Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A Love Story

by Jason Reynolds

Jason Reynolds tackles it—you know…it—from the guy’s perspective in this stream of consciousness story of a teen boy about to experience a huge first.

Twenty-four months ago: Neon gets chased by a dog all around the parking lot of a church. Not his finest moment. And definitely one he would have loved to forget if it weren’t for the dog’s owner: Aria. Dressed in sweats, a t-shirt, hair in a ponytail. Aria. Way more than fine.

Twenty-four weeks ago: Neon’s dad insists on talking to him about tenderness and intimacy. Neon and Aria are definitely in love, and while they haven’t taken that next big step…yet, they’ve starting talking about…that.

Twenty-four days ago: Neon’s mom finds her—gulp—bra in his room. Hey! No judging! Those hook thingies are complicated! So he’d figured he’d better practice, what with the big day only a month away.

Twenty-four minutes ago: Neon leaves his shift at work at his dad’s bingo hall, making sure to bring some chicken tenders for Aria. They’re not candlelight and they definitely aren’t caviar, but they are her favorite.

And right this second? Neon is locked in Aria’s bathroom, completely freaking out because twenty-four seconds from now he and Aria are about to…about to… Well, they won’t do anything if he can’t get out of his own head (all the advice, insecurities, and what ifs) and out of this bathroom!

Genres: Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary, Coming Of Age

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 8, 2024

About the author

Jason Reynolds is an American author of novels and poetry for young adult and middle-grade audience. After earning a BA in English from The University of Maryland, College Park, Jason Reynolds moved to Brooklyn, New York, where you can often find him walking the four blocks from the train to his apartment talking to himself. Well, not really talking to himself, but just repeating character names and plot lines he thought of on the train, over and over again, because he’s afraid he’ll forget it all before he gets home.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book a million stars, I would. As of today, this is my favorite Jason Reynolds book. CW: death of a family member, grief

Twenty-Four Seconds from Now is a love story. A love story that features a Black boy not only falling in love, but also experiencing all of the emotions and thoughts that come with a person's first time. This book was written with so much care, passion, honesty, and sincerity. I applaud Jason Reynold's for continuing to break the mold.

What Worked: There wasn't a thing about this book that didn't work. Not only did Jason give us dynamic characters, but also heartfelt moments that I wish could be experienced by every single teen. This tackled sexual health in such a positive and reaffirming way. Though the side characters weren't super developed, there served as catalyst for Neon's perception of sex and relationships. His mother served as a reminder to recognize that he, too, is a whole person with feelings that deserve to be acknowledged. His sister, Nat, helped deconstruct the incorrect information provided by a peer and Neon's own internalized toxic masculinity. Both Neon's father and grandfather encouraged him to consider what type of partner he would choose to be when it came to Nia. It was crafted and woven into the story so seamlessly. These are the very conversations I wish my parents would have had with me growing up. These are the very conversations I plan on sharing with my own child.

Though it is a quick read, Twenty Four Seconds From Now packs a punch unlike any other YA book that I've read this year. I genuinely can't thank Jason Reynolds enough for writing this book. He is a gem to the literary community and I'm so glad that our children get to experience representation that sheds such a positive light on them and their experiences.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so listen - this is a book about a romance. Something that Jason Reynolds, who is by and large allergic to corny, has said he would never write. But I tell you what else Jason Reynolds is, and that is - responsible to his reader.

And I think he sat down and decided to write about healthy Black teenagers in a healthy relationship, informed and sometimes guided by their own families who are in their own versions of healthy relationships, with friends who are virgins, who are sexually active, who are nonmonogamous or true-blue or open with their parents or lying their asses off about what they were doing instead of going to Bible study on Tuesday night. Real kids.

And I ALSO think he wrote about a romance, about two kids about to Go All the Way, as a framework for the essential conversations that, in an ideal world, all kids would have with themselves or with others about relationships, physical intimacy, and the kind of partner they want to be.

I have read and sometimes reviewed nearly a hundred books about puberty and sexuality, starting with Sex is a Funny Word and It's Perfectly Normal all the way up to books that most grownups could do with reading - books about relationship health, consent, and communication. And the three conversations that our horny hero Neon has with his mom, his dad, and his older sister Natalie cover all the bases. Sorry about the pun.

