48 is definitely not a simple read as forewarned by the author herself. The themes might seem shallow to some, but by reading deeper and closely understanding each chapter, the message is shown clearly, evoking thoughts that would help the reader to better appreciate the book. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who are mature enough to grasp the unique essence of 5:48.

[Xianté Yalao · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

I'd like to say that I recall reading this for the first time and finishing it at 5:48 am so that was a beautiful experience (.5 for that alone) buy anyway,

So yes, I read the original version a long time ago and I remember loving Chloe Cheng's writing. It was captivating and enchanting, she writes like a dream. And to me, characters make or break a book and I can honestly say that this is one of the very few books where I am absolutely in love with all of the characters.

I don't look at 5:48 as a Wattpad composition, I look at it as a book. And by book, I meant amongst successful, published authors like Levithan and Rowell. Of course, not exactly up to key but I'll say that's quite close. And to think that it was written by a sixteen year old at the time, that's just amazing.

I'm not sure if 5:48 is published. I mean, the reason why I'm here is because apparently it's being heavily edited. I'm currently reading it and it is just as amazing. I cannot wait to read it again.

This really should be published but unfortunately, only Pop Fictions get published in the Philippines. Do not get me wrong, not all Pop Fictions are not necessarily horrible, just a vast majority of them. I can only name four that are okay and none of them are even a little close to this.

[Sarah Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Source: Read for free at swoonreads.com)

This was an okay story, but I lost interest.

The characters in this were all a little messed up, and all had problems that they were trying to deal with. I found them quite interesting at first, but after a while I just didn’t feel like they were really getting past their problems.

The storyline in this was alright, but I lost interest. The pace was a bit slow, there wasn’t much excitement or action, and there wasn’t really any romance either. I have to say that a lack of action, a lack of romance, and a slow plotline is unlikely to entertain me.

The ending to this was a real ‘Happily Ever After’ sort of ending, and I was pleased for the mysteries in this book to have been solved. I just didn’t enjoy this story though, and I was glad that it was over really.
Overall; not for me,
5.5 out of 10

[Monise Tua · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was spectacular! I really adored the metaphors and descriptions that were written within this story. I thought that the characters and the events were well developed and purposeful. It was a great story of faith, hope and love and it was amazing how realistic it was. Nothing was clichè and it seemed so real. I could relate and that's what got me hooked onto this book.

5:48 may seem a time to most people out there, but to me and those who agree, it is so much more than that. It's a reminder to stay strong; to stay anchored.

I tell you, if you aren't having a good day, if you think life is at its worst, if you're just about ready to give up; take the time to get stuck into the heartwarming/depressing/empathising story of 5:48.

You aren't abandoned, nor are you alone.

Welcome, my loves. Welcome home.

[Crunch · Rating 5 out of 5]

All in all, 5: 48 is a breathtaking intake on love, pain, sorrow and moving on. Full of wisdom and charm, it's one of my favourite books.

I swear this book is just beautiful. Every one of Cheng's sentences is so poetic and full of meaning, I could probably ponder on a single one for hours. And the characters are simply brilliant. There was something unmistakably real about them, about how they evolved and displayed their emotions, and I just loved every single one (but I do have a soft spot for Jasper :) Honestly, I can't even think about something bad to say about this book.

I definitely recommend it to anyone who reads for the characters and their feelings; who considers books like good friends. I can assure you, you will not be disappointed.

[Wasema Elboraey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I've ever read, not just on wattpad, but ever. The characters are so real, the things they go through are real, the way the author writes is so real that it makes you want to keep reading. And when you're done, you can't do anything but talk about the book. I personally want to show it to the whole world, I want to go out and force every single person to read it. This book has changed me and the way I see things. I made the right choice when I began reading that book. The writing is so beautiful, soso beautiful. I don't want to compare but to me, the author is just as good as john green, even better I think. So go read this book because you will fall in love after page one.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never had the chance to finish this book until now. I've started reading this book like a year ago or something. God, this book is just so brilliantly beautiful. And deep. Thought-provoking. Chloe's writing style is just so amazing, you could vividly picture the whole thing. This story was written very well and the characters and the problems they're facing are just so damn realistic, it brings tears to your eyes. You just can't help but cry. In case you're wondering, this isn't some romance story where the boy loves the girl but she has a lot going on, and vice versa. You just have to read this book to find out how beautiful, unique and meaningful this book is. And Chloe, go get this book published. Make it an esimorp.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the best books I have ever read. It's so good that I think it's worth publishing.
The plot is centered around 4 characters who all deal with their own problems.
All 4 of them are unique characters with different personalities but they somehow complete each other.
This book made me open my eyes on a lot of things. It made me understand. It made me see. It's the kind of book that makes you think and feel. And at times -every two paragraphs actually- I wished I had a hard copy of it because my hand kept twitching to grab the nearest pen and highlight the entire page. It's seriously a cloud of quote, 80% is highlight-worthy.
It's inspiring, it's beautiful. I cannot recommend this book enough. It's gold and I'm so glad I found it.

[Rizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know it isn't much. But seriously, 5:48 changed me in ways I couldn't describe at all. I thought this story is just perfectly described turns out this novel is something more. 5:48 tugged my heartstrings so much. In three days of seriously reading about it there are so many lesson that captured my heart. In every chapter! If I could highlight everything I would do it. I'd give anything for a hard copy of this novel.

And to think that a lot of people experiences these things. And the characters are too real, sIf I cried and realized things? I'm sure you guys would too.

Welcome home, sailors.

[Kika · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best book i ever read.
Powerfull, sad, beautiful,funy,deep,amazing. This story got me in tears.
The characters are real and i love how the characters werent perfect.You showed them in truly light.Like it is in real life and not just some fantasy. I love how it wasnt just typical love story book but love between four people who became a family. I love your metaphores. You are truly talented and THIS BOOK should be published. Its amazing. Its inspirating.
AT first i was hesitant to read this but it was worth it. Thank you so much.

[Ellie Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

It didn't take me too long to finish this book but I can honestly say this book has not only drained me emotionally but it's also given me so much hope, and honestly wow..

This story is truly beyond words, I must admit from someone who suffers from depression, it was extremely interesting to read from another persons point of view through depression, and it's incredible how similar the mind works. It's beautiful, yes this book is sad through some chapters, but don't let the sadness draw you down its worth the journey. Honestly.

Just read it and you'll understand.

[aahana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars rating


What captured me was the author's prose-like writing. The beginning was unquestionably intriguing, however, as I proceeded, I found that a lot of information was dumped. Too many problems to keep up with. Also, most of the characters were wallowing in their self-pity. I obviously liked the book, considering the 3.5 star rating, but yes, there were parts I skimmed through.

I believe the author has potential, and that 5:48 was a breakthrough from the abundance of cliché shit that Wattpad seems to provide.

[amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a solid 6 years ago when it was very first published on wattpad, and it's stuck with me every day since I first came across it. I read a LOT, even as a twelve-year-old on my iPod touch, but this book has been the one that's always been a constant in my life. it's currently being rewritten (and is on chapter one), but I honestly believe nothing can compare to the original version. it was truly life-changing and unique and beautifully written in a way that somehow still finds its way into my heart, multiple years and hundreds of books later. 5:48 my beloved <3

[Maira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book on Wattpad, thinking that, "Hey, this looks nice." I was curious about the title too. But my curiosity payed off when I finished reading it.
The story was beautiful in every way. The characters, the plot and the setting. Every single aspect of this book intrigued me and the experience of reading this not knowing a single thing about the characters' past was incredible.
The writing was, without a doubt, beautiful. So, come on over to Wattpad and read it immediately!

[Moiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when wattpad was having what I call I dry season. All the books were the same just with different characters. Then along came this. IT is just soo GOOD. Heartbreaking and sweet and really made me want to curl up in a ball and cry. But in a good way. The characters were well developed and the story was so different from the rest. It deserves more reads and publicity. One of the best.

[cerulean98 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words can't explain the beauty of this book. It's deep, it's meaningful, it's raw and thought provoking. This book is truly a masterpiece and really, it deserves to be published. One of those books that will stay in your head, especially during rainy days. The plot is unique in a way that it tells the story of learning how to face our own demons before helping others fight their demons. This book is just pure gold.

[Alankrita Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides you with such deep thoughts that actually keep you thinking about your life and the character's life.
This book is not a cliche teen fiction or romance book,its something beyond words and emotions.The author has delivered a piece of art,as if she was delivering a part of her own emotions.
This book is a perfect mix of love,emotions,hatred,betrayal and overcoming your fears.
It inspires you to search for happiness in places and people you call your 'home'

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a amazing book. So different from the books I read, it was simply amazing.
The book was so different from most books in general. More life relating, personal illnesses of each character bringing them together in a place they called home.
The ending, I actually couldn't breath at a point I was swooning and gasping for air..
This book was amazing and deserves to be publish OR EVEN BETTER MADE IN A MOVIE! A bitter sweet tale with such a amazing plot and perfect characters. 5 stars

[Muna · Rating 5 out of 5]

see, i love poetry and this book was so poetic and beautiful. i lost count of how many times this book broke my heart. not gonna lie this book is depressing, but you learn. you learn a whole lot. you get captivated by the storyline so easily. this book is beyond words & its a total must.

the writing is just incredible. chloe's works are incredible. her use of words & the metaphors in this book are just INCREDIBLE.

give it a go. you wont be disappointed in the slightest.