For his new YA novel, Twenty-Four Seconds from Now…: A LOVE Story, author and recent MacArthur “genius grant” recipient Jason Reynolds embarked on a 10-stop national tour last month, with appearances in New York City, Los Angeles, northern California (Palo Alto and Oakland), Atlanta, Boston, Chicago (Evanston and Oak Brook), and Washington, D.C.
At all but one of the stops he gave a 45-minute presentation, which included a dramatic recitation—from memory—of the first chapter from the book. After, he answered questions from the audience and took photos with attendees. Many of the events took place in offsite theaters and performing arts centers.
In Atlanta he participated in a fireside chat with singer and songwriter Amerie; FeFe Handy, founder and CEO of Page Turners Make Great Learners; and Ryan Wilson, co-founder of The Gathering Spot.
Reynolds also did several national media interviews while on tour, including CBS Mornings, The Daily Show, and Velshi, which featured the author in conversation with host Ali Velshi and Judy Blume.
Here we present some photo highlights from his tour.
Reynolds kicked off his tour in New York City, with an appearance at the New School, hosted by Books of Wonder. Here he greets a young fan.
Reynolds and Jordan Klepper (r.), during a visit to The Daily Show.
Reynolds also talked about his new book on CBS Mornings, seen here with co-host Gayle King (r.).
After New York, Reynolds headed west to California, and made appearances at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena; Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center, hosted by Mrs. Dalloway’s, in Oakland; and shown here, meeting with readers at Kepler’s Books in Palo Alto.
Next up: a fireside chat called “Reading After Dark with Jason Reynolds” at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, hosted by Page Turners Make Great Learners and Little Shop of Stories. From l.: Fefe Handy, Amerie, Reynolds, and Ryan Wilson.
Reynolds at the Atlanta-Fulton Central Library.
Reynolds at an event at Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, Mass., hosted by Brookline Booksmith, with author and director Desmond Hall (l.) and author and professor Jennifer De Leon (r.)
Meeting a young fan at Evanston Township High School Auditorium in Evanston, Ill., during an appearance hosted by the Family Action Network and The Bookstall.
