A huge thank-you to the author for this gifted copy of Early Departures by Justin A. Reynolds.
Let me introduce you to Early Departures, a young adult contemporary novel that’s about to change your life.
I knew Early Departures was going to be phenomenal from the moment Justin Reynolds announced it. I could tell that he put his heart and soul into the story and that only made me more excited to read it.
I took pretty detailed notes as I read, but when I sat down to write my review, all I could think to say was, “Oh my gosh it’s so good please read it right away,” which… isn’t a review – it’s just the way I feel about it. However, I did actually manage to eventually gather all my thoughts to create a full, honest review. Keep on scrolling to learn more about Early Departures.
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My honest review of Early Departures by Justin A. Reynolds.
Synopsis:
Justin A. Reynolds, author of Opposite of Always, delivers another smart, funny, and powerful stand-alone YA contemporary novel, with a speculative twist in which Jamal’s best friend is brought back to life after a freak accident . . . but they only have a short time together before he will die again.
Jamal’s best friend, Q, doesn’t know he’s about to die . . . again.
He also doesn’t know that Jamal tried to save his life, rescuing him from drowning only to watch Q die later in the hospital. Even more complicated, Jamal and Q haven’t been best friends in two years—not since Jamal’s parents died in a car accident, leaving him and his sister to carry on without them. Grief swallowed Jamal whole, and he blamed Q for causing the accident.
But what if Jamal could have a second chance? An impossible chance that would grant him the opportunity to say goodbye to his best friend? A new health-care technology allows Q to be reanimated—brought back to life like the old Q again. But there’s a catch: Q will only reanimate for a short time before he dies . . . forever.
Jamal is determined to make things right with Q, but grief is hard to shake. And he can’t tell Q why he’s suddenly trying to be friends with him again. Because Q has no idea that he died, and Q’s mom is not about to let anyone ruin the miracle by telling him. How can Jamal fix his friendship with Q if he can’t tell him the truth?
Content Warnings: (Major) untimely death and tragedy, depression and anxiety, grief
“And I suppose the story moral is:
Early Departures
You can die and still live on.
You can be alive but be consumed by death.
The difference between living and being alive is:
Everything.”
After reading Opposite of Always, I knew I had found a new favorite author. When Reynolds announced Early Departures, I immediately added it to my reading list and anxiously anticipated the release date.
I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting with this book, but I will tell you that it was full of surprises.
You meet childhood best friends, Jamal and Quincy (or “Q”), who haven’t actually been best friends in nearly two years. They haven’t even spoken – until an altercation at a party where things get a little out of hand. Shortly after, Q dies (despite Jamal attempting to save his life). Jamal finds himself in an increasingly uncomfortable situation when Q’s mom agrees to have her son reanimated. Yep, Quincy will live again – but only for a short amount of time… and there’s a catch: he’s not allowed to know that he died or the details surrounding his death.
This story was the epitome of an emotional roller coaster. You see, I expected to cry. When reading about a book that covers the topic of death – especially the death of a best friend or parents; really any tragedy – I assume that I’ll be swiping away tears on the regular. What I didn’t expect was the sudden fits of laughter that would follow the tears or even happen while I was still crying. The author did a fantastic job creating an environment that felt natural despite the somewhat “unnatural” elements throughout the book.
Some of my favorite moments were entirely unrelated to Quincy. Jamal’s older sister, Whit, is a force to be reckoned with. She brings light and joy into parts of the story that need it the most. There is a massive emphasis on the importance of family (the one you’re given AND the one you choose) and it’s incredibly heartwarming.
I often wonder which is more important in a novel: the plot or the characters. While I typically believe the plot is most important, I really appreciate good character development. One thing that this book definitely does not lack is great character development – but the best part? It also has an amazing plot. It truly is the best of both worlds. The characters and their relationships are believable and relatable.
Honestly, I could continue writing for ages about how this story impacted me in millions of ways, but rather than detailing it all out and leaving nothing to the imagination, I’m just going to plead with you to read it for yourself. You will definitely not regret it.
Purchase the book
Early Departures – Amazon | Book Depository | Bookshop | Target
Will you be reading Early Departures?
pin for later
Robert says
Sounds like another great read from your detailed review. Always on the look out for new publications and authors. Will definitely check this one out. Have also Pinned for future reference. 🙂
Stephanie Whitman says
I am lucky to read a lot of great books, but this is hands down one of the best I’ve read all year (if not of all time). It was so meaningful! Thanks for pinning 🙂
Jennifer Prince says
Ha! I love that you adored it SO much. That’s a fabulous recommendation in my book. No extras needed. I really need to make reading books more of a priority for 2021!
Stephanie Whitman says
I hope you’re able to make that happen. It’s definitely about prioritization, you’re right. For me, books are at the top of my list!
Lucy says
This is a book and author I haven’t heard of before but this book does sound like an interesting read! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Stephanie Whitman says
I highly recommend checking out his work! I listened to the audiobook of Opposite of Always at the beginning of the year, then purchased a physical copy this summer. Now I’ve read the paper format for Early Departures, and I know I’ll want to read it again and again. It is SO good! His writing just GETS ME.
Lizzie says
Aw that sounds like such an amazing book! It’s so incredible how an author’s words are able to evoke a variety of emotions like that!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Stephanie Whitman says
It was seriously impactful. I haven’t read anything quite like this before and I loved every second of it. His work is just phenomenal!
Lindsey says
Oh wow, this sounds like an incredible read. Books that can make you laugh and cry are good, but when they’re doing it at the same time, you know you’re onto a winner. Fantastic review, I’ll definitely be looking out for this one. Great review!
Stephanie Whitman says
I definitely hope you get a chance to read it for yourself. The author is one of my all-time favorites! I loved this book so much. It was so unique.
Jaya Avendel says
I love books that take us on an emotional story. Laughter and tears are two of the hardest feelings to feel unless the writing takes us straight to the center of the story. This may be a fat book, but it sounds like one that cannot be long enough!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Stephanie Whitman says
Haha! I wouldn’t consider it very fat. It’s only 470 pages and reads very quickly. It’s also phenomenal as an audiobook! Whichever way you choose to read it, it’s wonderful.
Ellie says
Great review 🙂 I’ve never heard of this author before but this book sounds really up my street 🙂
Stephanie Whitman says
He’s one of my favorites! His writing is so emotional and raw. I love how he can make you laugh and cry in the same paragraph!
Charity says
That sounds like a great read! I will have to add it to my list!
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters says
I’ve only experienced the cry-laugh with a show: One Day at a Tike. It touches such heavy topics while also keeping things light and comedic. It’s a series I highly recommend.
I haven’t had the greatest luck with Magical Realism. But this one does sounds captivating.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
I love that this book gave you some surprise and some laughter! You’re right – a book about death? I’d expect to be crying, too.
Tara Fuller says
definitely saving to my reading list! some books I initially credit for younger audiences end up being some of my absolute favorites! Can’t wait to read it!
Anika says
Sounds like a great YA! I loved Opposite of Always by Reynolds, the amount of depth it had really impressed me. And I love the premise for this one so I’ll have to add this one to my list too. Great review!
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
Stephanie Whitman says
Oh! It makes me SO happy to hear that you read Opposite of Always. Reynolds is so talented and has such a fun writing style. I definitely think you’ll enjoy this if you enjoyed OoA!
Graham Crosby says
Great review. Sounds like a fantastic book. The characters sound intriguing and the narrative seems like something a reader can get their teeth into.
Thanks for sharing!
Pam says
aaah this was such a great review! I love how you captured the love and passion that the author put into the book. Definitely saving to my reading list!
Oh to Be a Muse says
I love a good book review, and this is a great book to recommend. Such a unique concept!
