Another amazing book fron Jason Reynolds! Definetly high school and above due to content. If you are in Texas, probably not going to pass at school libraries.

Absolutely adored this book! These kinds of readings are so important, especially now! A lot of boys this age need more books like this.

Hello friends! Today’s ARC review features another book by someone who is quickly climbing the ranks of my favorite authors of all time: Jason Reynolds. Twenty-Four Seconds from Now: A Love Story by Jason Reynolds is a coming-of-age young adult novel that follows Neon, a high school senior boy, as he prepares to take the next significant step with his girlfriend, Aria.

I’ve mentioned Jason Reynolds a few times on my blog, so it should be no surprise that I wanted to pick up his latest release. I’ve read one of Jason Reynolds’ other books in the past: Long Way Down. I actually read it every year when I teach it to my sophomores, and it has been such a pleasant addition to my curriculum. Though Twenty-Four Seconds from Now is only the second book I’ve read by Reynolds, I have five more waiting for me in my classroom library.

My Review:

I’ll be honest—when I first read the blurb and realized this story centers around a teen preparing to lose his virginity, I hesitated. Not because I thought it would be explicit (there’s no on-page sex), but because, as a 28-year-old and a high school teacher, I wasn’t sure how awkward I would feel reading about this scenario. And in a way, I did feel a slight detachment from the characters. But that doesn’t mean the story didn’t hit me hard.

The Writing
First of all, the structure of the story is one of my favorite aspects of the book. I’m a sucker for a unique timeline, and this was excellently executed. The story is divided into different timelines, starting at “Now” before moving on to the following time periods: 24 minutes before, 24 hours before, 24 days before, 24 weeks before, and finally, 24 months before. The structure allows the reader to gain more context for certain situations, and Reynolds does a phenomenal job of showing why characters make the decisions they do. I even went back to reread a couple of scenes after gaining more context. It really allowed me to understand Neon even more.

The Characters
Jason Reynolds’s biggest strength is his voice. Every book I’ve read by him puts me immediately into the head of his main character. Neon’s vulnerability and awkwardness are shown from the beginning, making it makes it easier to empathize with his character. Neon’s interactions with his friends and family also added depth to his character. He very obviously cared about everyone in his life. The moments between Neon and his girlfriend, Aria, are sweet, showing exactly how many teenage relationships are: subtle, awkward, and endearing. There’s no drama; just two teens navigating something big, with all the insecurity that comes with it.

A major theme running throughout this novel is identity. Neon, Aria, and their friends are seniors, wrapping up high school while working on the yearbook. Neon, in particular, is really struggling with the idea of what his life will be like after graduation: What does love look like? Will we still be “us” when we’re not in the same hallways every day? What do you do when the only world you’ve ever known—high school—is ending? All of these questions frame the story, and they add so much more depth to Neon’s experiences. Not only that, but I think a lot of teenagers will relate to all of these fears.

The Importance
This book is not only important for teens, but I also think it is important for parents. It explores a dynamic between the son and parents that can sometimes be lost in media. When I was in high school, my parents did not know how to talk to me about sex. It was more of a “we won’t actually talk about it because you’re never going to do it” kind of talk.

The parents in Twenty-Four Seconds From Now approached the conversations with their son in a healthy way. Neon’s parents don’t forbid him from doing anything. Instead, they talk to him about the situation, being open and honest about the possibilities and outcomes.

There’s a scene where Neon’s mom tries to talk to him in the middle of a diner, and his secondhand embarrassment is so relatable, I had to laugh. The scene showed support from his parents while also keeping the awkwardness of “the talk” (because let’s be real, it doesn’t matter how close you are with your parents, that is going to be a little awkward).

Overall Thoughts
Jason Reynolds has a talent for writing authentic characters in authentic situations. Everything that happened in this book felt like it would actually happen in real life. Would I have connected to this more if I were still a teenager? Probably. But that doesn’t change the fact that this is a beautifully told story, and an important one, especially for teens figuring out how to navigate love and identity.

Whether you’re a teen, a parent, a teacher, or just someone who appreciates YA novels, Twenty-Four Seconds from Now is worth your time.

