This week, I was thrilled to receive a special delivery of book mail—all from the incredible Faber Books!
It's always exciting to get my hands on new reads, and these editions are absolutely stunning.
Twenty-Four Seconds From Now by Jason Reynolds:
Twenty-four months ago, Neon’s not-so-glorious moment involved being chased around a church parking lot by a dog. Humiliating? Absolutely. But it leads to meeting Aria—dog owner, casual in sweats and a ponytail, and undeniably captivating.
Twenty-four weeks ago: Neon’s dad decides it’s time for the talk—about tenderness and intimacy. By now, Neon and Aria are head over heels for each other. They haven’t crossed that particular threshold yet, but they’ve started discussing it.
Twenty-four days ago, Neon’s mum discovered a bra in his room. Awkward. But hey, no judgement—those hooks are tricky! With the big day looming, practising seemed…wise.
Twenty-four minutes ago, Neon finished his shift at his dad’s bingo hall, making sure to grab Aria’s favourite—chicken tenders. It's not exactly a grand romantic gesture, but it’s the thought that counts.
Right this second? Neon is locked in Aria’s bathroom, nerves completely taking over. In just twenty-four seconds, they’re meant to… Well, if he can’t quiet his swirling thoughts and leave the bathroom, it’s not happening!
This heartfelt and humorous story offers a refreshingly honest exploration of first love, intimacy, and the chaotic mix of nerves and anticipation that come with it. Neon’s journey is sweet, awkward, and oh-so-relatable, reminding readers that love is about connection, respect, and being brave enough to embrace the moment.
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Girl, Ultra-Processed by Amara Sage:
Girl: Ultra-Processed follows Saffron Saldana, a teenager whose New Year’s resolution is always the same: lose weight. Conditioned by society, the media, and her diet-obsessed mother to believe that thinness equals happiness, Saffron struggles with self-acceptance.
Seeking an escape, she creates Sydney—a digitally perfect, slim version of herself—using AI. Boys online adore Sydney, and at first, it feels like harmless fun. But as Saffron’s online and offline worlds start to collide, she’s forced to confront the consequences of pretending to be someone she’s not, particularly when a boy makes her question her self-worth and the value of authenticity.
This powerful and timely story delves into the challenges of teenage life in a body-obsessed culture. Through themes of family, friendship, love, and identity, Girl: Ultra-Processed offers a poignant exploration of self-acceptance and learning to love the person you truly are.
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