Early Departures by Justin A. Reynolds - Starting November 3rd 2020

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Justin A. Reynolds, author of Opposite of Always, delivers another smart, funny, and powerful stand-alone YA contemporary novel, with a speculative twist in which Jamal’s best friend is brought back to life after a freak accident . . . but they only have a short time together before he will die again.

Jamal’s best friend, Q, doesn’t know he’s about to die . . . again.

He also doesn’t know that Jamal tried to save his life, rescuing him from drowning only to watch Q die later in the hospital. Even more complicated, Jamal and Q haven’t been best friends in two years—not since Jamal’s parents died in a car accident, leaving him and his sister to carry on without them. Grief swallowed Jamal whole, and he blamed Q for causing the accident.

But what if Jamal could have a second chance? An impossible chance that would grant him the opportunity to say goodbye to his best friend? A new health-care technology allows Q to be reanimated—brought back to life like the old Q again. But there’s a catch: Q will only reanimate for a short time before he dies . . . forever.

Jamal is determined to make things right with Q, but grief is hard to shake. And he can’t tell Q why he’s suddenly trying to be friends with him again. Because Q has no idea that he died, and Q’s mom is not about to let anyone ruin the miracle by telling him. How can Jamal fix his friendship with Q if he can’t tell him the truth?

[Katie]

I haven't started this one yet...just seeing how everyone else is doing?

[Nicole]

Katie wrote: "I haven't started this one yet...just seeing how everyone else is doing?"

I'm joining and I'm on chapter 25 (it counts backward)

[Nicole]

Chapter 8 (view spoiler)[ I love this book. I can't believe they actually met Kendrick (sorry if the name is spelled wrong.) In this book, they put Quincy back to life after a swimming accident. I love Autumn so much. Jamal gets an idea to go to Kendrick's show and have Quincy meet Kendrick. At first, it was hard to read and boring but by now I love this book so much. (hide spoiler)]

[Nicole]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Overall I would give the book five stars. I loved it when they met Kendrick. I also loved Autumn. I didn't like it when Quincy died cuz it was sad. Overall I would give it five stars. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Oh!! I'm excited to read your spoilers! :) :)

[Katie]

Chapter 60- (view spoiler)[ They just got to the part where they went through the procedure to bring back Qunicy...I'm really enjoying this so far and I love the premise of this book! I also enjoy hearing about the past events in short little chapters. It's easy to piece together everything without it being overly explained. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Chapter 40- (view spoiler)[ I really like the relationship between Jamal and his sister. And I'm glad Jamal and Qunicy are starting to work things out! I can tell this is going to be a terribly sad ending! (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Chapter 33- (view spoiler)[ The "Carpet Denim" story at the Greenhouse was very moving :( (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Nicole wrote: "Finished [spoilers removed]"

I'm so glad you loved it!! (view spoiler)[ I also was so excited the got onto the comedy show!!!!!!! (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Katie wrote: "Chapter 60- [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ This book gave me so many vibes of The Vanishing Deep but less dystopian haha (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

69 (view spoiler)[ I really want to know what happened to make this rift between Jamal and Quincy, they seemed like such good friends. I really hope they can make it right. (hide spoiler)]

47 (view spoiler)[ OMG 🥺🥺🥺 That audio message was so raw. I think Jamal may finally be opening up and ready to start his journey to heal. I only hope Q is willing to help him (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

25 (view spoiler)[ I'm glad they told Quincy. I'm so sad he only has 24 ish hours left, but I hope he spends them well 🥺. I love that Jamal is finally taking responsibility for his actions and working to do better intentionally. The scene between Q and his mom was super touching but also just murdered my soul. (hide spoiler)]

Finished (view spoiler)[ I definitely cried at the end. It was just so raw. But I loved seeing Whitney give birth and be surrounded by everyone she loves. I am soft (hide spoiler)]