I really tried my best to get into this one because the plot sounded really cute and sweet to me but I just really struggled to get into the writing of this one for some reason. Maybe one day I’ll give it another try but I’m not sure.

I love Jason Reynolds and he definitely appeals to a young audience. I found this book a bit too sexy for my school culture but would recommend it for independent reading. I enjoyed the time device to tell the story.

Jason Reynolds is an American treasure. His latest YA novel is a beautiful story narrated by 17 year old Neon, about to have sex with his girlfriend Aria in 24 seconds if he can breathe and get out of his head and the bathroom he’s locked himself in. But 24 days ago, 24 weeks ago and 24 months ago we learn time frame by time frame how they met and who their supportive family members are.

In todays hook-up culture where books often mirror the conversations teens are having about their body counts for the ever growing number of people they have slept with, it was refreshing to read a story of two kids in a committed relationship who have waited for the right time and have had meaningful discussions about it with their loved ones.

Neon’s Gammie might have been my favorite character, providing wisdom and humor in her tender exchanges with him.

“Back then, a hello is all you needed. Like dropping a line in the water. Just gotta be patient and wait for the bite.”
“But what if he don’t bite?”
“Then that ain’t his bait and he ain’t yo fish.”

Will this be controversial and banned in places? You bet. But it’s what the world needs-real conversations with young men about sex. Bravo 👏🏼

I’m not a hater and I truly believe that Jason Reynolds can do ANYTHING. Still, I was uncomfortable when I heard about the premise of this book. But, Reynolds proves again that he’s the greatest and this book so so beautifully tender. Neon and Aria are mirrors for Black teens whose stories often get buried and I’m delighted to add this one to my bookshelf. I definitely shed a tear or two along the way!

This is stunning and intimate and gorgeous! It’s a little too on the nose to feel comfortable recommending to students as a teacher, but I would definitely share with parents and am so grateful a boom like this exists for teens!!

This book is excellent in its approach to centering Black boy’s journey through first love. I appreciate how Reynold’s story ebbs and flows through time masterfully. This book would be excellent for anyone wanting to read a love story or build their empathy toward young folks’ navigating complex emotions.

Twenty-Four Seconds from Now… by Jason Reynolds is a beautifully crafted story that captures the emotional depth and complexity of young love. The protagonist, Neon Benton, is on the cusp of a major decision with his girlfriend, Aria, as they reflect on their two-year relationship. What makes this novel unique is its reverse timeline, unraveling their story from the present moment back to the beginning of their bond. This structure allows readers to piece together the significant milestones and heartfelt conversations that have defined their relationship.

Reynolds writes with incredible authenticity, giving voice to the raw emotions, doubts, and joys of teenage relationships. The characters feel real and relatable, and the dialogue flows naturally, making it easy to connect with their experiences. The story also thoughtfully explores themes of consent, trust, and communication in a way that feels honest and respectful.

This is a book that doesn’t just tell a love story; it invites readers to reflect on what love means and the moments that make relationships meaningful. It’s a touching, memorable read that’s perfect for teens and adults alike."

Jason Reynolds does an excellent job approaching the sensitive subject of adolescent physical intimacy. Reynolds takes the reader back and forth between the present and different increments of time where the main character considers making the very sensitive decision with his girlfriend.

I’m glad this book exists.

It’s beautiful like all of Jason Reynolds’s works. And it shows the beauty of normalcy. And that normalcy is seen in two Black teens with two normal families. It’s unfortunately something you don’t see a lot of in YA or literature as a whole. Neon is a good kid from a good family. If this was about white teens it wouldn’t feel special. Plus Reynolds structures this in an unusual way which also makes it stand out.

This is joyful and tender. And mundane. In a good way, for the most part. It’s not my favorite Reynolds and it’s not something that had me itching to get back to. But it’s needed. And I’m happy Reynolds wrote it. I love Neon and I love Aria and I love their love.

As Reynolds says, black boys deserve love stories too.

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.

