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“In an Instant,” by Suzanne Redfearn, is this year’s MCC Reads book selection. 

Life is over in an instant for 16-year-old Finn Miller when a devastating car accident tumbles her and 10 others over the side of a mountain. Suspended between worlds, she watches helplessly as those she loves struggle to survive. Impossible choices are made, decisions that leave the survivors tormented with grief and regret. Unable to let go, Finn keeps vigil as they struggle to reclaim their shattered lives. Jack, her father, who seeks vengeance against the one person he can blame other than himself; her best friend, Mo, who bravely searches for the truth as the story of their survival is rewritten; her sister Chloe, who knows Finn lingers and yearns to join her; and her mother, Ann, who saved them all but is haunted by her decisions. Finn needs to move on, but how can she with her family still in pieces? (Source: Amazon.com). 

Though some may see the book with a dark theme and undertone, MCC Library Assistant Sonya Beach hopes this award-winning fiction book is viewed more as a reflection of reality. 

“Life isn't always beautiful or perfect, and this book captures that truth,” Beach said. “It delves into deep topics such as grief, trauma, and mental health — subjects we can explore together as a campus and community. The characters are flawed and relatable, which is why I chose this book. It offers many profound themes that can spark meaningful conversations, thoughts, and programs.” 

2025 marks the 11th year of MCC Reads, and the first year Beach is overseeing the program. She hopes the MCC Reads program will help drive students, as well as staff and community members, to the MCC Library and experience all it has to offer. 

“To me, the library is about community and learning,” she said. “I hope that once people come for this event, they will also learn about other great programs we offer on campus and see that the MCC Library is a great place to come for events, studying, hanging out between classes or finding a great book to read. I want them to see we are friendly and helpful.” 

The 2025 MCC Reads program will have several events revolved around the book, In an Instant, throughout the winter months. Complementary snacks and beverages will be provided at all events. 

All events will be held in the MCC Library on the Sidney campus: 

• Wednesday, Jan. 29: Join Tara Allen from the Montcalm Care Network for a presentation on the essential services their organization provides to support our community, including mental health care, trauma support, adult foster homes, addiction treatment and more. Many characters in the book, In an Instant, face issues that align with the mission of Montcalm Care Network to support our community. This event begins at 12:05 p.m. 

• Tuesday, Feb. 4: MCC nursing instructor Syreeta Drake, a first-time speaker at MCC Reads, will discuss how the body responds to cold weather. Drawing from In an Instant, Drake will explain the stages of frostbite, what can be done after frostbite occurs and other critical aspects of how our bodies strive to keep us alive in frigid conditions. This engaging and informative event begins at 12:05 p.m. 

• Wednesday, Feb. 12: MCC ethics instructor David Hansen, another first-time speaker at MCC Reads, will present on the ethical dilemmas that arise in the book, In an Instant. With the book offering many complex moral questions and scenarios, this promises to be an engaging and insightful exploration of ethics. This event begins at 12 p.m. 

• Tuesday, Feb. 25: Join Jennifer VanderSilk and Brooke Hopkins as they delve into the intricate themes and compelling conflicts at the heart of Suzanne Redfearn’s In an Instant. The two will examine how the novel portrays survival, morality, grief and the complexity of human relationships in the aftermath of a devastating tragedy. The central conflicts in the book will be analyzed to uncover how they drive the narrative forward, shedding light on the resilience of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness. This event begins at 12:05 p.m. 

• Monday, March 3: MCC favorite Gary Hauck will host an enlightening session on the profound topic of life after death. In his exploration, Hauck will draw on his extensive travels and experiences to discuss the diverse cultural beliefs and philosophies about what happens after we die. This event begins at 12:05 p.m. 

• Monday, March 19: The finale to the MCC Reads program will be with MCC’s Lisa Johnson. Join us for a relaxed yet stimulating book discussion on the captivating novel In an Instant, exploring the book’s themes, characters and plot twists. Whether you’ve read the book cover to cover or are just starting, there’s something for everyone. This event begins at 12:05 p.m. 

For more information, visit montcalm.edu/mcc-reads, email librarystaff@montcalm.edu or call 989-328-1261.