ACCESS DIGITIZED EDITION
Guide/Reviews Database
OLDER FICTION
Reynolds, Justin A.

Early Departures

480 pp. | HarperCollins/Tegen | September, 2020 | Trade ISBN 978-1-7999-4167-5 $17.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-0-06-274842-3 $9.99
(2) YA Jamal and Q were close until Jamal's parents died in a tragic car accident, with Jamal secretly blaming Q for their deaths because Q called Jamal's dad while Dad was driving. Two years later, Jamal rescues his estranged friend from drowning, only for Q to die later at the hospital. Beyond the grief of losing his parents, Jamal must confront the grief of Q's death not once, but twice: an experimental medical procedure is offered to "restore" Q for a short time so that his loved ones have the opportunity to say goodbye. Reynolds (Opposite of Always, rev. 3/19) weaves themes of friendship and tragic loss into a sensitive tale of two teens who have lost their way in the midst of grief and misunderstanding. He manages to make the science-fiction premise feel realistic, offering a compelling backdrop as Jamal and Q attempt to repair their relationship. The author also deftly uses humor throughout this fast-paced, engagingly written book, providing levity in a story dealing with heavy issues such as death, reconciliation, and learning how and when to let go.
Reviewer: Monique Harris | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2020

RELATED 

OLDER FICTION

What Beauty There Is
by Anderson, Cory
OLDER FICTION

Between Perfect and Real
by Stoeve, Ray
OLDER FICTION

Zoe Rosenthal Is Not Lawful Good
by Werlin, Nancy
OLDER FICTION

Home Is Not a Country
by Elhillo, Safia
OLDER FICTION

All Our Hidden Gifts
by O'Donoghue, Caroline
More

Get connected. Join our global community of more than 200,000 librarians and educators.

This coverage is free for all visitors. Your support makes this possible.

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?