0 of 3 copies available
A New York Times Bestseller
Seven starred reviews!
"Jason Reynolds has done it again!...Fresh from start to finish...This is what it could be, should be, if only we were all as lucky as Aria. Girls (and everyone) wait for your Neon!" —Judy Blume, New York Times bestselling author of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. and Forever...
#1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds tackles it—you know...it—from the guy's perspective in this stream of consciousness story of a teen boy about to experience a huge first. "Reynolds's foray into romance is as spectacular as expected...Undoubtedly, a story for everyone" (Booklist, starred review).
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!
-
Creators
-
Publisher
-
Awards
-
Release date
October 8, 2024 -
Formats
-
OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9781668118689
- File size: 128573 KB
- Duration: 04:27:51
-
-
Languages
- English
-
Reviews
-
Starred review from November 1, 2024
Gr 9 Up-Reynolds's grew-up-together BFF Lockard provides another revelatory performance, this time centering teen love-but also consent, bodily autonomy, and (hello, book banners!) sex positivity. Neon and Aria have been together for 24 months. Their relationship is about to change significantly in those titular 24 seconds-if Neon can calm his nerves and exit the bathroom back to Aria. Reynolds magically rolls back time-24 minutes, 24 hours, 24 days-to trace the duo's meet-cute to solid couplehood, while also accentuating their multi-dimensional individuality. Listeners also get to meet their families and friends. Lockard ensures each character is wholly memorable: "don't bring no babies home" dad, few-filters mom, and fast-talking buddy Dodo prove particularly unforgettable. VERDICT Lockard narrates this novel, yes, but he also charms, laughs, cringes, growls, hopes, sings, and gloriously preaches to create another captivating one-man show.
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
-
Guy Lockard narrates this fresh and funny novel from Jason Reynolds. Told from the perspective of 17-year-old Neon, the novel moves backward over Neon's past 24 months. As he prepares to celebrate his anniversary with his girlfriend, Aria, he reflects on everything that has happened since they first met. From work to school to family, Neon's life is average but warm and loving. Reynolds uses a stream-of-consciousness style to showcase Neon's creativity and intelligence. Lockard's deep, resonant voice is expressive and full of humor that fits Neon's youth and the bright banter between Neon and his friends. This contemplative novel is a joyful celebration of young love. C.R. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
-