Natalie corrects some of the misconceptions foisted upon Neon by his idiot friend Dodie, and explains about communication and how not to treat his beloved Aria "like a body." Do I wish that Nat had been around to deliver that message to a couple of my first boyfriends.

Mom talks about allowing himself feelings, and looking out for Aria's feelings too. She explains that emotional openness is sexier than technical prowess. And she's hilarious all the while - as are all moms who have nothing to hide from their children. Ask me about the time I explained HPV to my sons.

And Dad, heartbreakingly, lovingly, talks about the kind of partner he has been to Neon's mom. He has made some mistakes, and acknowledges his own poor role models without using them as an excuse. He wants better for Neon, and wants Neon to choose better.

You might think I am spoiling this novel, but I am not. The gift here, as always with Jason's writing, is the writing. The lyricism, the dialogue, the vernacular that flows so naturally that you hear each voice. He's a poet. He loves this shit. Turns out, he is also an effective sex and relationships educator. People can be both.

[Traci Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really sweet book for young Black boys about sex. Some of the structural stuff didn't work for me, but I loved the main character and his girlfriend and some of the scenes with his loved ones. It is a tender little book that reminds you that the kids will be alright.

[Bethany (Beautifully Bookish Bethany) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible!! It's a quick read, but what it accomplishes is so impressive.

Told in a stream-of-consciousness style, it follows a 17 year old boy about to have sex for the first time with his girlfriend of two years. He's nervous and taking a moment in the bathroom, thinking back on their relationship, and all the advice he's gotten over time about relationships and sex from his mom, his dad, his grandma, his sister, and friends. It's thoughtful and sweet, pushing back on toxic masculinity and looking at the importance of consent, but also seeing his girlfriend as a complete person. And that he, as a Black boy, also deserves to be seen as a complete person with feelings. It's about first love, and about being surrounded by family that cares for you and is involved in talking through difficult things as you grow up. I want many teens to have access to this. It's gentle and recognizes that sex isn't something that needs to be rushed into, and that it's not a competition. I was so impressed. I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher all opinions are my own.

[AsToldByKenya · Rating 4 out of 5]

very lovely.

[Amina · Rating 3 out of 5]

✰ 3 stars ✰

“No, this ain’t no movie. This is a mirror. This me. This her. This us.

This is real.”

Jason Reynold's first foray into a YA romance is a fresh take of one of the most life-altering moments of seventeen-year-old high school senior Neon's life, with a fun and different spin on the moments that lead up to that memorable first time that is as challenging as it is special as the journey it took to get there. 🤍💛

“That I, Neon Benton, her boyfriend of two years, am nervous. As shit. That’s me.
The Most Nervous First-Timer.
Shit.”

It's a lot. It's a lot of pressure. It's a lot of awkward feelings and endearing moments to get to this stage in their lives. It is a short quick read told in reverse order that touches upon the awkward and the heartwarming moments in Neon's life since he met Aria. 🥲 The narrative starts Twenty-Four Seconds - literally! 😅 - from where he's visibly panicking in the bathroom before stepping out into Aria's waiting arms, to when he accidentally fumbled his way into her path, there was a cadence to the trajectory that tied nicely with all the little interruptions that made their way through. '... I was standing that I was on the brink of something life-changing.' The writing has this beat to it - one that nicely offsets Neon's own inner turmoil and jitters, while also balancing his affectionate feelings, as well. 👌🏻

Neon was a very likable and relatable character; very honest and open and candid in his thoughts, his actions, as well as his vulnerability and insecurity of not measuring up to Aria's expectations. He was kind and receptive, and such a gentleman - a bit, perhaps, too perfect in his consideration, but I think it is a good reflection of what young readers do need right now. A healthy and positive look of a time that will eventually come - it's the feelings of getting there that they can learn to be better prepared for. 🥺 His conflicting emotions over the influence of others' knowledge and expertise was relatable and real. 'What was I nervous about? Everything.' To see that these fears and doubts exist in each and everyone - even the boys. And that is a rarity to read in books; or well, I have not seen much in YA romance books from the male perspective, at least. 😊

Neon and Aria were so sweet together; there is a level of respect and understanding that shines between the two that made them feel more than just compatible. It showed how deep their love was that they knew their final decision was one not born out of lust, but of trust and want. 🥰 They're both young, the future is uncertain, but knowing that the life they have together is theirs for the now - the feeling of first love that is a certainty without fault - was portrayed in a loving and natural way that I enjoyed. 🫶🏻🫶🏻

“Because this was real life. And in real life, as excited as I was for this moment, I also felt like I might, I might, I might stop . . . breathing.