This book is perfect. Short and so sweet. Two high school seniors plan to have sex for the first time and there's no shame or blame or anything but realistic anxiety and adoration for one another. I love how Jason Reynolds plays with time in his books. Long Way Down takes place in a matter of moments. This one is 24 seconds, but with flashbacks in 24-intervals *24 seconds, minutes, days, etc.). It's wonderful. I truly hope Jason Reynolds writes more love stories. This is so tender and loving. The cast of characters is full and complete. Highly recommend!

Many thanks to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books and NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review.

Once again, Jason Reynolds hits it out of the park, on a topic that I don't think he's tackled before--romance. But it's more than romance. It's about being a good partner in a healthy relationship. While the overarching story is about a boy's first time with his girlfriend, it's so much more than that. At the beginning, Neon is a black boy who will be having his first sexual experience with his girlfriend Aria in 24 seconds and he is absolutely freaking out. The story then goes back in time to 24 months ago when he first met her to 24 weeks ago, 24 days ago, and 24 minutes ago. You really get to know Neon as he listens to advice from his friends (not always the best choice), his sister, his mother, and his father. In particular, I loved the honest conversation he had with his father--it brought me to tears. This was such a good story about what healthy relationships should look like, and it is one of those books that I will absolutely be rereading, probably on audio. I know the narrator and just know it will be phenomenal.

Highly recommended!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fresh and compelling!
Jason Reynold tackles two teenagers' first time from the perspective of a teenage boy. While I enjoyed the unique story structure of going back in time, the reverse order may not appeal to all readers. Unfortunately, as an educator, I cannot add this book to my classroom bookshelf, despite wanting to grab copies and hand them out.
Thank you, Simon & Schuster and NetGalley. for the complimentary ARC of this book.

Jason Reynolds is just incredible at writing stories. I think this book is going to be so important for teenagers, on sex, on relationships, on family. I love how this story is told showing this relationship develop to where the book first started. This is a read a book in one sitting, listen to the audiobook in a couple hours kind of book but still with impact. Jason Reynolds is a master at that from what I've read so far.

This was seriously sweet, and how nice to have perspective from the guy's side! And to have it be real and confused and all over the place. Love Mom's talk with him and the subtle love stories of the other people in the story. Whew, glad the story went back to the present just for a minute (or 24 seconds/) at the end ;) Might just buy for my 20 year old who has a serious girlfriend and he likes Jason Reynolds anyway!

This is a fresh young adult voice. I loved how the story was cleverly told using flashbacks, and think that young people will relate to this.

I love Jason Reynolds, but this book wasn't it. It's about the first time for one young man and his girlfriend. But it goes backwards instead of forwards right before the big moment. 24 minutes before. 24 hours before. 24 days before. Anyway, I found the format to be too confusing and I didn't;t like how the story kept moving backwards. There were good discussions about being prepared and consent, but the format was too much for me..

This is Jason Reynolds at his best! What an incredible take on a YA romance novel. The frank and honest conversations around a boy's first time were breathtaking. The structure was also really cool - working back in increments of 24 from the moments right before the main event. I will be recommending this as often as I can!

Thank you for this ARC.
Not a bad concept of using the number 24 and establishing a timeline. Neon and Aria are your main characters. This is a YA novel. You're at that age of love where you want to take the next step. From here, the timeline works backwards. This story is quick to read and easy to forget.
Not as impactful as Reynold's previous novels.

As much as parents don’t want to think about it, teens do have sex. One way parents can help teens make good choices is having open, honest conversations. And Twenty-Four Seconds from Now is an excellent starting point for all teens, but especially with boys.

That’s because the story unfolds from Neon’s point of view. Twenty-Four Seconds from Now is a book about relationships — parental support, strong friendships and emotional intelligence.

The story does bounce around a bit, and the chapters are longer than many are used to, but once you get used to the formatting, the flow makes sense.

Author Jason Reynolds truly understands his audience. This means his writing, though admired by adults, will speak specifically to teens.

Twenty-Four Seconds from Now is a clean romance about teens on the brink of losing virginity. It’s a thoughtful and engaging read.