Jason Reynolds’ Twenty-Four Seconds From Now is a powerful and urgent exploration of time, choices, and consequences. With his signature poetic prose, Reynolds crafts a gripping narrative that delves into the weight of a single moment. The story is both timely and timeless, offering raw emotion and thought-provoking insights. Readers will be captivated by its intensity and the profound message at its core. A necessary, unflinching read that lingers long after the last page.

Stars: 4 for writer's craft, but not more because I am not sure where it fits into the classroom setting because of the content. ?? Up for discussion with classroom teachers.

My Thoughts:
This is another Jason Reynolds story. I had to read it. The premise is interesting and novel (fresh). Neon, the main character is freaking out. Twenty-four seconds from now, he and Aria are going to have sex, but he is finding it difficult to get out of the bathroom.

Like Reynold's other books like Long Way Down, and Miles Morales: Suspended, this is a novel that in real time is taking very little time (an elevator ride, or 24 seconds). The way Reynolds draws this out and pushes the narrative envelope is both dizzying and immediately engaging.

The male point of view on this very monumental moment in a young person's life is new. I am not sure if I have every read something like this. Neon is a catch. Aria is lucky.

The title lends itself to the structure as Reynolds explores Neon and Aria's story through 24 months, weeks, days, minutes and seconds. Again, he has done something similar in Long Way Down, but as a writer he continues to push his craft.

Reynolds has said in interviews that he is grateful for YA author Laurie Halse Anderson who advocated for him with her publisher and is his mentor. I feel like what he emulates from Anderson is really the ability to infuse even minor characters with full bodied voices and characteristics. The artistry in Anderson's Speak come alive in this novel.

However, here is my conundrum. As a language arts education professor who book talks only YA books to my alum and current middle and secondary teacher education candidates, my focus is on bringing diverse books into the classroom and creating a canon of literature that speaks to their very diverse students as "mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors." So where would this novel fit in? There is craft, for sure. But at the end of the day, this is not just about first love, but the focus is really on the first time. It does not judge, it does not shame, but the DO and the IT is undeniable. So yes, I can book talk this, but as far as spending their own money to get this into the classroom. . . how many and for what purpose?

From the Publishers:
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!

Publication Information:
Author: Jason Reynolds
Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books (October 8, 2024)
Print length: 253 pages

I was not sure what to expect from this book. I read it to help determine its placement (age-group) within our library. However, I love Jason Reynolds, and I trust him as a perfect author for our teenagers; Once again, he did not disappoint.

Reynold's poetic language is perfect for this important moment in the lives of the two main characters. It is handled honestly and maturely and realistically. As an adult reading the first chapter, I had to laugh as I was swept away with Reynold's creative writing. I felt as though it could have been me in the bathroom, instead of Nee, experiencing that extreme anxiety.

For younger readers, Reynolds connects with amazing writing that captures those true-to-life feelings as he turns this into a sweet and gentle story filled with very likable characters.

Thank you so much to Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books for the ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I love everything Reynolds writes and really appreciated the perspective in this one. The grace and care of this tender moment is so well crafted.

Jason Reynolds offers a unique perspective on a teenage couple. Primarily written from the male's point of view with glimpses into his thoughts and feelings at different time intervals during their coupling, Reynolds shares an entirely different angle. I have never read this POV in this first-time situation. Reynolds keeps the reader on their toes, giving just as much background as is necessary while serving as a transparent lens into the male experience. It is phenomenal. You won't be able to put it down.

This book was quite the journey. I appreciate it was deeply about relationships and family and not just those important seconds leading up to their big moment. You have to love the characters and the writing style. I look forward, as always, to the next Jason Reynolds book.

This was award winning with a Coretta Scott King Author Award....and I got to admit, I was a huge fan.

It's unique in that, really, the book is about a particular event (Neon and Aria having sex for the first time). And all of the events, the conversations, the meet cute that led to this point. What I really appreciated was all of the healthy relationships that were present in the book. Readers will learn and/or be reminded of what it means to take that step in a relationship, how you give a part of yourself, how you are to view the other person.....I found it a very health depiction of typical teen relationships.

A quick read!

Jason Reynolds' latest work is a hilarious and authentic look at the whirlwind of emotions and experiences that come with navigating first love and first intimacy. Written in a fast-paced stream-of-consciousness style, the story follows Neon, a teen boy who is both excited and terrified about the next big step with his girlfriend, Aria. Reynolds perfectly captures the awkwardness and vulnerability of adolescence, blending humor with genuine emotion as Neon reflects on his journey—from awkward encounters to heart-pounding anticipation, all while struggling to free himself from the self-imposed pressure and expectations.