Keel over and go to heaven right before I get to heaven.”

Since the instances are captured in different respective time frames, we don't really get much character development for the supporting cast. What shines, though, is Neon's relationship with his family and how he hesitates to be vocal about his doubts, but how frank and willing his family is to hear him out. 'I thought about it more than I’d like to admit.' I loved the relationship with his grandmother and Denzel Washington. I liked that even the uncomfortable discussions about sex were treated with a lighthearted feel that did not overwhelm Neon or the reader. 👏🏻

The relationship advice from his family, the candid dialogue with his peers - it felt genuine and honest. 💘 From the awk-weird to the more helpful comments, it was to show that no one should be afraid to ask for help. No one should feel that they are the only ones who have ever felt this way, and it is on a hopeful and positive note that Reynolds does conclude Neon's journey of navigating his thoughts which reassure him that as long as he has faith in himself and the one he loves - then that truly is all that matters. 👩🏾‍❤️‍👨🏾

*Thank you to Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[♥ Sandi ❣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Such an unusual book. It is the story of a teen boy about to experience a huge first. His first sexual encounter. But it is told backwards.

We start with "Right Now" then go into twenty-four minutes ago, then twenty-four days ago, then twenty-four weeks and twenty-four months ago. Until finally we end up "back to now".

Jason Reynolds is about the only author I follow who writes Young Adult, and I refuse to miss one of his books. He is so good at his craft. I really wish I had had him when I was young and searching for answers. Today's youth is so very lucky to have him writing for them.

I think this is my second favorite book by Reynolds. My first being Long Way Down which I think is just phenomenal.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story told in reverse.
🏪
Twenty-four months ago Neon met Aria at his grandfather’s funeral when her dog started chasing him. Twenty-four weeks later Neon and his dad have a father-son chat about intimacy, connection and love. Twenty-four days later Neon’s mom finds her bra in his room that he was using for practice! Together they have an honest and sweet discussion about the big step that Neon and Aria are about to take. Twenty-four minutes ago Neon left his shift at his dad’s bingo hall to head over to Aria’s house where her parents and sister are out of town. And twenty-four seconds from now Neon and Aria are about to take that next big step. If only Neon can get out of the bathroom.
🏪
You all know I think @jasonreynolds83 can do no wrong, but I’m not going to be alone when I say this is one of my favorites of his to date. Neon’s character is how young men should act and treat others that they’re in a relationship with. The frank conversations Neon had with his dad and mom separately brought me to tears. If we don’t start talking openly and honestly with kids, they’re going to grow up not knowing how to be respectful to their partners or learn about consent. The way Jason writes young men is unmatched. He makes them real: sensitive to the point of crying when others do, dealing with anxiety, struggling with school work and not college bound, respectful of everyone in his life. I could go on and on about this novel out October 8 by @simonandschuster but know this book is one to hand to young men (as well as others!) for them to connect to a title, as well as a how-to guide on teen relationships. 5⭐️

CW: death of a grandparent, anxiety, grief

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jason Reynolds is an author whose books I love getting into teen hands--the characters and plot are almost always importantly relevant to their lives, and there is just enough mystery or drama to get them to keep reading until the end. "Twenty-Four Seconds from Now..." continues in the same vein with a very relatable focus: a teenage boy's first time sleeping with his girlfriend. I appreciated that this book spoke honestly about this area of life as much of what teens experience in the media is so dishonest or inauthentic to what it will be in real life. The discussions about safety, consent, and emotions are great additions to the YA genre that I feel are necessary in our media-driven world.

Unfortunately, beyond the great messaging and some humorous moments with the main protagonist's mom, I found this book easy to put down and forget about. Because of the way the book is structured, I kept waiting and waiting for some dramatic event or reveal to happen, but it didn't. The most tense moments are in the first few pages of the novel, and the rest of the book just dwindled out slowly. The stream-of-conscious, the backwards-in-time narrative structure just felt like a gimmick that didn't make the plot more engaging or tense. While not my favorite structure of storytelling, I have enjoyed books with the reverse timeline, but I think I would have enjoyed this must better with a traditional narrative arc.

