72 Hours of You

A October 2026 Reading Is a Lifestyle Subscription Book Pick

Sydney Hoffman can tell when someone has less than 72 hours to live, and it’s left her sarcastic, cynical and alone. Until she meets Peter, who changes everything she believes about life—and death.

72 hours before someone dies, Sydney Hoffman sees a pink clock over their head, counting down their final minutes. Seeing death’s status updates in real-time without being able to save anyone is . . . pretty much the worst. Which is why she never gets involved.

But then she meets Peter Beckett, her optimistic, book-obsessed, and (annoyingly) attractive new classmate. When he discovers what Sydney can do, he convinces her she doesn’t have to handle the countdowns alone. Together they make a plan to wander NYC, looking for pink clocks and helping strangers live their best final hours.

The more people they secretly help, the more Sydney believes she can let go of the memories that haunt her and hold on to Peter instead. But then the universe deals a devastating blow, forcing her to reckon with what it truly means to live your last 72 hours with no regrets.

In her tragically romantic debut, Darianne Schramm weaves a heartwarming, heart-wrenching, life-affirming love story you’ll laugh through, cry through, and absolutely never forget.

Story Locale: New York City and surrounding suburbs