Nobody writes like Jason Reynolds. He creates realistic, compelling characters with issues that teens actually care about. Like teenage hormones, relationships, and changes on the horizon as college looms in the future. I loved the way Jason Reynolds used a bit of a zoom out effect, telling a story, then backing up to the day before, then the week before, then the month, and finally year before. It told the story in reverse, but made the present moment even more special. It was a modern day true love story that mimics his grandparents' true love story. Even his sister, who seems to go from guy to guy has her own true love story waiting in the wings. Every love story is unique in this book, and teens will love this.

I love Jason Reynolds' writing! I will continue to read what he puts out! This was a great story and perfect for high school students if you are an English teacher.

This was a really unique take on a novel format where each chapter goes a little further back in time, all of it leading to the "now" moment at the very end. We meet a lot of characters and learn from most of them as we go and it's a very fast-paced read. I was expecting a faster one because I thought it was a novel in verse, but I'm not mad about it. It's a great story that teens should definitely pick up.

Full disclosure, I have met Jason Reynolds and like him both as a writer and a person. This tender young adult romance, with loving parents who know just what to say and when, is well written, with great characters and just what I would have wanted to read as a teen. The number twenty-four runs through the storyline starting with twenty-four seconds before, then minutes before, then hours, days…you get it, with the final chapter returning to the present. Clever. Neon and Aria are having their first time together after waiting two years and knowing they are both ready, and through the timing device the reader learns of and experiences their love story. (Soap box time…) While never explicit, never vulgar, or with no real violence, Twenty-four Seconds from Now… is sure to hit the faux Christian banned books lists because it is by a Black author, about Black teens, and is about their love and their first time. I wish every teen would read this to see a healthy family model and a healthy teen relationship, so, please, get this one for your kids - but read it for yourself too.

Listen, I love Jason Reynolds. I'll read whatever he writes (even if it's a carbon copy of the phone book) and enjoy it. I was so excited to get an advanced copy of this novel. Did I love it? No. However, I also realized very early on that this book was not written for me.

In my opinion, this story isn't really one of those generation-spanning tales that appeal to both adults and teens. This one is for teens. As an adult, I felt like an outsider looking into a conversation I did not want to be a part of. Do I think this book is important and absolutely should be available for teens? Yes. I'm totally fine with teens getting the talk from Jason Reynolds. In fact, many of them need it because maybe they don't have other adults they feel comfortable asking. There were so many depictions of really healthy conversations about sex and how to treat your partner. Teens need to see this stuff.

As far as teens reading this for choice reading? Ehhhh. I'm torn. This feels like a read-this-at-home novel to me. Do I want to think about them reading it in my classroom? No. Would I recommend they read it in their own time? Yes.

So, there you have it. The novel was just fine reading it as an adult, but honestly it gave me the ick a bit. I know teens have sex. I understand that. I do not want to read about it with any details whatsoever. I'm very glad this book exists, but in the classroom? Ehhh. You'll have to make that decision for your own students. Grades 9 and up.

Thanks to netgalley for the ARC! I love just about anything Jason Reynolds, as do my students. This one didn’t disappoint. The love story of Aria and Neon is told in reverse, and I loved that twist on the tale as you have to work backwards and kind of piece some things together. I also enjoyed that this book was told from Neon’s point of view, which is rare. It’s a story of sweet, young love, complicated family relationships, full and interesting characters, and love and respect in teens. While it dos cover the subject of teen sexuality, it’s done very well and with some humor. I was worried how it would be handled as I have teenagers and work with teenagers in my teaching job and didn’t want to feel uncomfortable reading it, but I was impressed. It seemed and read “very real” and showed respect and affection and two kids just feeling like they were ready for “the next step.” I would just recommend this book for slightly older YA readers. Overall, it was a really enjoyable read I couldn’t put down, and I was excited to see where it would go back in time as I got to the next section. If you’re a Reynolds fan, this one won’t disappoint. FYI profanity, teen sexuality topics, family struggles

5 stars

Jason Reynolds has done it again.

Readers can always expect great, developed characters, well-paced action, and a creative structure in Reynolds's books, and this newest novel is no exception. This one features Neon and Aria, and throughout the novel, readers dig into their relationship, including a number of pivotal moments (as well as some painfully embarrassing ones that are certain to make more experienced readers crack up).

