Twenty-Four Seconds from Now by Jason Reynolds

There’s something magical about those moments leading up to a big first. The anticipation, the nervousness, the excitement – it all swirls together in a cocktail of emotion that’s hard to put into words. But somehow, Jason Reynolds manages to capture that whirlwind perfectly in his latest YA novel, “Twenty-Four Seconds from Now.”

This isn’t your typical saccharine teen romance. Reynolds brings his signature style – raw, honest, and deeply human – to tell a story that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Through the eyes of our endearingly awkward protagonist Neon, we get an unfiltered look at young love, family dynamics, and the sometimes messy process of growing up.

Plot Summary: A Countdown to Connection

The story unfolds through a series of moments, counting down to Neon and Aria’s big night:

• 24 months ago: Neon meets Aria when her dog chases him around a church parking lot
• 24 weeks ago: Neon’s dad gives him “the talk” about tenderness and intimacy
• 24 days ago: Neon’s mom finds her bra in his room (he was practicing unhooking it!)
• 24 minutes ago: Neon leaves work at his dad’s bingo hall, bringing Aria her favorite chicken tenders
• Right now: Neon’s locked in Aria’s bathroom, freaking out about what’s about to happen

It’s a clever structure that builds anticipation while also giving us glimpses into Neon’s past and how his relationship with Aria has developed. Reynolds masterfully weaves together these moments to create a rich tapestry of Neon’s life, family, and community.

Characters: Authentic and Unforgettable

Neon: Our Lovably Awkward Hero

Neon is the kind of protagonist you can’t help but root for. He’s smart, thoughtful, and head-over-heels for Aria. But he’s also insecure, overthinks everything, and is terrified of dogs. His internal monologue is a constant stream of anxiety, self-doubt, and attempts at psyching himself up. It’s cringey at times, but in the most relatable way possible.

Aria: More Than Just “The Girlfriend”

While the story is told from Neon’s perspective, Aria emerges as a fully-realized character in her own right. She’s brilliant, creative, and has a complicated relationship with her mom. Reynolds avoids the trap of making her a mere object of Neon’s affection—she has her own dreams, fears, and quirks that make her feel real and three-dimensional.

The Supporting Cast: A Rich Community

From Neon’s wise-cracking sister Nat to his bingo-calling dad, from Aria’s musical family to Neon’s eclectic group of friends, the secondary characters add depth and humor to the story. Special shout-out to Denzel Jeremy Washington, Aria’s yappy little dog who becomes an unexpected catalyst in Neon and Aria’s relationship.

Themes: More Than Just a Love Story

While the countdown to Neon and Aria’s first time is the central plot, Reynolds weaves in several important themes:

• Family dynamics and generational wisdom
• The importance of communication in relationships
• Balancing individual identity with being part of a couple
• Dealing with anxiety and self-doubt
• The complexities of growing up and becoming your own person

Tackling “The Talk” with Humor and Heart

One of the book’s strengths is how it approaches sex and intimacy. Reynolds doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness, but he also doesn’t treat it as a joke. The conversations Neon has with his parents are both cringe-inducing and genuinely helpful. It’s refreshing to see a YA novel tackle this topic with such honesty and nuance.

Writing Style: Reynolds at His Best

If you’ve read any of Jason Reynolds’ previous work (like “Long Way Down” or “All American Boys”), you know he has a knack for capturing authentic teen voices. “Twenty-Four Seconds from Now” is no exception. Neon’s narration feels incredibly real – it’s meandering, full of pop culture references, and peppered with the kind of random thoughts that pop into your head when you’re nervous.

Stream-of-Consciousness Storytelling

The book is written in a stream-of-consciousness style that mirrors Neon’s racing thoughts. It takes a minute to get used to, but once you’re in Neon’s head, it’s hard to get out. Reynolds uses this technique to great effect, especially in moments of high anxiety or emotion.

Humor That Hits Home

Despite dealing with some heavy topics, the book is laugh-out-loud funny in places. Reynolds has a gift for finding humor in everyday situations, from Neon’s attempts to unhook a bra to his friend Dodie’s ridiculous antics at the bingo hall.

Critiques: A Few Minor Stumbles

While “Twenty-Four Seconds from Now” is a strong addition to Reynolds’ bibliography, it’s not without its flaws:

• Pacing issues: The non-linear structure, while clever, can sometimes make the story feel disjointed. Some readers might find it hard to keep track of the timeline.
• Underdeveloped subplots: A few interesting threads, like Neon’s filmmaking aspirations, feel a bit neglected in favor of the main love story.
• Limited perspective: While Neon is a great narrator, there are times when getting Aria’s perspective might have added depth to their relationship.
• Occasionally repetitive: Neon’s anxiety spirals, while realistic, can sometimes feel like they’re covering the same ground.

Comparisons: Standing Out in the YA Romance Crowd

“Twenty-Four Seconds from Now” joins a long line of YA novels dealing with first love and sexual awakening. It shares DNA with books like:

• “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell
• “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green
• “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han

However, Reynolds’ unique voice and the focus on the male perspective set this book apart. It’s less about grand romantic gestures and more about the small, awkward, real moments that make up a relationship.

Final Thoughts: A Tender, Honest Look at Young Love

“Twenty-Four Seconds from Now” is a testament to Jason Reynolds’ ability to capture the teen experience in all its messy glory. It’s a book that will make you laugh, cringe, and maybe even tear up a little. Most importantly, it feels real in a way that many YA romances don’t.

Is it perfect? No. But like first love itself, it’s beautiful in its imperfections. Reynolds has given us a story that treats teens with respect, acknowledges their fears and desires, and ultimately celebrates the awkward, fumbling journey of growing up and falling in love.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Teens looking for an honest, relatable story about first love
• Fans of Jason Reynolds’ previous work
• Anyone who appreciates YA novels that don’t talk down to their audience
• Readers who enjoy stories with strong family dynamics and friendships

Content Warnings

While the book handles these topics sensitively, readers should be aware that it contains discussions of sex, mild language, and some family conflict.

The Bottom Line

Jason Reynolds has done it again, delivering a coming-of-age story that’s as awkward, funny, and touching as first love itself. “Twenty-Four Seconds from Now” is a countdown worth experiencing—just maybe don’t read it while eating chicken tenders.