The 9:09 Project

By: Mark H. Parsons

Narrated by: Greg D. Barnett, Mark H. Parsons

A thoughtful exploration about finding oneself, learning to hope after loss, and recognizing the role that family, friends, and even strangers can play in the healing process if you are open and willing to share your experience with others.

It has been two years since his mom’s death, and Jamison, his dad, and his younger sister seem to be coping, but they’ve been dealing with their loss separately and in different ways. When Jamison almost forgets the date of his mother's birthday, he worries that his memory of her is slipping away. To help make sense of the passing of time, he picks up his camera—the Nikon his mother gave to him.

Jamison begins to take photos of ordinary people on the street, at the same time and place each night. As he focuses his lens on the random people who cross his path, Jamison begins to see the world in a deeper way. His endeavor turns into a school project, and then into something more. Along with his new outlook, Jamison forges new and unexpected friendships at school. But more importantly, he’s able to revive the memory of his mother, and to connect with his father and younger sister once again.

Critic reviews

★ "A wryly funny, extremely intelligent, and sweetly romantic contemporary novel full of biting sarcasm and... tender yet powerful emotions." —Kirkus Review, starred review

★ “An engaging, thought-provoking title that is easy to read, hard to put down, and will have readers wondering about the characters long after they’ve finished it. . . . highly recommended.” —School Library Journal, starred review

"A character-driven work that celebrates the healing power of connection and creativity, encouraging readers to take a closer look at the world around them." —Publishers Weekly

“The novel’s greatest strength is its characterization. The relatable characters come alive on the page, their portrayal being, yes, picture perfect.” —Booklist

"A strikingly honest depiction of loss, grief and healing." —BookPage

A Kirkus Reviews Best of 2022 Selection

A Broadart Books Staff Teen Selection

A Bank Street College of Education’s Children’s Book Committee’s The Best Children’s Books of the Year 2023 Selection

Everything is great

Everyone needs to read this
This book is amazing, like seriously amazing. Go read ir

Couldn't stop listening!

One of the few books I've read in recent years that I immediately started over. I couldn't stop listening. Each of the characters had such unique differences and backgrounds that made them unforgettable and very lovable. The story was an emotional roller-coaster that I fell in love with after just reading the first page, and the feeling didn't end even after I turned the last one. I loved seeing the way the author implemented photography as a way of dealing with the loss of a loved one. Being a person that is into photography, as well as someone who has had a hard time getting through the loss of someone close to me, it was very 'REFRESHING' and heartfelt.
I cannot recommend this book enough!

Deeply moving AND funny!

This is a sweet and smart story about a teenage boy who finds that art (photography) is what he needs to pull him through his grief. Jamison is a great character, and his friends and family members are quite realistic, and sometimes very funny. A lovely story about recalibrating who you are after loss, and the power of art, friendship, and loyalty. The narrator does a great job with this wonderful story!

Beautiful and Real

Beautiful, fun read. The 9:09 concept got me emotionally, while the deft and masterful writing got me in every other way: well formed characters, great plot that felt real, and twists and turns that kept me reading. Great author.