What do you think?
Rate this book
92 HOURS: A Teenager's Journey - Triumphs, Tragedy, Tranquility
260 pages, Paperback
Published March 31, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"92 Hours: A Teenager's Journey - Triumphs, Tragedy, Tranquility" by Rich Schiesser is the personal story of his son Ben's all too short life. I chose this book from NetGalley to read in advance of publication because my best, educated guess was it was about drug use and an overdose and I could relate from the parental standpoint. Instead the story of Ben is one of a young man who faced a diagnosis of mild bipolar disorder as a young teenager. His previously stellar grades slipped, he struggled much more academically and faced a downturn in his athletic abilities. Ben's disappointment was evident in the words his father shares to tell us the tragic story of a life cut short.
Every parent can benefit from the words of a loving father. The details of the story may be different, but the emotions that Mr. Schiesser lays bare are painful and powerful.
As I was reading an advance copy, this may change, but I found stories and details were repeated, often only pages apart. This was the reason for my not rating the book higher. Mr. Schiesser has many writing talents and he uses them beautifully to share the story of his beloved son.
Every parent can benefit from the words of a loving father. The details of the story may be different, but the emotions that Mr. Schiesser lays bare are painful and powerful.
As I was reading an advance copy, this may change, but I found stories and details were repeated, often only pages apart. This was the reason for my not rating the book higher. Mr. Schiesser has many writing talents and he uses them beautifully to share the story of his beloved son.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Köehler Books for providing an ARC of 92 HOURS - A Teenager's Journey - Triumphs, Tragedy, Tranquility by Rich Schiesser.
This is an incredibly tragic, heartbreaking, and moving story about the struggles of one young man and the effects it has on his entire family. The story opens with the teenager’s suicide attempt and the immediate medical aftermath, leaving readers uncertain of his prognosis. The story then turns to the past starting with Ben’s parents when they learn they are pregnant with him. The story is told so fluidly and beautifully at the same time. As previously mentioned, this story is heartbreaking but so important and I am grateful the author chose to share it with the world. Coming in at under 300 pages, the story is incredibly complete and full of rich detail without leaving readers feeling bogged down in any sense of the word. While this book covers dark and heavy topics, I would recommend it to all readers if they are in the safe, mental state to be able to consume this story.
This is an incredibly tragic, heartbreaking, and moving story about the struggles of one young man and the effects it has on his entire family. The story opens with the teenager’s suicide attempt and the immediate medical aftermath, leaving readers uncertain of his prognosis. The story then turns to the past starting with Ben’s parents when they learn they are pregnant with him. The story is told so fluidly and beautifully at the same time. As previously mentioned, this story is heartbreaking but so important and I am grateful the author chose to share it with the world. Coming in at under 300 pages, the story is incredibly complete and full of rich detail without leaving readers feeling bogged down in any sense of the word. While this book covers dark and heavy topics, I would recommend it to all readers if they are in the safe, mental state to be able to consume this story.
April 13, 2026
With unflinching honesty, 92 Hours grabs the reader from the first page and never lets go. This heart-wrenching memoir of a son's life is a cautionary tale of the tragedy of teen suicide. Rich Schiesser walks the reader through the first 16 years of an accomplished son who came in first for most of his life, until his junior year in high school. Missed clues, disappointments not processed, a mild diagnosis, and a teenager's reluctance to share his internal world, is conveyed with the utmost respect and dignity.
92 Hours reflects the many small events that led to one horrific and irreversible decision with a tension that runs throughout, and makes this a must-read for any parent, family member, or friend of any teenager in today's world. Bravo, Schiesser, for the courage to bring this difficult topic into the Light.
92 Hours reflects the many small events that led to one horrific and irreversible decision with a tension that runs throughout, and makes this a must-read for any parent, family member, or friend of any teenager in today's world. Bravo, Schiesser, for the courage to bring this difficult topic into the Light.
April 22, 2026
92 Hours by Rich Schiesser is a raw and compelling read that stands out for its honesty and level of detail. The author does an excellent job of laying out the timeline in a way that makes the experience feel immediate and real, drawing the reader into each moment with clarity and emotional weight. The openness in sharing personal experiences is one of the book’s strongest qualities and makes it both engaging and impactful.
That said, the book occasionally gets weighed down by extensive backstory and details that don’t always feel essential to the central narrative. While some of this context adds depth, there are moments where it slows the pacing and distracts from the core story being told.
Overall, 92 Hours is a powerful and sincere account that resonates because of its authenticity. With a bit more focus and tighter editing, it could be even more compelling—but it remains a worthwhile and memorable read.
That said, the book occasionally gets weighed down by extensive backstory and details that don’t always feel essential to the central narrative. While some of this context adds depth, there are moments where it slows the pacing and distracts from the core story being told.
Overall, 92 Hours is a powerful and sincere account that resonates because of its authenticity. With a bit more focus and tighter editing, it could be even more compelling—but it remains a worthwhile and memorable read.
April 23, 2026
A poignant read about a father’s love for his son who’s life unfortunately ended too soon.
This book is a balm for other parents whose child died under tragic circumstances. The
resonating message: You are not alone in your grief. Happy memories can sustain. And added bonus and connection is that Rich Schiesser is a fellow author and Purdue University alum!
This book is a balm for other parents whose child died under tragic circumstances. The
resonating message: You are not alone in your grief. Happy memories can sustain. And added bonus and connection is that Rich Schiesser is a fellow author and Purdue University alum!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Last night I finished reading 92 Hours, it took me 15 hours to gather my thoughts. Overcoming sentiment I knew I might have but didn't realize to what degree, I needed the time to allow my emotions to settle. Whether you have suffered the loss of someone close to you, or know someone who has, I highly recommend picking up a copy of this extraordinary account that the author has shared with us. Opening his heart and very personal experience, 92 Hours gives the reader the gift of insight, empathy, relatability, and comfort. Five stars is not enough...
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews