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Six O'clock
I’ll never forget that morning.
Extraordinary things are known to happen on ordinary days. And June 11th was an ordinary day for Kenya Brogan...until one hour changed everything.
Grace A. Johnson makes her debut into contemporary fiction with a haunting short story that will captivate you from page one!
As of May 3rd, 2022, Six O'clock is no longer available on Amazon! You can read the story for free on Grace's website!
Extraordinary things are known to happen on ordinary days. And June 11th was an ordinary day for Kenya Brogan...until one hour changed everything.
Grace A. Johnson makes her debut into contemporary fiction with a haunting short story that will captivate you from page one!
As of May 3rd, 2022, Six O'clock is no longer available on Amazon! You can read the story for free on Grace's website!
14 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2021
1 person is currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Grace A. Johnson
14 books402 followersGrace A. Johnson is a Christian indie authoress with a passion for crafting authentic and edifying stories to inspire readers and glorify God. Since 2019, she’s released several novels, short stories, and a devotional. She’s also a marketer and editor who loves helping young authors through her editing business S&J Editors and her small publishing company Sky’s the Limit Press. You can join her growing community of Kingdom-minded readers and writers on her blog Of Blades & Thorns and her podcast Spirit & Script!
For a free e-copy of the novel that made her an author, which she published at age thirteen, subscribe to her newsletter!
For a free e-copy of the novel that made her an author, which she published at age thirteen, subscribe to her newsletter!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 3, 2022
So...I did something crazy. I've taken Six O'clock down from Amazon...which sounds like a bad thing, but in actuality? It means you can read the story for FREE on my website! Just click HERE to download your copy! I hope y'all enjoy reading this short precursor to what (I hope) will become a greater story! :D
October 3, 2021
I don't think I'll ever cease being amazed by Grace Johnson's ability to write gripping short stories! I don't know how she does it, but within only a few pages of a story, she's drawn me in and made me want more. (I can't wait to read the next part of this story!)
The style of this short story was a little dark but very poetic. There were a lot of lines that are just those types of sentences you want to read and reread just to enjoy the prose. Really beautiful, if a bit abstract at some moments. This definitely isn't an "easy" read, but it's worth it!
Kenya was such a sympathetic character and quite well-developed within the short pages of the story. I felt her desperation and sadness and pain, even as she lived what looked like the "perfect life" from the outside. I won't go into the details of the plot, but let me tell you, it's pretty heart-wrenching as it explores tragedy, what really matters in life, and the search for something more than the present.
All of that to say, go check out Six O'clock. You won't be disappointed.
The style of this short story was a little dark but very poetic. There were a lot of lines that are just those types of sentences you want to read and reread just to enjoy the prose. Really beautiful, if a bit abstract at some moments. This definitely isn't an "easy" read, but it's worth it!
Kenya was such a sympathetic character and quite well-developed within the short pages of the story. I felt her desperation and sadness and pain, even as she lived what looked like the "perfect life" from the outside. I won't go into the details of the plot, but let me tell you, it's pretty heart-wrenching as it explores tragedy, what really matters in life, and the search for something more than the present.
All of that to say, go check out Six O'clock. You won't be disappointed.
September 28, 2021
Oh, my stinking word!
I usually NEVER have the time to read a short story. But I took time off just to read this one.
It captivated me from the beginning. It made me want to cry because I at one time in my life understood living based on perfection or performance; before I experienced the Truth of God's love. This story took me back to the insecurity and unrest I once had. And reminded me of where I am now since trusting Jesus with my life.
I felt Kenya's pain.
I recommend this story to anyone. It was A M A Z I N G.
Grace is gifted by God to write and you can feel that thought-provoking, feeling-crushing talent while reading this story.
Infinity hearts. Five stars!
I usually NEVER have the time to read a short story. But I took time off just to read this one.
It captivated me from the beginning. It made me want to cry because I at one time in my life understood living based on perfection or performance; before I experienced the Truth of God's love. This story took me back to the insecurity and unrest I once had. And reminded me of where I am now since trusting Jesus with my life.
