A Countdown to Connection
Remember your first time? The butterflies, the awkwardness, the sheer terror of it all? Jason Reynolds certainly does, and in his latest young adult novel, “Twenty-Four Seconds from Now,” he captures the exquisite agony and ecstasy of first love with humor, heart, and a refreshing dose of realism.
This isn’t your typical saccharine teen romance. Reynolds, known for tackling tough topics with grace and authenticity, brings his trademark wit and insight to the realm of young love and sexual awakening. The result is a story that’s equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, cringe-worthy and deeply relatable.
Meet Neon: Our Lovably Awkward Hero
At the center of this whirlwind is Neon, a 17-year-old Black teenager navigating the choppy waters of first love. Neon’s voice is instantly engaging—self-deprecating, observant, and achingly honest. He’s the kind of guy who practices unhooking bras using his mom’s lingerie (with hilariously disastrous results) and overthinks every interaction with his girlfriend, Aria.
Reynolds excels at capturing the stream-of-consciousness nature of teenage thoughts. Neon’s internal monologue is a delightful mess of movie references, bingo hall anecdotes, and existential musings on love and identity. It’s like being inside the head of your funniest, most insecure friend—and it’s an absolute joy to read.
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 whip-smart, creative, and dealing with her own insecurities and family drama. Their relationship feels authentic, built on inside jokes, shared experiences, and a genuine connection that goes beyond physical attraction.
Supporting Cast: A Colorful Crew
Reynolds populates Neon’s world with a vibrant cast of characters:
- Nat: Neon’s older sister and confidante, dispensing wisdom and sass in equal measure
- Gammy: The beloved grandmother with a penchant for old movies and a newly adopted, perpetually yapping dog
- Dodie: Neon’s hilariously overconfident best friend who thinks he’s God’s gift to women
- Mr. and Mrs. Benton: Neon’s parents, navigating the delicate balance of supporting their son while setting boundaries
Each character feels distinct and adds depth to Neon’s journey of self-discovery.
The Countdown Begins: A Unique Structure
Reynolds employs an inventive structure, counting down from “twenty-four months ago” to the present moment. This allows us to see the evolution of Neon and Aria’s relationship, from their meet-cute at a funeral (involving a runaway dog and a cemetery chase) to the intimate moments leading up to their planned first time together.
The non-linear timeline keeps things interesting, revealing pieces of backstory and context that enrich our understanding of the characters. It’s a clever way to build tension while still allowing for moments of reflection and growth.
Humor with Heart: Reynolds’ Secret Weapon
Make no mistake, this book is laugh-out-loud funny. Reynolds has an uncanny ability to find the absurd in everyday situations:
- Neon’s ill-fated attempts at wrestling
- The chaos of the annual Halloween bingo night
- An excruciatingly awkward birds-and-bees talk with his mother in a diner
But beneath the humor lies a tender exploration of vulnerability, consent, and what it means to truly connect with another person.
The Big Moment: Handling “It” with Care
As the countdown reaches its climax (pun absolutely intended), Reynolds treats Neon and Aria’s first sexual experience with remarkable sensitivity. There’s no graphic play-by-play here. Instead, we get Neon’s jumbled thoughts, his genuine concern for Aria’s comfort, and ultimately, a beautiful moment of connection between two people who truly care for each other.
It’s refreshing to see a YA novel tackle sex in a way that’s neither preachy nor gratuitous. Reynolds emphasizes communication, consent, and the importance of emotional intimacy alongside physical attraction.
Beyond the Bedroom: Tackling Deeper Issues
While the central plot revolves around Neon and Aria’s relationship, Reynolds weaves in thoughtful explorations of other important themes:
- Family dynamics and intergenerational relationships
- The pressure of college decisions and uncertain futures
- Racial identity and microaggressions
- Grief and the ways we honor lost loved ones
These elements add depth to the story without ever feeling heavy-handed.
A Few Minor Stumbles
No book is perfect, and “Twenty-Four Seconds from Now” does have a few areas where it falters slightly:
- The pacing in the middle section can drag a bit, with some scenes feeling repetitive.
- A few of the supporting characters, particularly Neon’s bingo hall regulars, could have been more fully developed.
- The resolution of Aria’s family conflict feels a tad rushed compared to the careful build-up.
Reynolds’ Signature Style: A Master at Work
Fans of Jason Reynolds will recognize his distinctive prose—a mix of poetic turns of phrase, sharp dialogue, and stream-of-consciousness narrative. He has a gift for capturing the rhythms of teenage speech without resorting to cringeworthy slang.
Standout Moments:
- Neon’s internal monologues about his grandfather’s love for Denzel Washington movies
- The vivid descriptions of the bingo hall and its eccentric patrons
- A beautifully written scene where Neon and Aria paint her house, revealing layers of their budding connection
Comparisons and Context
“Twenty-Four Seconds from Now” stands out in the crowded field of YA romance. It shares DNA with some of Reynolds’ earlier works, particularly the authentic teen voices of “When I Was the Greatest” and the exploration of male vulnerability in “Long Way Down.”
Readers might also draw comparisons to:
- “The Sun Is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon (for its depiction of first love and family expectations)
- “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han (sweet romance with strong family dynamics)
- “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz (tender exploration of teen relationships and identity)
- “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell
Who Should Read This Book?
“Twenty-Four Seconds from Now” is a perfect fit for:
- Teens navigating their own first relationships
- Fans of authentic, diverse YA romance
- Readers who appreciate humor mixed with deeper themes
- Anyone who has ever felt awkward about love (so… everyone?)
Content Note:
While the book deals with sexual themes, it’s not explicit. Parents can feel comfortable recommending this to mature teens, as it promotes healthy communication and respect in relationships.
The Verdict: A Heartfelt Home Run
Jason Reynolds has delivered another winner with “Twenty-Four Seconds from Now.” It’s a book that will make you laugh, cringe in recognition, and ultimately leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling about the power of young love.
Reynolds treats his characters and subject matter with respect, never talking down to his teenage audience. The result is a story that feels both timeless in its exploration of first love and distinctly modern in its diverse cast and frank discussions of sexuality.
The Last Word
In “Twenty-Four Seconds from Now,” Jason Reynolds reminds us that love—especially first love—is messy, terrifying, and utterly beautiful. It’s a countdown worth experiencing, again and again.