The romantic plot line was cute without being overly sexual despite the main focus of the book, and I thought it could even be approachable for teen boys who are allergic to romance in any capacity. But for this reader, I felt a little bored and hoped for more from this novel.

[WURLD · Rating 5 out of 5]

(goodreads never saved my review 😒)

:’)

[jv poore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, Mr. Reynolds, "Black boys deserve love stories, too," and you definitely delivered.

So stoked to introduce this book to "my" students and, of course, add it to the classroom library.

[Tomes And Textiles]

Jason continues his ability to twist timelines into beautiful and compelling stories. The way he kept pulling the story further and further back, it was a beautiful, emotional revelation.

[Marta Cava]

És el millor llibre de Jason Reynolds fins a la data i una de les millor novel·les juvenils romàntiques que us podeu llegir

[Brian Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

[3.25] Kudos to Jason Reynolds for venturing down a non-traditional literary path and penning a YA love story through the eyes of a Black teen boy. The book showcases the colliding emotions that accompany that memorable “first time.” The main characters are charming albeit not fully developed. The coming-of-age storyline is cute but in need of a tad more action.

True, my mediocre rating is partially the result of my ambivalence toward YA romance romps. A flood of positive reviews spurred me to this tome a try.

My other issue is the book’s narrative structure that embraces a backward-in -time storyline. It didn’t quite work me.

Having said that, Reynolds’ first young adult romance explores relatable themes from a unique point of view and leaves readers smiling.

[DeannaReadsandSleeps]

pause on page 62:

i cannot for the life of me focus on this. i’ll give it another go later

[Brandice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neon and his girlfriend, Aria, are navigating high school and their relationship, and 24 seconds from now, about to take the next big step. But not without reflection from Neon first, alone and beforehand, nervous and excited, as he recalls how they got together and how they got to here and now.

While I’m not a big YA reader, Jason Reynolds’ talent is crystal clear and Twenty-Four Seconds from Now… is no exception. Reynolds does a great job balancing young adult feelings in today’s world — 3.5 stars

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an advance reader copy of Twenty-Four Seconds from Now… in exchange for an honest review.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special thanks to the author & @simonteen for my gifted copy‼️

What’s 4+4? Cause I know I wasn’t the only one who devoured this book in twenty-four seconds‼️ The author jumped in straight to the point when a teen is ready to take that next step and become sexually active there are a million thoughts going through their minds. Sometimes parents have no idea and in some cases they do but how do you approach your child with the TALK? No matter what you think you cannot prevent it so the best thing you can do is educate them.

Neon and Aria have been dating for a while and now it’s senior year they’re ready to take the next step in their relationship. . . SEX! They have the whole thing mapped out yet Neon can’t get past being nervous. Luckily he has his family to lean on for advice even if some of it is unwanted. I loved his sister’s advice because a woman is not just a body!!! The convo with his mom at breakfast was hilarious. Although Neon and Aria have contemplated on this happening the biggest thing is what will happen to them afterwards since she will be heading off to college soon.

With this book it might take many of us back to that exact moment. What we were thinking, your emotions in that moment, were you actually ready, educated, and prepared for it, and how things would go after you took that step. It’s actually a scary moment for many because once it’s done you can’t take it back.

I truly love everything about this book it was heartwarming, funny, engaging, and sheds light on a sensitive subject. It was also a major plus getting the full perspective from a guy in this situation. For the pacing to move so quickly I actually felt complete after reading this. The characters were well fleshed out and we get enough backstory on both MC’s to understand what they’re going through. Definitely a book I’d recommend‼️

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so SWEET. Seriously, get yourself a man like Neon because no one is doing it like him! Jason Reynolds always writes books that are powerful and necessary, and this book about first relationships, first love, and first times (yes, that first) is no different! Just as Judy Blume gave us such seminal classics as Are You There God... and Forever, Jason Reynolds' latest is sure to sit beside them as a much-needed and touching modern classic on the relatable anxieties of growing up as a young boy. Reynolds' singular voice shines with humor, warmth, and kindness!

