Description
Justin A. Reynolds, author of Opposite of Always, returns with Forever Ends on Friday, another charming and powerful YA contemporary novel with a twist.
What if you could bring your best friend back to life - but only for a short time?
Jamal's best friend, Q, doesn't know that he died, and that he's about to die . . . again. He doesn't know that Jamal tried to save him. And that the reason they haven't been friends for two years is because Jamal blames Q for the accident that killed his parents.
But what if Jamal could have a second chance? A new technology allows Q to be reanimated for a few weeks before he dies . . . permanently. And Q's mom is not about to let anyone ruin this miracle by telling Q about his impending death. So how can Jamal fix everything if he can't tell Q the truth?
Forever Ends on Friday weaves together loss, grief, friendship, and love to form a wholly unique homage to the bonds that bring people together for life - and beyond.
Forever Ends on Friday is published in the US as Early Departures
About the Author
justin. a. reynolds has been a pest control operator, night security guard, steel mill janitor, NASA intern, salesman of high-end faucet fixtures, and carpet-flooring installer. He was most recently a registered nurse, before trading his stethoscope for a pencil, but likes to think both instruments reveal the heart. He lives with his family in northeast Ohio, home to snow, Lake Erie, and the Cavaliers. Opposite of Always is his first novel. His novel, Forever Ends on Friday, is published in the US as Early Departures.
Reviews
This what-if novel about loss celebrates life, asking the questions: what would you do with the rest of your life if you knew you were about to die? And would you want to know? Jamal loses someone but has the chance to bring him back, briefly. Forever Ends on Friday is also about coming to terms with other griefs, and not letting fear sabotage friendships and relationships. It considers the morality of truth-telling, self-sacrifice and forgiveness. Written with warmth and wisdom, it is a lighter read than its theme suggests, notwithstanding lumps in the throat. Despite the sci-fi element, it is full of everyday American teenage reality, bantering dialogue, family repartee (notably between Jamal and his pregnant sister, Whit), comic details, romantic connection and, above all, having fun. * Sunday Times, children's book of the week *
A page-turning narrative with a cast of fully realized characters and realistic dialogue. The skillful use of flashbacks and social media content fully engages readers. Despite the seriousness of the story, humor and moments of pathos will elicit empathy and connection. This thoroughly satisfying novel of love, loss, and reconciliation is not to be missed. * Kirkus Reviews *
This charming, wry novel packed with witty, crackling banter is propulsively readable. There are some big questions about choice, consequences, loyalty, and love in this novel, and Reynolds beautifully complements those heavy concerns with the sweet, funny, and genuine voice of his protagonist. * Booklist *
Praise for Opposite of Always: Opposite of Always is as beautiful as it is funny, warm, and captivating. One of the best love stories I've ever read. Jack King is the hero we've been waiting for. -- Angie Thomas, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Hate U Give
I loved the humour, brightening even the darkest moments but without spoiling them, and the warmth in the relationships.
Jamal's voice is just great. The premise is so interesting and plays out believably, leaving the reader with lots to ponder over: Do you think it is a good idea to have a second chance to say goodbye?
Forever Ends On Friday is a really enjoyable contemporary, with a hint of sci-fi that I really enjoyed, that will tug at your heartstrings and remind you what is truly important in life. You'll treasure your friends and loved ones after this. I can't recommend this book enough. * Jth Books *
Forever Ends On Friday is a real page-turner: the writing is pacey, the plot is unpredictable and Jamal's underlying humour seams together tragedy, connection and forgiveness in one enthralling story. The point of view of the narration is so detailed that it almost feels we are allowed into a private, personal space. Family and friendship are key themes in the book; all the relationships with the secondary characters are given the spotlight, none of them overshadows the others and they all contribute to the development of the plot. In Reynold's story, we hurt with all the characters, we grieve with them and we
heal with them. Forever Ends On Friday is a book that I feel needs to be read in a quiet, private space as there is a lot to process; I think would be a great addition to a KS4 library
The depiction of the main two boys, Quincy and Jamal, and their friendship is very cleverly constructed. The friendship is flawed and deeply human, it's only when Jamal knows that time is short that he learns how to put others first. It really makes you consider what it is to be human and supporting others - whether they be friends, parents or carers, partners, co-workers, etc. I like that the story is told from the perspective of both boys. It brings the reader fully into the story and makes them consider things from each of the viewpoints - both the grieving friend and the boy with only a short time to live. The first-person perspective also brings other characters fully to life, with vivid descriptions, sometimes almost painfully vivid. The grief felt by Jamal at the death of his parents, then of his best friend can be difficult to read, but also very relatable for anyone who has gone through that loss. The depiction of Quincy's mother and her journey through grief is also realistically presented and I found myself crying at several points in the book because of her raw emotion. I would recommend this for both girls and boys aged 14 plus. Other topics include love, grief, loss, comedy, relationships, family and what it means to live a full life. I loved the concept of this story and it would create lots of discussion points for reading groups or classroom discussions. It really makes you think about the choices we make in life and if we truly live our lives to the fullest. * Armadillo magazine *
Book Information
ISBN 9781509881024
Author Justin Reynolds
Format Paperback
Page Count 480
Imprint Macmillan Children's Books
Publisher Pan Macmillan
Weight(grams) 322g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 130mm * 39mm