I really enjoy Reynolds's depiction of the romantic relationship between these characters. It feels authentic and age appropriate, and it'll also be useful and instructional for contemporary readers. The relationship is healthy; there is good communication, a lot of uncertainty, and a fair amount of mutual stumbling.

The structure makes this read even more unique and speeds up the pacing. Whether we're 24 seconds, days, weeks, or months out from a specific event or memory, readers get the opportunity to chart important moments in the characters' lives and relationship.

I can't get enough of Jason Reynolds, and my students always agree. I can't wait to share this one with future groups.

24 Seconds From Now was a nicely done coming of age romance that highlighted losing your virginity in a very tasteful way. Neon and Aria were such a cute couple. I enjoyed that the story was told from the perspective of a young boy, not how it usually is from the girl’s perspective. His conversation with his mom was too funny and very realistic. I love how considerate he was toward Aria. I would recommend my students read this book.

This is a really cute coming of age story. It introduces us to Neon and his girlfriend, Aria. After dating for two years, they are ready to take their relationship to a deeper level. Neon is so nervous. He can’t get out of his own head enough to enjoy the moment. While he’s freaking out in the bathroom, he starts to relive the path that got him to that moment with Aria. In a clever twist, he presents their courtship in reversed order. He tells us about their love story twenty-four minutes ago, twenty-four days ago, twenty-four weeks ago, and twenty-four months ago.

Through Neon’s recollection of those timeframes, he introduces us to his circle of family and friends. His parents and older sister are loving and supportive. His friend group is eclectic and diverse. They managed to fit together perfectly. Aria’s home life isn’t as harmonious, but it is unique. It’s so much fun to see the evolution of the relationship between Aria and Neon. He’s able to compare it to his grandparents relationship which proves to be enlightening. Their story is funny and entertaining. I couldn’t help but to root for them.

Jason Reynolds is such an amazing storyteller. I love his unconventional way of presenting a timeline. This was a solid four star read for me. Thank you to NetGalley, Simon and Schuster, and Jason Reynolds for this advanced copy for me to review. #TwentyFourSecondsFromNow #NetGalley

This is a raw story of an intimate moment of when a young boy and girl want to take the next step in their relationship.
The unique style of writing of working back 24 secs, 24 hours, 24 days, etc It makes it an interesting read and allows us to see how Aria and Neon started a relationship and led to them wanting to make it more intimate and special.

The thoughts and feelings of a young man moving to this next step. I’m sure many young men have similar thoughts.

Once again Jason Reynolds wrote an awesome book that teens can relate to. I loved the concept too. It was very different going backward with the story instead of forward. It made it so different to follow but it was a nice change to read the story. I loved reading about a positive look at having teen sex. I really liked having a positive POV from the male teen on friends, sex, high school, and beyond.

A must-have for all libraries!


Possible Spoiler Alerts
I loved how Neon's parents talked to him about having sex. Neon needed to use protection. He needed to treat Aria, his girlfriend as a person, not just a body. He needed to think of her needs too, not just his pleasure, and so on.


@jasonreynolds83 #jasonreynolds83 #TwentyFourSecondsFromNow... #SchoolLibrarians #SchoolLibrary #PublicLibrarians #PublicLibrary #YALit
#Netgalley #ReadBooks #Read #ReadJasonReynoldsBooks

Love Jason Reynolds. I could not put down Twenty-Four Seconds from now! It was so sweet and the format was unique and engaging. Twenty-four months ago Neon and Aria first met, and we're counting down until the big moment they take the next step in their relationship.

Twenty-four months ago: Neon gets chased by a dog at his grandfather’s funeral. He’d love to forget that moment, but not the dog’s owner, Aria…

Twenty-four weeks ago: Neon’s dad talks to him about tenderness and intimacy. Neon and Aria definitely love each other, and are talking about taking the next big step.

Twenty-four days ago: Neon’s mom finds her bra in his room. The hooks are complicated! He figured he’d need to practice, especially since the special day is only a month away.

Twenty-four minutes ago: Neon leaves his shift at his dad’s bingo hall, chicken tenders for Aria in a bag. They’re not caviar, but they’re her favorite.

Right this second? Neon is locked in Aria’s bathroom, mid panic attack because twenty-four seconds from now, he and Aria are about to… well… they won’t do anything if Neon can’t get out of his head!

Oh my goodness, I really enjoyed this novel. A book from the guy’s perspective about doing “it” for the first time. But also, this is about healthy Black teens, in a healthy relationship, talking about and discussing sex in a healthy and positive manner with members of their family and friends - though of course there are some friends who may over exaggerate what it is they’ve actually done.

