Reviews

Early Departures by Justin A. Reynolds

taralorraine's review

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4.75

Devoured this - slightly corny (the dollop of sci-fi) but also loved it. 

kayleeeileen's review

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

anna_panna's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

rainbowbookworm's review against another edition

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5.0

Jamal and Q were best friends, they were a comedy duo, but then they had a falling out and haven't spoken in a long time. Until the night Q died. Until the night Jamal wasn't able to save him.

However, Jamal is given a second chance to make things right with Q, but the second chance comes with an expiration date Q is unaware of. Jamal is all about seizing the day, but he needs to be honest with Q if he really wants to set things right between them.

keahreads's review

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emotional funny inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

edengrove's review

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

thepeaceone's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

snowowl's review against another edition

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2.0

i finished reading it but at the end i was an idle reader

lanica's review against another edition

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4.0

The Audiobook version of this is so well done! I would recommend it over a paper version...and I don't usually say that. The voice actors were perfect for their roles.

Librarian's Recommendation:
I would put this in a high school, maybe a middle school that isn't too conservative. There are references to sex and some drinking scenes, and the kids are not avoiding it, it's just a normal part of their experience. If that's going to cause parent complaints...you should be aware of them. I, however, would defend this book and would put it in my school.

This is a great book for teaching kids that friendships can be broken...and it's hard to repair them. A single action, or inaction, can have lasting effects and these cannot always be fixed with an 'I'm sorry'.

The families here are broken...but not through anything devious or illegal...just life taking bad turns. Each family has to deal with unimaginable loss before the book begins, and it is interesting to see how the pre-history of the character defines their outlook in the face of a new tragedy.

sydney_arcuri's review

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4.0


Justin A. Reynolds has done it again. Making me sob uncontrollably at his words. He truly has a knack for turning very heavy topics into beautiful works of art. I cannot wait to see what else he writes in the future.