Absolutely riveting book. I read it in a day, I just kept going back to it. The author really allowed me to connect to the characters, all of them. 31 Hours is a meaningful thriller. The only reason I gave it 4/5 stars, instead of 5, is because the ending (or lack thereof) left me disappointed. It was an annoying way to end a book that was otherwise very satisfying.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/110101015?book_show_action=false
This book was really interesting to me. The author really tries hard to make Jonas a sympathetic character even though he's been trained to blow up the NYC subway system. I learned a lot from the book about Islam, and in many places the religion is painted in a good light (for instance, in Mahmoud's phone call with his father). Jonas seems to feel that he takes part in ALL religions, but at the same time, in none.
I did not like Jonas' mother character. Too much "motherly intuition" and plus she was annoying. I don't know, I didn't really like -any- of the characters, to be honest, except maybe the homeless guy "Sonny Hirt". He was a neat guy.
I really enjoyed the format of the book, with the two time zones at the top of each page. I liked that the point of view shifted between characters, and that Jonas' parents seemed to be coming together while Vic's were moving apart.
I must say that I am almost offended by a comment on the back of the book saying that "women in particular will devour this book" or something to that effect (I'll fix the quote if I get home and find it is drastically different).
I wish there had been some kind of ending. I guess it is left up to us to decide what happens. Was Jonas successful? If so, did Mara and Aaron make it home before-hand? How does his family react, and Vic (and this applies whether or not he is successful)? What happens to Mahmoud?
I think this book is worth reading once. It's not your typical book, and it did keep me reading. I'd love to know what other people think about it!
This book was really interesting to me. The author really tries hard to make Jonas a sympathetic character even though he's been trained to blow up the NYC subway system. I learned a lot from the book about Islam, and in many places the religion is painted in a good light (for instance, in Mahmoud's phone call with his father). Jonas seems to feel that he takes part in ALL religions, but at the same time, in none.
I did not like Jonas' mother character. Too much "motherly intuition" and plus she was annoying. I don't know, I didn't really like -any- of the characters, to be honest, except maybe the homeless guy "Sonny Hirt". He was a neat guy.
I really enjoyed the format of the book, with the two time zones at the top of each page. I liked that the point of view shifted between characters, and that Jonas' parents seemed to be coming together while Vic's were moving apart.
I must say that I am almost offended by a comment on the back of the book saying that "women in particular will devour this book" or something to that effect (I'll fix the quote if I get home and find it is drastically different).
I wish there had been some kind of ending. I guess it is left up to us to decide what happens. Was Jonas successful? If so, did Mara and Aaron make it home before-hand? How does his family react, and Vic (and this applies whether or not he is successful)? What happens to Mahmoud?
I think this book is worth reading once. It's not your typical book, and it did keep me reading. I'd love to know what other people think about it!
An intriguing and somewhat controversial story.