Every conversation Neon had with members of his family, though he may have been hesitant to voice his anxiety and fears, his family was always very supportive and honest with him. His sister corrects misconceptions and emphasizes communication. His mom talks about allowing himself feelings and for checking Aria’s as well (in such a funny way). And his dad talks about his relationship with his mom and how he’s made mistakes, some from advice from bad role models, and how he wants better for Neon.

Overall, this novel is a sweet story about young love and first times, filled with awkwardness, reassurance, and anxiety. I can definitely see this becoming one of those staple coming-of-age novels like Judy Blume’s Forever.

*Thank you Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

This book is an important addition to the collection of coming of age stories as they relate to sex and relationships specifically. The short format and realistic dialog make it an easy read for teens. The natural way that issues of consent, thoughtful partnership, and respect are integrated was very well done. The modeling of family and friend roles in helping a young person navigate this milestone were touching to see and hopefully something that will replicate or provide the experience for readers who need it.

There were parts that felt out of joint and made it hard to follow the ideas of the book. And I wanted a little more information about the actual experience between Neon and Aria, but overall this was a strong read.

A sweet and realistic slice-of-life story. Reynolds fills a gap in YA publishing with a thoughtful perspective of a boy in a healthy teenage relationship.

I love this because it's Jason Reynolds. I love this because I loved Neon. But I struggle with this only because I know I won't ever be able to put this in my library. This is like... Judy Blume's Forever except Black and from the male perspective. I love the story, and while I don't normally love a story that is told in reverse order, this one actually worked for me. But while on page sex next happens, the entire story is basically building up to it. There are a lot of sex-positive talks, especially from Neon's parents, and I loved that. I truly think this was a great, quick read. It just sucks because I know, based on my state's stupid laws, that I won't be able to put it on my shelves anytime soon

I love this book, and in my head I can hear the author, Jason Reynolds, reading it. Neon and Aria have decided to take their relationship to the next level, this is a step that is two years in the making and not a decision made lightly. The growth of their relationship is told in reverse order and told with characters and family who feel like they are real, even the traumatized little dog, who traumatized others has a part to play. I love how every member of the family communicates their own feelings to Neon and he listens to them. If you speak honestly and with love, others hear you.
I am in a state that will probably challenge the story, but I will be purchasing it for my high school students. They need to read about building relationships and the decisions that go with that relationship. They need to see themselves in books about making those decisions and how family is important. FYI, there is no detailed sex in the story, but there are some discussions about sex, both of Neon’s parents give him good advice.

The unique telling of this story drew me in and kept me reading! It started now, and then slowly moved backward in time to tell how this moment came to be. I appreciated how that helped me to understand the characters and the events of the story. Jason Reynolds is a master at finding new and innovative ways to tell a story! I also appreciated the care he took with this topic - a young person’s first sexual experience was treated as a coming-of-age event rather than something that just happened. I think many teens and young adults will connect to this story and these characters.

Twenty-four seconds from now... is the story of high school senior, Neon, and this book is a love story told in reverse, starting with right now, in increments of twenty-four (24 hours, 24 days, etc.), and finally twenty-four months before that when he and Aria meet for the first time at his grandfather's funeral. Our story starts when Neon is in the bathroom very nervous, because he and Aria are getting ready to have sex for the first time. Also there's moments with his family and friends. This story is told from a male perspective, a love story about relationships, commitment, choices, sex and all the accompanying emotions. I recommend this anticipated release for teens who are 16 or older, and adults.

I am a fan of Jason Reynolds' work and even have appreciated the time I was able to see him speak to our community and students, so I was excited to receive this ARC of Twenty-Four Seconds from Now. This book will take students in a direction that they have not seen from Reynolds before. It focuses on the main character Neon, a teen boy who is about to take his relationship with his girlfriend Aria to the next level. Each chapter goes back in time from 24 seconds ago to 24 minutes ago, etc. The reader is introduced to Neon's family, friends, and life as time unfolds backwards through various events and conversations.

This is a charming and important book for teens, very positive and supportive in the topic and how it is handled, a wonderful story about family, friends, relationships, and more. Reynolds dives into deep questions in a way that teens can understand and relate to. That being said, as a purchase, it may be geared for an older audience depending on your school environment due to the topic, but it is an important book for all. Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for this ARC!