Rants N Scribbles: [Review] A Thousand Minutes to Sunlight by Jen White

A Thousand Minutes to Sunlight
Jen White
Published by: Farrar Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Publication date: April 20th 2021
Genres: Contemporary, Middle-Grade

Jen White’s A Thousand Minutes to Sunlight is a sensitively-written middle grade novel about a girl struggling with anxiety, family secrets, and the meaning of friendship.

Cora is constantly counting the minutes. It’s the only thing that stops her brain from rattling with worry, from convincing her that danger is up ahead. Afraid of the unknown, Cora spends her days with her feet tucked into sand, marveling at La Quinta beach’s giant waves and her little sister Sunshine’s boundless energy.

And then danger really does show up at Cora’s doorstep–her absentee uncle, whose sudden presence in the middle of the night makes her parents nervous and secretive. As dawn breaks once more, Cora must piece together her family and herself, one minute at a time.

A Thousand Minutes to Sunlight is an endearing and revelatory middle-grade novel that is perfect for fans of Counting by 7s and Fish in a Tree.

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Author Bio:

Jen White writes middle grade fiction. Her second book, A THOUSAND MINUTES TO SUNLIGHT, releases on 4.20.21. Her debut, SURVIVAL STRATEGIES OF THE ALMOST BRAVE, has been translated into several languages. She grew up in Southern California and currently resides there with her family. Jen received her bachelor of art’s degree in English and her master’s degree from Vermont College of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults. You can find out more at www.jenwhitebooks.com.

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My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this novel, I know this because I didn't take too many notes. I was too busy reading! It was a wonderful story of friendship, family, and self-growth.

I really connected with Cora, because I understand her. I have pretty bad anxiety, and it's honestly only getting worse as I get older, because there are more things to worry about! But, I really connected with her after reading this passage (that I also shared on my Teaser Tuesday post previously):

A silent house, in the middle of the night, might be one of the loneliest places on the planet.

Did you hear that?

Brain says: Absolutely an ax murderer.

Crouched in the hallway, I'm poised for anything. It's 11:31 P.M. to be exact, and a wonder that I can even hear Brain, with my heart hammering in my eardrums.

Inside my head, I count.

1 2 3 4 5

This is pretty much how I react to weird noises at night, or even without any noise to prompt me at all. I just lie awake thinking someone is going to try and get into my house and hurt us. The only difference is I don't count. I use a variety of other coping mechanisms, but I don't think I have ever counted. Counting is Cora's big thing, that and her conversations with Brain.

I hate Brain, but that's what the author wants. Brain makes Cora question everything and makes her keep to herself. Brain tells her she is no good, that no one will ever want to be her friend, and that people are always thinking bad things about her. I love watching Cora grow and realize that maybe Brain isn't right all the time and maybe she should ignore Brain and just go with the flow. The first time she told Brain to "Hush" I actually cheered out loud a little. It was nice to slowly watch Brain fade into the background and Brain to actually question "What the heck is going on?" as Cora becomes more and more independent.

Patrick was my favourite character in the book. Everyone needs a Patrick in their life. He is so happy, energetic, and doesn't let anything, or anyone's opinions, get in the way of enjoying his life. He is a great friend and always there for you, supporting you however he can. I really enjoyed his storyline, and LOVED how they "resolved" it. I love how Cora and Patrick bond over their goals, just 2 kids with 2 impossible dreams.

The novel is simply written, and perfect for middle grade readers. The chapters are short and easy to get through, and I loved the intriguing and unique chapter titles. The subject of mental illness is addressed cautiously and with tact. I love that both parents are in the picture and are supportive. I love Cora's sister, Sunshine, and how supportive she is always trying to be, especially with the affirmations. She is such a little sweetheart! I love that therapy is used and medication is discussed. I also like how they worked in a possible family connection to show it's not just her and that mental illness runs in the family.

My only issue was I wish they would have left out the two incidents that "may" have caused the issues with her brain, because I would have preferred a character with mental illness with no causation as I feel it might have been easier for other kids to connect with her and what she is dealing with without the causation aspect.

Overall it's a fabulous book that is very well written for the target audience and I recommend it to everyone.

The Pros: