Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite

Fifteen Seconds by John Morris is a coming of age novel that follows Brad as a young man up to his adult life. Brad enjoys success early in life as a talented musician and writer. He turns to alcohol on his wild adventures because it frees him, gives him confidence with the opposite sex, and increases his talents. He chases after his dreams in music and struggles with writer's block. But over time, alcohol begins to inhibit him. It also exacerbates the voices he hears. Brad is destined to a life of loss, darkness, and mental instability. In his life he deals with despair, failure, and isolation, but he doesn't give up because he wants that sense of triumph and connection. He hopes that by powering through and not giving up, he might some day experience the other side of that spectrum in light, love, and ultimately personal peace.

John Morris's novel Fifteen Seconds touches on the dark places of people's lives and sheds some light on difficult subjects like alcoholism and mental illness. It is meant to make readers aware and start a discussion about how these issues affect a person's life. What options does that person have? How can those around him or her give their support? It is a roller coaster ride of emotions that will leave you feeling sad, overwhelmed, crying tears of joy, but ultimately leaving you feeling deeply satisfied.