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initial reaction: I haven't decided on a final rating for this yet, but it's likely to be either a strong 4 star read or 4.5 stars. I enjoyed getting to know Neon and his relationship with Aria. This is told in an interesting, reverse order way that allows you to have glimpses of the relationship between the main two, their families and friends, and ultimately Neon and Aria coming together before they...um...do the thing. Neon has to navigate awkward conversations from each person in his life - parents, older sister, grandmother - about what to do when they get ready, and you get a glimpse into Aria's family as well as their friend group. I think there may be some reluctant teen readers who find the reverse order a little difficult to navigate, but it makes sense with not just the vibe of the narrative, but also you get to know the characters and they're fun to watch. The scenes in each section/chapter are strong on their own and give a complete picture by the end.

Poor Neon having that conversation with his Mama in the restaurant though, lol. That was the worst (best?) I've seen in terms of having that talk. (I'll explain in the full review.)

Full review:

Jason Reynolds' latest book "Twenty-Four Seconds from Now..." is a much needed perspective in the measure of coming of age stories about first times. I think this is one of the more widely noted narratives that tackles the subject of a first time experience for a Black boy in a way that was funny, sweet, and approachable. I absolutely loved this book for what it offers and the unique way it tells its story. Although I think my biggest critique may be that there may be some readers who love this reverse order stream of consciousness narrative and others who may struggle a little bit with it. Matter of preference and/or making sure the reader get themselves oriented with the timeline if they happen to put it down and have to reorient. But let me make the case for why I think it still sticks the landing with that piece of it and everything else the story has to offer.

Neon is a great character to get to know, strong voice from the jump even when you realize he's seconds away from the big moment of doing "it" with his girlfriend of two years. He starts the novel understandably nervous, in the bathroom before a picture of an ugly dog named Denzel Jeremy Washington. (How I eventually learned the dog got his name had me rolling with laughter.) You can tell early on how much Neon cares for Aria, how they met, what their relationship dynamic is like and how they're getting ready for the next big step. One reason I think the reverse order works is not just for the theme it follows - 24 seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, etc. It's also because it gives you brief glimpses - snapshots of these interactions that are pivotal to Neon and Aria's relationship. Snapshots into their families, preferences, friend groups, high school activities (Neon's in Yearbook with Aria working on a project, also helps his dad with a bingo job) - things that are part of their everyday and history. And you also see the honest, sometimes very blunt conversations where Neon gets advice leading up to the moment from his mother, father, sister, grandmother and friends. (And of course the dog's there.) The narrative is a short one, so the snapshot and sequencing theme work for it, but I do think there may be some readers who may have to reorient if they put the narrative back down, pick it back up, and figure where they are on the timeline per the chapters.

It leans well into a POV from a Black boy who really is trying his hardest to get things right before the big moment. The narrative's strength is its portrayal of the vulnerability, awkwardness, and empathy that Neon has. Neon's voice pops off the page with authenticity - Reynolds consistently does a great job with this in his narratives. The moments between Aria and Neon between are sweet and sincere. But there are also moments, like in the convo Neon has with his mama in the restaurant, where you feel for him in the middle of a really, REALLY awkward public situation. His mother finds one of her bras in Neon's room, and poor Neon has to explain he was trying to figure out how to properly unhook a bra. (Neon's sister Nat has the best answer for it, if I'm being honest. Y'all can find that out for yourself and it's really obvious once Neon hears it.) But the scene is awkward 'cause his mama actually brings the bra she found in his room, puts it on the table in the public restaurant. The poor server has to handle this awkward too. If that isn't gold standard Black rom-com coded, I don't know what to tell you. I felt bad for Neon, but I was also snort-laughing.

The ending is sweet and the pay off to the big moment is well earned, if a little quick to conclude. But I really liked "Twenty Four Seconds from Now: A Love Story" and think it sits well among Reynold's work for a YA audience, and anyone who enjoys teen rom-coms with memorable characters.

Overall score: 4/5 stars.

Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher.

[Kirsten Paoline König · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dit boek had een solide vier sterren tijdens het lezen, dankzij de soepele taal vol humor en tederheid van Reynolds (& vertaler Postema!), maar werd dankzij welgehuilde tranen en glitter langs mijn wangen bij de ontknoping een absoluut vijf-sterren-boek.

Hoe fijn, nodig, warm! Ik gun iedereen die wel of niet aan seks denkt en het al dan niet ooit al eens voor het eerst heeft gedaan precies dit verhaal. Waarin zonder dat welke visie op seks dan ook wordt afgezeken ten gunste van die van de hoofdpersoon zelf, de tederheid tussen twee jonge mensen de boventoon voert en het uitgangspunt is om met elkaar te willen vrijen. Van het 'hoe je met elkaar omgaat' bloot, fysiek en kwetsbaar kunnen zelfs sommige vijftigjarige mannen nog wat leren.

Geef dit iedere jongere te lezen en zet dit in elke middelbare schoolbieb. Op een verse generatie die dingen anders met elkaar aanpakt. En op meer tederheid, veel meer tederheid voor elkaar.

Fabulous job, Mr Jason Reynolds.


---
Tijdens het lezen (citaten en spoilers!)

24
'(...) want het enige verschil tussen dertien en zeventien is dat je op je dertiende geil begint te worden en dat je op je zeventiende de mazzel hebt om er iets aan te doen. Misschien.'

31
'Ze heeft zo'n stem die je boos en verdrietig en vrolijk tegelijk kan maken. Alsof ze een oud vrouwtje in haar buik heeft wonen dat teveel gezien heeft in het leven, ook al is Turtle pas negen.'

42
'En heel even, heel even maar, hing er verdriet tussen ons. Verdriet dat wordt veroorzaakt door het onbekende.'

Dit! Reynolds verwoordt zó raak hoe precies zo'n moment voelt.
Subliem vertaald weer door Maria Postema, je voelt het swingende en haast poëtische van Reynolds ook fantastisch in het Nederlands (wat ik zelf echt geen swingende taal van zichzelf vind ten opzichte van het Engels, dit is echt knap.)

45
'En ze had gelijk. Ik wilde altijd frietjes.'
Same, bro. Same.

92
Gammy girlsbossing the sexy siren style by not giving in to the absolute urge to pursue his attention: als 'ie niet hapt is het niet zijn lokaas - en is hij niet je vis.
Mentale notitie gemaakt.

94
'Alle dingen bloeien als ze er klaar voor zijn.'

95
'Ongehuilde tranen die in glitter veranderden.'

'Hoe het gras door de verse aarde is gegroeid waaronder hij begraven ligt. Hoe de natuur altijd wint.'

133
'Er zit een tederheid in die jij haar biedt. Een tederheid die zij jou biedt. En inmiddels weet ik dat dat een van de sexyste dingen is die er bestaan.'

134
'Ik ga alleen zeggen dat je eerlijk moet zijn. Tijdens de tedere én de vervelende momenten.'

156
Opa die zegt dat vaders zoons nu blijkbaar eenmaal dolgraag vertellen dat ze hun wilde haren moeten kwijtraken. Tot ze uitgeraasd zijn en klaar om te settelen. Maar dat dit onzin is:

'Ik zeg niet wat je wel of niet moet doen, kleinzoon. Het is jouw leven. Ik zeg alleen dat je altijd naar meer blijft verlangen.'

Sommige mannen van vijftig zouden baat hebben bij de Grandy van Neon, just saying. Crying.

167
🥲

169
'Maar dit is geen film.
Dit is het echte leven. En het begin van een bijzonder, gewoon verhaal waarin twee mensen elkaar ontmoeten en samen proberen er iets moois van te maken, met het risico er een zooitje van te maken.'
💛


---
Voor het lezen

Een LIEFDESVERHAAL door Jason Reynolds? Vertaald door Maria Postema? Say no more, Let's GO.

[Leslie - Shobizreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reynolds takes his lyrical, masterful storytelling and invites us into a story about first love. The main character is a black teen, Neon. This is a story about a teen couple two years into dating and about to finally have sex.

Reynolds doesn’t give us the stereotypical teen story of list without thought. Rather he shows us a protagonist who is nerves and excited for this next step but then takes us back to the moments that lead to him feeling ready - conversations with different adults in his life covering consent, relationships and what a healthy sexual relationship should look like.

This is definitely content for older teens but I love what he did here by giving us a healthier and more positive outlook on what young love looks like. And his storytelling is always off the charts. The audiobook version is especially good.

[Haylee Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Reynolds never fails to impress me!! Everything I’ve read by him has been so different from the previous thing I read. Twenty-Four Seconds From Now is a YA romance that openly talks about sex in an authentic way, which is my favorite thing about Jason Reynolds. He knows how to write a book from the perspective of a teenager without it sounding weird and forced. This is so good and so needed for teens!!! Such a healthy representation of friendships, relationships, and conversations between family and friends. Thanks Libro.fm for the ALC!
Also absolutely love Guy Lockard once again narrating this. He is the best!