I felt Kenya's pain.
I recommend this story to anyone. It was A M A Z I N G.
Grace is gifted by God to write and you can feel that thought-provoking, feeling-crushing talent while reading this story.
Infinity hearts. Five stars!
September 28, 2021
Characters: Once again, Grace has created such a deep, well-developed character in Kenya! I don't know how she does it, but she always creates these great characters in such a short amount of time!
Language: Clean.
Moral: The main theme in this short story is hope. It's not so much that Kenya currently has hope, but that she's going to have it someday. If that makes any sense :) This short story is actually the prequel to Kenya's story. Which I'm eagerly awaiting!
Plot: I don't go into plots for short stories. That would give too much away.
Romance: Clean. This short story didn't contain any romance.
Writing: The writing style in Six O'clock was a little more poetic than Grace's normal style, but I think it fit Kenya's mood/personality perfectly.
Overall: I need the rest of Kenya's story! And I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christian fiction and contemporary fiction.
Language: Clean.
Moral: The main theme in this short story is hope. It's not so much that Kenya currently has hope, but that she's going to have it someday. If that makes any sense :) This short story is actually the prequel to Kenya's story. Which I'm eagerly awaiting!
Plot: I don't go into plots for short stories. That would give too much away.
Romance: Clean. This short story didn't contain any romance.
Writing: The writing style in Six O'clock was a little more poetic than Grace's normal style, but I think it fit Kenya's mood/personality perfectly.
Overall: I need the rest of Kenya's story! And I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christian fiction and contemporary fiction.
December 20, 2021
This was a riveting short story with vivid imagery that pulls you right in. The tone oscillated so quickly from paragraph to paragraph, making me want to keep reading. Grace's strong point is definitely prose--she has a beautiful, flowing prose with just a hint of the dramatic that perfectly captures the emotion. While there wasn't really a plot, I did enjoy the challenge of trying to figure out Kenya and what she was experiencing. The ending was abrupt and rather hopeless, but I liked the unique twist--and the Author's Note at the end gave me more clarity about some of the mystery. I can't wait to read more of Kenya's story!
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November 19, 2021Read November 2021.
Hmm, so this was really interesting! The writing style was confusing to me at the beginning of the book but as it went on I understood why the author chose to write that way. I really appreciate the author’s note at the end.
I decided not to give this a star rating because that would be like me rating a single chapter of a book. I’m looking forward to reading Kenya’s story if/when the author decides to continue it. :)
Hmm, so this was really interesting! The writing style was confusing to me at the beginning of the book but as it went on I understood why the author chose to write that way. I really appreciate the author’s note at the end.
I decided not to give this a star rating because that would be like me rating a single chapter of a book. I’m looking forward to reading Kenya’s story if/when the author decides to continue it. :)
August 22, 2021
Hey, another Grace A. Johnson read! :) This one was a bit more confusing and the prose more flowery than I typically look for in stories, but after I found my footing, I really enjoyed it! It's definitely a darker story than the other works I've read from Grace, and yet, her author note at the end really cleared up any confusion I had, and offered hope and light in the midst of the heavier story. I really admire how Grace is able to take abstract and difficult subjects and write a beautiful story, even in such a short book. I'm glad I read this one!
July 8, 2022
Wait, no, I need more. 😭
February 7, 2022
I actually read this book last year but somehow forgot/overlooked to review it. When I realized my error several months had passed and I needed a reread before giving it an honest review. Today was finally that day and I've got to say, a reread was exactly what I needed.
The main thing I remember from the first read what that it was depressing. I didn't always understand what was happening but I was aware of the emotion at all times.
After reading it a second time, and at a more relaxed pace, it's still a dark story but I've got to say the style and descriptions were beautifully done. Parts of it came off so poetic. We aren't given a ton of information about Kenya and where dialogue lacks, Kenya's thoughts and inner-anguish leap off the page and tell us all we really need to know: this girl is hurting and no one seems to care.
I can only imagine how difficult this was to pull off, packing so much into a 14 page story. Well done!
The main thing I remember from the first read what that it was depressing. I didn't always understand what was happening but I was aware of the emotion at all times.
After reading it a second time, and at a more relaxed pace, it's still a dark story but I've got to say the style and descriptions were beautifully done. Parts of it came off so poetic. We aren't given a ton of information about Kenya and where dialogue lacks, Kenya's thoughts and inner-anguish leap off the page and tell us all we really need to know: this girl is hurting and no one seems to care.
I can only imagine how difficult this was to pull off, packing so much into a 14 page story. Well done!
April 15, 2021
Oh my goodness, where do I start??!! This story was sooo beautifully written and really touched my heart. When I first read it, I was like okay, what's happening and wasn't sure at first what I thought. But the more I kept pondering it, the more I was IN LOVE WITH IT!!! And I think a story is just sooo amazing when it does that to a person. It's those stories that stay with you, that keep you remembering them late into the night. Those are the ones that touch your heart and leave you breathless and clinging for more. I can definitely assure you that "Six O'Clock" is one of those stories!! My most favorite part, however, was the author's note at the end. It was just in one word: beautiful. The story and the small note to follow inspired me and touched very close to my heart. I am blown away by this young author's talent and can't wait to read the next great work by her!!!!!! I HIGHLY recommend this short story to anyone looking for a quick read that will stay with you a long time after the ending. Because great stories truly have no "the end."
July 7, 2022
It was both confusing and fascinating to read this style of writing. It heavily focuses on the feelings and the images in the POV character's head than the actual real settings the character interacted in.
It definitely does not feel complete at the end but it isn't meant to be, which I'm very glad about it. If it was, it would feel kind of meaningless. I don't mind stories taking a dark turn, I quite enjoy it because it helps with me feeling seen with my darkness struggles, but there must be a point to wander this way. I don't believe in stories that are dark for sake of just being dark. While I feel like this story will feel like it is doing just that, I sensed there's something deeper going on than what we get in this story. It's like it's setting up for a bigger, more in-depth story. That's what I hoped for after reading this and I think this is confirmed by the author's note. I will not be satisfied otherwise. I think overall this story needs to be taken as a grain of salt because what it is saying isn't finished. Really, it isn't saying anything. It's just one moment in a character's life.
While it wasn't the easiest to follow, it was also immersive and portrayed darkness in a way that feels real. Maybe too real. Overall, it was well-written. And I very much need more page time with this character. I'm very intrigued by the glimpse of the sort of life she has and what she's going through. I care for this character so much, more than I thought I would in such a short length. I also need to see the light coming into her life. That would be awesome. I know she needs it.
It definitely does not feel complete at the end but it isn't meant to be, which I'm very glad about it. If it was, it would feel kind of meaningless. I don't mind stories taking a dark turn, I quite enjoy it because it helps with me feeling seen with my darkness struggles, but there must be a point to wander this way. I don't believe in stories that are dark for sake of just being dark. While I feel like this story will feel like it is doing just that, I sensed there's something deeper going on than what we get in this story. It's like it's setting up for a bigger, more in-depth story. That's what I hoped for after reading this and I think this is confirmed by the author's note. I will not be satisfied otherwise. I think overall this story needs to be taken as a grain of salt because what it is saying isn't finished. Really, it isn't saying anything. It's just one moment in a character's life.
While it wasn't the easiest to follow, it was also immersive and portrayed darkness in a way that feels real. Maybe too real. Overall, it was well-written. And I very much need more page time with this character. I'm very intrigued by the glimpse of the sort of life she has and what she's going through. I care for this character so much, more than I thought I would in such a short length. I also need to see the light coming into her life. That would be awesome. I know she needs it.
June 11, 2022
RTC soon, hopefully!
June 23, 2021
I didn’t like this story. It was dark and so full of metaphors and strange descriptions that I couldn’t really understand what was going on. I knew the MC needed help but no one seemed to care or know. There really was no hope, no redemption, no light in this story.
This was also written in first person present tense which I don’t enjoy.
This was also written in first person present tense which I don’t enjoy.
