Twenty Four Seconds from Now...: A Love Story

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Author(s)

Jason Reynolds

Publisher

Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books

Genre(s)

Age Range

14+

Release Date

October 08, 2024

ISBN

978-1665961271

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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!

Editor review

1 review

A Heartfelt and Honest Look at First Love and Growing UpDecem

December 30, 2024

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

Twenty Four Seconds from Now starts with Neon being locked away in Aria’s bathroom worried because in only a few seconds he and Aria are about to lose their virginity to each other. Of course, this can only happen if Neon can calm his nerves and get out of his head. This story takes you on a journey through Neon and Aria’s relationship in increments of twenty-four. We see twenty-four months ago when Neon and Aria first meet each other, twenty-four weeks ago when Neon’s dad talks to him about intimacy, twenty-four days ago when Neon’s mom talks to him about finding her bra in his room, and twenty-four minutes ago as Neon makes his way over to Aria’s house.

What I Liked: Twenty-Four Seconds from Now is a heartwarming and unique coming-of-age story told through Neon’s perspective. This book offers a refreshing take on first love, intimacy, and all of the emotions that lead up to a pivotal moment such as your first sexual encounter. Neon’s narration is endearing as he navigates his feelings and shares his love for Aria.

This book authentically portrays Neon’s relationships with Aria and his family. His parents’ open and honest approach to their conversations regarding intimacy is much appreciated. Their candidness in these moments leads to awkward and funny moments, yet it is clear how much they care for Neon. The interactions allow for a positive depiction of parental support when it comes to discussions on intimacy.

Each page shines with Neon’s love for Aria, from his conversations with others to bringing her her favorite food, chicken tenders. The backtracking of their relationship shows a natural progression and makes it easy to root for both of them. This book exemplifies the importance of communication, patience, and trust in young love.

Final Verdict: Twenty Four Seconds from Now is a heartwarming tale of a boy in love and the backstory of his nerves and the conversations taking place in his head as he is about to have his first time with his girlfriend. This book is great for adults who inevitably will have to have these conversations with their children as they grow up as well as for teenagers who are at this pivotal stage in their lives.