[Shelby (allthebooksalltheways) · Rating 5 out of 5]

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

Thank you #partners @simon.audio & @librofm for my #gifted ALC 💛

Twenty-Four Seconds From Now...
Jason Reynolds
Available October 7th

For the past decade, you could find Jason Reynolds' books on both of my kids' bookshelves. But these last few years, he's made his way onto my shelves as well. He's one of the few children/teen/YA novelists on my auto-read list.

Twenty-Four Seconds From Now is unlike Reynolds' other books; this one is a LOVE story, and is told in reverse. It starts with two highschool seniors, Neon and Aria, who are about to take their two-year-long relationship to the next level. Neon is nervous, but he's prepared, thanks to the guidance he's received from his loving and supportive family. Neon and Aria's story unfolds backwards throughout the novel, paralleled with insightful and tender moments with Neon's family.

This book is a gem, and a much-needed addition to YA lit that really highlights healthy sexual relationships between young adults, and the necessity of open communication between teens and their family members. This book tips toxic masculinity on its head and encourages young men to experience their full range of emotions.

🎧 The audiobook is narrated by Guy Lockard. Lockhard's voice is very mature, and I wondered if it would negatively impact my experience, but it absolutely did not. 😊 He really captures the essence of the story and characters, and delivers a wonderful performance from start to finish.

I've read several of Jason Reynolds' books, but this might be his best yet. 💛

📌 Available Oct 7th

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[Janssen]

This has been called things like "Forever for a new generation" but this was 10x better than Forever.

[Jackie Khalilieh]

I am moving this up the TBR because it sounds incredible.

[Lizan]

Och, dat einde!!! 🥰🥰

Nu al zin om dit onder de neus van mijn zoon te schuiven als-ie 16 is.

[Tonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this little book. Such a great message to young people about what a healthy teen relationship looks like. It is about a sweet relationship between high school students Neo and Aria, told from his point of view. They've been together for a couple of years and are considering having sex. It is evident they genuinely love and appreciate each other This next step is not taken lightly. They want to make sure they are both ready for it. Although Neon's parents accidently found out he and Aria are considering this big step, they were a great example of how parents can approach the topic and make it a valuable conversation. This story will capture your heart and leave a smile on your face.

[Kary H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason Reynolds is 100% magic. I didn’t want this book to end, but when it did, it was perfect.

[Tamara York · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic on several different levels. First, it's just a great story with Reynold's signature writing blowing me away, as per usual. The book goes backwards 24 seconds, 24 minutes, 24 days, and 24 months to tell the story of a relationship. Second, this is the story of a couple on the brink of taking the next step. I don't know of any other book that takes the male side of first love and the nervousness of the First Time. I think that this book is so important for teens (especially boys) to read. I bought a copy for my son. Neon, our main character, gets good advice from his older sister, mother, and father...and some questionable advice from his friend. He navigates this emotional step in a very real way. This is a teen boy in a healthy relationship with very real emotions and love for his girlfriend, Aria. This point of view and storyline were missing in books and I'm so glad that Reynolds has put this book out there. It was really, really good.
Side note: I read this right after The Genius of Judy Blume purely by accident. That book discusses the importance of books about these types of milestones in young people's lives. Reynolds continues Blume's mission, but with much, much better writing and narrative voice.

[Shakila (BooksandThemes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @simon.audio for my gifted audiobook!


💭This book was so sweet and perfect! It immediately grabs your attention with the first few pages showing Neo’s most vulnerable moments. I loved how Reynolds shows the boy being nervous and not just the girl as you typically see in these situations. Rarely do you get a book from the vulnerability and perspective of the guys in these instances. This 17 year old is smack dab in the awkward moments of his FIRST time with his girlfriend and we hear his inner most thoughts before- IT happens! We are then taken back to see how he got there and what’s going in his life. His family was everything. So open and transparent with their talks just the way it should be. I think how his family talked to him about his relationship and their own past relationships was so great! Kids need healthy discussions like this. I loved how his mother and grandmother talked to him. I also loved how his month took him on dates to show him how he should treat a lady. That was so endearing and sweet! Her explanations too… loved!

🎧I listened to this on audio and it was so good! It was short and to the point and gave what it needed to! I highly recommend!