March 5, 2021
4.5* I really liked this short story - It definitely gave me the chills! The more I think about it, the more I love it. It was so beautifully written; I read it twice and slowly to soak up every description and thought! Kenya is a very interesting character...very different, in a compelling, mysterious type of way; I doubt I've read about anyone like her. I did get slightly confused at the start (I was confused on what exactly was going on), but the author's note cleared things up for sure. Kenya just piqued my curiosity from the beginning, and she's one that I'd love to know more about in the future!
September 29, 2021
I am speechless to even try to describe this book ... I simply loved it.
March 13, 2021
Very well written with an interesting style!
March 25, 2021
I loved that. And I'm really wanting more.
Going into Six O'clock, I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. The style was more poetic and modern than Ms. Johnson's other books I've read - at first it took some getting used to, but I warmed up a couple pages in. There just seemed, more in the first half, an abundance of flowery phrasing. Generally I like things a bit more on the poetic side, but a few instances near the beginning sort of congested the flow and clarity of the prose so that I was left wondering more than once, "what exactly did I just read?", and had to go back again.
On a different note, this was such an intriguing read. In some odd way, it struck a deep chord in me. Kenya was wonderfully done, the whole story was like a window into her soul - a terrifying, relatable journey that made my heart ache for her.
"Things change. People change. I change along with them, or else risk being left behind."
The author's note at the end clarified in a satisfying way some of confusion I felt at times throughout the piece. Generally, I don't prefer stories that leave so much unknown, it tends to distract me as a reader, but I rather liked how the author approached it in this piece. I feel like I need to give Six O'clock another read, just to fully appreciate Kenya's struggle now that I understand the situation better.
And full-circle back to the beginning of this review, it's left me wanting more - and I was so glad to learn that there is more. As Ms. Johnson herself concludes her author's note:
"I’m sorry for writing something so dark, so depressing, so... unfinished. But I’m not finished with Kenya yet, nor is God with you."
Thank God for that, and I'm so glad Kenya will continue to live on.
Going into Six O'clock, I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. The style was more poetic and modern than Ms. Johnson's other books I've read - at first it took some getting used to, but I warmed up a couple pages in. There just seemed, more in the first half, an abundance of flowery phrasing. Generally I like things a bit more on the poetic side, but a few instances near the beginning sort of congested the flow and clarity of the prose so that I was left wondering more than once, "what exactly did I just read?", and had to go back again.
On a different note, this was such an intriguing read. In some odd way, it struck a deep chord in me. Kenya was wonderfully done, the whole story was like a window into her soul - a terrifying, relatable journey that made my heart ache for her.
"Things change. People change. I change along with them, or else risk being left behind."
The author's note at the end clarified in a satisfying way some of confusion I felt at times throughout the piece. Generally, I don't prefer stories that leave so much unknown, it tends to distract me as a reader, but I rather liked how the author approached it in this piece. I feel like I need to give Six O'clock another read, just to fully appreciate Kenya's struggle now that I understand the situation better.
And full-circle back to the beginning of this review, it's left me wanting more - and I was so glad to learn that there is more. As Ms. Johnson herself concludes her author's note:
"I’m sorry for writing something so dark, so depressing, so... unfinished. But I’m not finished with Kenya yet, nor is God with you."
Thank God for that, and I'm so glad Kenya will continue to live on.
October 10, 2023
I enjoyed this one! The writing style was interesting - very poetic and abstract and beautiful and also confusing at the same time. That was okay by me for such a short story, but I almost think it would have been too much for a longer book. It was so deep that I had to read it really slowly to understand it all. Not sure if that's a good thing or not, haha!
Honestly, I read this book thinking it a bit humorous. Kenya was obviously depressed, but I didn't realize how serious it was until I read the author's note at the end. Thank you, Grace, for adding that author's note or I would have come away very upset *wink*
Honestly, I read this book thinking it a bit humorous. Kenya was obviously depressed, but I didn't realize how serious it was until I read the author's note at the end. Thank you, Grace, for adding that author's note or I would have come away very upset *wink*
May 5, 2022
*3.5 stars
Wowie! This was an interesting story!
Grace does a great job with prose, and I love the personifications she used!!!! (I do so love personifications! They're wuvwy.) The prose was full of mood and style. She did a fantastic job of writing a almost "hopeless" tone, but at the same time, the story was full of hope! I also loved how she fleshed out the character by having her do what anyone of us would do: brush off any sign of worry by trying to look perfect.
I admit, if I didn't come into reading this story already knowing about Kenya's condition, I would get a bit lost. There's lots of description, and in certain places, it's a bit hard to imagine what's going on with her symptoms. But it's still so pretty and interesting.
The passage of time in this story... I really liked how it was done. It's only one hour! Grace told us Kenya's every thought, which made it seem longer, yet still an hour. Lots of thought pass through one's head in an hour. Sorry, I'm not very good at explaining things, but. Just take my word for it, it's interesting.
The author's note at the end was great too. Grace... I just love the way you explain things. Thank you for having such a beautifully unique voice. 😊 (And I realize I use the word 'interesting' alot... :-P)
Anyway, I really did like the descriptiveness and mood of the story, and- of course- I loved the personifications. Thank you for sharing this story with the world, Grace!
Wowie! This was an interesting story!
Grace does a great job with prose, and I love the personifications she used!!!! (I do so love personifications! They're wuvwy.) The prose was full of mood and style. She did a fantastic job of writing a almost "hopeless" tone, but at the same time, the story was full of hope! I also loved how she fleshed out the character by having her do what anyone of us would do: brush off any sign of worry by trying to look perfect.
I admit, if I didn't come into reading this story already knowing about Kenya's condition, I would get a bit lost. There's lots of description, and in certain places, it's a bit hard to imagine what's going on with her symptoms. But it's still so pretty and interesting.
The passage of time in this story... I really liked how it was done. It's only one hour! Grace told us Kenya's every thought, which made it seem longer, yet still an hour. Lots of thought pass through one's head in an hour. Sorry, I'm not very good at explaining things, but. Just take my word for it, it's interesting.
The author's note at the end was great too. Grace... I just love the way you explain things. Thank you for having such a beautifully unique voice. 😊 (And I realize I use the word 'interesting' alot... :-P)
Anyway, I really did like the descriptiveness and mood of the story, and- of course- I loved the personifications. Thank you for sharing this story with the world, Grace!
September 28, 2021
Wow. Grace Johnson has done it again!
This story is a fantastic short look into the life of a girl with brain cancer. Depression, despondency, these are things she's dealt with, and will continue to deal with until we see more of this story (which I'm super excited for!!)
The main character seemed really intriguing and I'm definitely excited to learn more about her in the future!!
The prose in this story was so good! There were lines like "Daylight winks at me, and I blink back..." (if you read this, you'll see why I love that line) and more!!
Prose, to me, is a big thing in books. (I love it. It's amazing. I could live on a diet of well-thought prose. Some people don't like a lot of prose, and to you I say 'Do you know what you're missing???' But that's beside the point and I'm rambling) And Grace captured that perfectly!!
I was a tad bit confused on the first pages, but the note at the end really cleared that up and just tied the whole thing together! It was a great short read! 5 stars <3
This story is a fantastic short look into the life of a girl with brain cancer. Depression, despondency, these are things she's dealt with, and will continue to deal with until we see more of this story (which I'm super excited for!!)
The main character seemed really intriguing and I'm definitely excited to learn more about her in the future!!
The prose in this story was so good! There were lines like "Daylight winks at me, and I blink back..." (if you read this, you'll see why I love that line) and more!!
Prose, to me, is a big thing in books. (I love it. It's amazing. I could live on a diet of well-thought prose. Some people don't like a lot of prose, and to you I say 'Do you know what you're missing???' But that's beside the point and I'm rambling) And Grace captured that perfectly!!
I was a tad bit confused on the first pages, but the note at the end really cleared that up and just tied the whole thing together! It was a great short read! 5 stars <3
September 18, 2022
This is a beautifully written story! It was so interesting to read. (The only thing I didn't like was how hopeless it is.)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews