A letter from Justin A. Reynolds, author of THE OPPOSITE OF ALWAYS

OPPOSITE OF ALWAYS

by Justin A. Reynolds

on shelves now!

 

Dear Reader,

This story began with heartbreak.

I’d just lost one of my closest family members, followed by the unexpected and sudden death of my best friend (still in his twenties). Understandably, questions abounded – namely, why did they have to die? – but I struggled for satisfying answers.

There was this overwhelming feeling I couldn’t shake: I’d do anything to see them again. And I let myself entertain that idea of being reunited with my family, with my best friend. The things I’d finally say: I’d hold nothing back. And for a while, these thoughts offered a kind of solace, a strange peace.

Until I remembered that no matter how amazing such a reunion would be, it too would inevitably end in goodbye.

Opposite of Always is my refusal to say goodbye. Instead, it is my love letter to Life and all its complicated and oft-hilarious brilliance. This is a story about time travel, yes. But more than that, it’s a story of falling.

Falling through time and space.

Falling to the ground in fits of uncontrollable laughter.

Falling wholly in love.

This story may have begun with heartbreak, but it’s a journey filled with terrible jokes and near-embarrassing amounts of joy, a story of fairly decent music and best friendship, of weird dolphin T-shirts and March Madness basketball mania. This story is for the people who inspire us, who laugh with us, who love us in all our flawed and corny glory, who leave this world for whatever awaits.

I hope you enjoy.

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 he likes to think both instruments reveal the heart. He lives in northeast Ohio, home to snow, Lake Erie, and the Cavaliers. You can visit Justin at justinareynolds.com.

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 “Read this one, reread it, and then hug it to your chest. Reynolds’ debut is wise, heartfelt, and wildly, infinitely charming.” — Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and Leah on the Offbeat “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 (starred review)
“A love story about friendship with a “choose your own adventure” twist... Any teen who’s ever wanted a do-over will enjoy reading this story.” — School Library Journal (starred review)