Final Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Amazing book! A uniquely structured novel that handles such an important and sensitive topic in a caring way.

Twenty-Four Seconds from Now... by Jason Reynolds is everything you’d expect from Jason Reynolds: brilliant, honest, and so, so needed.

This short but powerful story follows Neon, a teen boy who’s 24 seconds away from a big first with his girlfriend, Aria. The book moves backward through time—24 seconds, 24 minutes, 24 hours—showing us how Neon got to this moment. It’s smart, funny, awkward, and deeply real.

What makes this book so special is how it talks about sex in a way that feels honest, respectful, and free from all the toxic, over-the-top nonsense that usually shows up in stories aimed at teen boys. Neon’s fears, his thoughts about consent, his mom’s amazing (and hilarious) “talk”—it all matters. It’s the kind of book that fills a gap I didn’t even realize existed but clearly Jason Reynolds did.

This is a must-read—whether you’re a teen guy, a parent, or just someone who cares about stories that show love, respect, and real emotions.

OMG this was the sweetest love story! And having the persepctive of the boy and showing his feelings and nervousness was precious. Definitely recommending to my students.

I'm never sure what to write about Jason's books, because I can't imagine there is someone out there who doesn't love them. I was excited to see him writing a romance, especially from a male perspective, which is exactly what we all needed. Great story, great characters.

Twenty - Four Seconds From Now.... deals with the concept of intimacy in a way that is comfortable and approachable for teens. The couple is sweet and the main character feels real. I think this is another well written book, with relatable characters that teens can see themselves in.

There's no one writing YA like Jason Reynolds, and that's on full display in his latest, a smart, sweet, hopeful book about a boy about to take a big step in his relationship. The book's inventive narrative structure helps propel the story forward even as we experience some of the novel's events in almost real-time. A strong cast of characters helps round out the book and gives it so much of its humor and charm. It's impossible not to root for these characters and hope for the best. Realistic, authentic, with tons of teen appeal. Highly recommended for library and classroom shelves.

liked how it puts much thought into a boy's first time even if he's not thinking about it. It could be five stars but alas don't like lovey stories esp teen ones, and this one didn't change my mind

Jason Reynolds sucessfully captures the angst and joy of young love through the eyes of a young man on this journey of firsts.

This story counts back through the relationship of these two teenagers in snapshots. I could have read a longer novel that filled in some of the gaps left by the time jumps but I enjoyed the structure of this story for what it was and it accomplishes a lot within the structure. A perfect short love story for teenagers.

I really don't understand why i am not hearing more about this book. Jason Reynolds gives us a viewpoint of teenage relationships that we rarely see-that of the boy in a cis-gendered relationship. Neon and Aria are a solid couple who are about to take a big step in their commitment to one another. Told with honesty, humor and a great story, Twenty-Four Seconds from now is a tender portrayal of first love, first time, and all tha go with those. I plan on putting this into the hands of my teenage male relatives. This one is an instant classic.

I love Jason Reynolds and have MANY of his titles in my middle school library. I was sad that this title is a little too mature to "fit." I do appreciate the the message of respect and consent. I appreciate the care in the relationship. I did not enjoy the format of the story telling based on counting time back, but that was a personal preference. I think it could be appealing of readers who are interested in less traditional storytelling styles.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an e-ARC of Twenty-Four Seconds from Now by Jason Reynolds.
Twenty-Four Seconds from Now is the story of a boy thinking about his first sexual encounter that is about to occur. The story goes back to prior events as he contemplates the decision he is making. This book is an important book for kids to read. It stresses that being thoughtful about sexual decisions is key to self awareness, and thoughtfulness for the other person. As a librarian, this book will be difficult to recommend, but I am glad it is on our shelves.

I was so excited for this novel to come out that I immediately bought three copies for my classroom library. Jason Reynolds is an important and needed voice in the YA community. This novel only added to his already amazing bibliography of work!! This novel talks about sex for the first time from a male point of view and is a needed book for any romance reader. Neon quickly became my favorite protagonist, and I wish I could read more from his point of view.

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.