Twenty-Four Seconds from Now…
By: Jason Reynolds
Genre: YA, Romance
Number of Pages: 256
Published: October 8, 2024
Publisher: Atheneum / Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Dates Read: September 1, 2024
Format: ARC / Paperback

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