Forever Is Now - The Library of the Uncommons

English language

Published July 30, 2023 by Farrar, Straus & Giroux.

ISBN:: 978-0-374-38888-1

(1 review)

A poignant and lyrical young adult novel-in-verse about a Black teen coming of age in an anxiety-inducing world, from the author of For Black Girls Like Me and In the Key of Us.

I'm safe here.

That's how Sadie feels, on a perfect summer day, wrapped in her girlfriend's arms. School is out, and even though she's been struggling to manage her chronic anxiety, Sadie is hopeful better times are ahead. Or at least, she thought she was safe. When her girlfriend reveals some unexpected news and the two witness a violent incident of police brutality unfold before them, Sadie's whole world is upended in an instant.

I'm not safe anywhere.

That's how Sadie feels every day after--vulnerable, uprooted. She retreats inside as the weeks slip by and relies on her phone to stay connected to the outside world. When Sadie's therapist gives her a diagnosis for her debilitating panic--agoraphobia--she …

A poignant and lyrical young adult novel-in-verse about a Black teen coming of age in an anxiety-inducing world, from the author of For Black Girls Like Me and In the Key of Us.

I'm safe here.

That's how Sadie feels, on a perfect summer day, wrapped in her girlfriend's arms. School is out, and even though she's been struggling to manage her chronic anxiety, Sadie is hopeful better times are ahead. Or at least, she thought she was safe. When her girlfriend reveals some unexpected news and the two witness a violent incident of police brutality unfold before them, Sadie's whole world is upended in an instant.

I'm not safe anywhere.

That's how Sadie feels every day after--vulnerable, uprooted. She retreats inside as the weeks slip by and relies on her phone to stay connected to the outside world. When Sadie's therapist gives her a diagnosis for her debilitating panic--agoraphobia--she starts on a path of acceptance and healing. Meanwhile, Sadie's best friend, Evan, updates her on the protests taking place in their city. Sadie wants to be a part of it, to use her voice and affect change. But how do you show up for your community when you can't even leave your house?

I can build a safe place inside myself.

That's what Sadie learns over the course of one life-changing summer, with some help from her family, her best friend, an online platform for activists, and a magnetic crush she develops for the new boy next door.

From Stonewall Honor-winning author Mariama J. Lockington comes Forever is Now, a powerful young adult novel-in-verse about mental health, love, family, Black joy, and finding your voice and power in an unforgiving world.

2 editions

Alex Cabe reviewed Forever Is Now by Mariama J. Lockington

Verse Could Have Leaned Into Emotion More

3 stars

I feel like this could have used the verse form more. Verse is most useful to convey emotions, rather than events. The story had some twists and it was good that it was conveyed without breaking the flow too much. However, I've read and seen other works (e.g. Turtles All the Way Down and Inside Out 2) that give a better picture of what a panic attack feels like. It was unusual to see verse used in such a didactic book, as well.

There was a certain "fellow kids" factor where it was clear that the author was writing about a different generation and getting some things second hand.

I enjoyed how the story showed Sadie's family members coping with her anxiety. They all loved her, but had varying levels of maturity, understanding, and patience.