Carrington | Chaos and Coffee says
This sounds like such a good book! I’ll definitely have to add this to my read-list! Xx.
Katie Meshko says
This book sounds so interesting & these pictures are so cozy! Makes me want to curl up & read asap.
XO, Katie | http://www.meshkomoments.com
Rach says
I love it when a book has an impact on the reader. That goes to show how well-written it is. I might need to add this book on my list.
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
rebecca says
definitely going to add this one to the list! i love your thorough reviews. thanks as always for sharing, Steph!
xx rebecca // http://www.rebeccapiersol.me
Neely Moldovan says
Oh I am adding this to my list. I love finding new books and authors to check out.
Amanda says
You always have fantastic reviews, so if you say this is a must, I believe you! The plot sounds interesting (bringing a character back to life- wha?!?) and I love that you say the author weaves together emotions seamlessly. This year, I’ve been challenging myself to read books I may be outside my wheelhouse– I’ll have to check this one out! Thanks for the review!
Stephanie Whitman says
That’s so encouraging to hear. Thank you so much! I really hope you get the chance to check this one out. It has become so special to me!
Christa says
Adding this to my list right now! Next on my list is creating a cozy reading space. Thanks for the recommendations and the Inspo.
Rachel says
Omgggg this book sounds SO freakin’ good!! I can’t wait to pick this one up to read this winter!
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
Stephanie Whitman says
IT IS!!! I hope you end up loving it when you get the chance to read it.
Becky says
Wow, this sounds so interesting! Definitely the type of book I’d be interested in reading. I’m going to see if they have an audiobook for it since that’s how I’m doing a lot of my reading these days!
Stephanie Whitman says
They do! In fact, the narrator and I are Twitter friends, crazy enough! He also narrated for A Song of Wraiths and Ruin. I definitely recommend the audiobook 🙂
Deborah says
WOW, I’m putting this in my to-read list now! This sounds like exactly the kind of book I would absolutely love!
Stephanie Whitman says
I really do hope you love it! We seem to enjoy similar reads sometimes, so it would be really fun to connect over this one.
Hillary Conheady says
Your book reviews are always so great and I totally trust you when you say it’s good! Need to add this to my list!
Kait says
What an intriguing concept! The idea of reanimation has always been so interesting to me. This doesn’t sound like my typical style of book, but you are just selling it so well that I feel like I have to give it a try now! I love good character development, even if the plot is less realistic than I tend to lean toward.
Cristina says
I’m always looking for book recommendations! I added this to my reading list on my kindle. <3
Also, I love the photos of this post!
Venus says
I wouldn’t have expected the book would be about death. From the cover its shows so many colors that makes it look so lively. Sounds like an interesting book to me.
Venus says
I wouldn’t have expected this book is about death. By all the colors the cover display it makes it looks so lively. Sounds like an interesting book.
Laura Leigh says
your book reviews are the best and so are your recommendations! I always trust you when you say it’s good and you’re honestly who I go to when picking out a new book. such a great resource!
xo Laura Leigh
https://louellareese.com
Em says
thank you for such a detailed review! I have never heard of this book, but may need to read it!
Sarah Lennon says
You always give such great book reviews and recommendations, I will definitely be adding this to my list of books to read!
Lavenda says
LOL. I understand your sentiments exactly. The best books you wish you could just read all over again. Thanks for the review! Bookmarking this one 😉
Marlene says
Sounds like a great read, thanks for the recommendation!!
Maria Koss says
It sounds like a perfect book for long winter evenings. I will add it to my list!
Erin says
Wow, this book sounds amazing. Thank you so much for sharing. Adding to my reading list.
Kristina says
Love this cozy setup you have going on here!
Loïne says
I’ve never heard about this author but aaaahhh I again want to read one of the book you review! Your thoughts were super sincere and this book goes straight into my wishlist. Thanks for sharing. 🤍