The brilliance of this book lies in its honesty and relatability. Reynolds taps into the universal anxiety that comes with growing up, particularly when it comes to relationships and intimacy, making this a must-read for teens and anyone who remembers what it felt like to be on the cusp of something life-changing. With his signature wit and heartfelt storytelling, Reynolds delivers a story that is both funny and insightful, offering an unforgettable portrayal of the messiness of first love, and how sometimes the hardest part is just letting go and being in the moment.

Twenty-Four Seconds From Now by Jason Reynolds is a captivating young adult novel that masterfully captures the essence of teenage life. The book's dynamic characters and gripping storyline make it a must-read for teenage boys, as it tackles themes of time, decision-making, and the challenges of growing up. Reynolds’ eloquent writing and authentic voice resonate with young readers, offering both entertainment and valuable life lessons. This novel is not just a story but an experience that encourages introspection and inspires change.

I love Jason Reynolds! The format of this book was different...I enjoyed how the story was told almost in reverse. The back and forth between what was happening in the house to how they got there kept me turning the pages. The amount of small details that were dropped in throughout the book and picked up at the end to tie things together put a smile on my face. I will read anything Reynolds writes.

Another great novel from Jas0n Reynolds! When I was a teenager, 20 years ago, there was definitely a belief that, while girls might be nervous, sentimental, and not know what exactly to expect the first time they have sex, boys were not supposed to feel any of those things. This novel does a great job of humanizing that experience. Neon is a real, well-developed teenager with fears, concerns, and love for his girlfriend and wonderfully supportive family.

If only every teen could have a family like Neon's. His sister is there to dispel misinformation and answer the questions he can't ask Mom and Dad. His mom validates that he's growing up and puts out genuine effort to maintain open lines of communication, and his dad helps him reflect on what kind of partner he wants to be.

So much teen literature involves sex, but few books treat it as delicately or seriously as this one. Combined with such a relatable teen protagonist, Twenty-Four Seconds from Now really does fill an important space in YA lit.

4.5⭐️

Two years ago, Neon met Aria in a cemetery after being chased by her dog. Now, love has grown, advice has been given, and awkward moments (like his mom finding a bra in his room) have passed. With chicken tenders in hand and a big step ahead, Neon’s locked in Aria’s bathroom, battling insecurities. Twenty-four seconds from now, it’s time—but only if he can muster the courage to leave the bathroom.

This was a sweet look at the thoughts of a young man about to take a giant step in his relationship. Loved the chats between Neon and his mom - every boy mom should have those special times with their son. I laughed out loud listening to their chat. Neon's nervousness regarding this next big step comes across with Reynold's prose, letting the reader know it's OK to be nervous; it's ok to doubt; it's ok to talk it out.

Once again, Reynold's knocked it out of the park.

This was a simple, relatable story told (mostly) backwards. I liked seeing the main relationship develop and found all of the characters likable. It's not a twisty, suspenseful tale, which was kind of a relief. All in all, I thought it was sweet and refreshingly realistic, especially for a YA book.

I read an ARC of this book from NetGalley. All comments are my own.

ARC review of Twenty-Four Seconds from Now... Jason Reynolds has done a phenomenal job of dipping his toe in the YA world. Realistic and relatable. story of high school seniors Neon and Aria planning to take the "next step" in their relationship. A beautiful story of a young man coming of age and figuring out how to deal with real emotions as he navigates the desire to have sex for the first time. The book goes backwards 24 seconds, 24 minutes, 24 days, and 24 months to tell the story of a relationship. It's a must read for YA's and adults alike.

Although I was not the target audience for this book, I am really glad it exists. I hope lots of young people read it. It's too old for my middle school.

This was my first Jason Reynolds read not to be five stars. However, it was still a fantastic book. The relationship was beautiful and the characters felt multi-dimensional.

Neon meets Aria and they hit it off. Now 24 months later they are ready to take their relationship to the next level, physically. This is a sweet love story from a boy's perspective on what a relationship looks like.

Jason Reynolds never misses in my book. I love that this book tackled a subject that can be taboo with teenagers. I heard him speak on this and I'm so glad he wrote about a guy's first time being intimate. The relationship between him and his girlfriend seems very authentic and real. They are still very much kids, and I love that the guy is portrayed as being so thoughtful about the whole experience. They're in a committed relationship which is a great thing to be portrayed.

A love story told in reverse. I love that this is told from a teen boy's POV in the moments, days, weeks, leading up to a big romantic moment.

As much as I love this book and the topic, I'm a librarian and in today's world, I don't want to put my job at risk for this book. It's sad but true.