A Globusz Books discovery
Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, Nicola Yoon · English
Ever been stuck in a blackout and suddenly realized the city—and your life—felt completely different? "Blackout" throws six Black teens into one NYC night without power, and everything that usually hides in daylight bubbles up. It’s love, identity, and awkward self-discovery all tangled in the dark. No clichés, just real moments that hit hard when the lights go out.
Globusz original summary
Picture New York City in the middle of a sweltering summer night. Then—bam—a blackout plunges the city into darkness. No subway, no screens, no air conditioning. Just the raw city and six different groups of Black teens suddenly forced to face themselves and each other. That’s the setup for “Blackout,” a collaborative young adult novel by six powerhouse authors: Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon. Each brings their own voice, style, and story to this interconnected tapestry of love, identity, and unexpected connection.
The blackout isn’t just a plot device; it’s the catalyst that strips away distractions and forces these teens into moments of reckoning. The book’s heart beats strongest in the way it captures the messy, electric energy of New York City at night—hot, restless, and full of possibility—even when the power’s out.
At the center, you have Tammi and Kareem, former high school sweethearts who find themselves walking home together from a Harlem internship. Their story, penned by Tiffany D. Jackson, threads through the others, like a pulse running beneath the city’s veins. Their walk isn’t just a commute; it’s a tense, sometimes tender journey through unresolved feelings, past mistakes, and what it means to grow up.
Elsewhere, best friends Lana and Tristán get trapped in the New York Public Library. Their story explores the delicate line between friendship and something more, the kind of slow-burning realization that makes you wonder if you’ve been blind to what’s been right in front of you all along. Then there’s Nella and Joss, who meet in a senior living facility—an unexpected setting for a teen love story. Their connection is a quiet, fresh exploration of identity and desire, grounded in a place where youth and age collide.
High school seniors Kayla and Micah, visiting from Mississippi, navigate their own complicated feelings during a city tour. Their story brings a contrast of Southern roots and urban chaos, highlighting how love and identity can feel both foreign and familiar at once. Last but not least, Grace and Seymour, strangers sharing a rideshare, discover a surprising connection that speaks to the small moments that can change everything.
What makes “Blackout” stand out is how it refuses to box Black teen love into a single mold. These stories are about queer and straight relationships, about friendship that flirts with romance, about self-love and acceptance. They’re messy and hopeful, funny and raw. The authors don’t romanticize the city or the characters’ struggles. Instead, they present a nuanced, vibrant portrait of Black youth navigating the usual teenage chaos amplified by a city-wide power outage.
Stylistically, each author’s voice shines through, giving the book a dynamic, patchwork feel that somehow works better than a solo narrative might. The shifts in tone and perspective keep you on your toes. One moment you’re laughing at sharp, witty banter; the next, you’re swallowed by the quiet vulnerability of a character’s private thoughts. The collaborative nature of the book is a strength here—it’s like eavesdropping on six different conversations about love, identity, and belonging happening all at once.
But it’s not perfect. The pacing can feel uneven, with some stories wrapping up more satisfyingly than others. And if you’re not into interconnected short stories or multiple perspectives, the format might feel a bit disjointed. Still, the emotional core holds steady throughout.
Ultimately, “Blackout” is a celebration of Black teen life that’s rarely seen with this much nuance and joy in YA fiction. It’s about the sparks that fly when the lights go out, both literally and metaphorically. For readers tired of the same old coming-of-age tales, this one offers fresh energy, real stakes, and a whole lot of heart.
Beyond the summary
“Blackout” isn’t your average YA love story. It’s a messy, vibrant snapshot of Black teens navigating identity and connection when the city—and their lives—go dark. It’s less about neat endings and more about the sparks that fly in the in-between moments. If you’re tired of one-note coming-of-age tales, this one’s worth the flicker.
Before you commit
Ever been stuck in a blackout and suddenly realized the city—and your life—felt completely different? "Blackout" throws six Black teens into one NYC night without power, and everything that usually hides in daylight bubbles up. It’s love, identity, and awkward self-discovery all tangled in the dark. No clichés, just real moments that hit hard when the lights go out.
Each character wrestles with who they are beneath the surface—racial, sexual, and personal identity all come into play as they navigate a night that forces reflection.
The stories explore romantic love, friendship, queer relationships, and self-love, showing that love isn’t simple or singular.
The blackout creates unexpected opportunities for connection, reminding us that moments of crisis can reveal what really matters.
New York City isn’t just a setting—it shapes the characters’ experiences, highlighting the vibrancy and challenges of urban youth.
The blackout isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a force that strips away the usual distractions and forces characters to confront themselves, their relationships, and their identities. It’s a reminder that sometimes, losing power means gaining clarity.
By featuring six interconnected stories, the book shows that Black teen love and identity aren’t one-size-fits-all. Queer, straight, friendship-turned-romance, intergenerational connections—all get room to breathe and feel authentic.
New York City isn’t just where things happen; it’s a character itself. The city’s heat, chaos, and vibrancy shape the stories, making the blackout feel both isolating and uniting.
Each author’s distinct voice adds layers to the overall narrative. The patchwork of perspectives keeps the reader engaged and highlights the complexity of love and identity from multiple angles.
The novel explores romantic love, friendship, self-love, and even intergenerational bonds. It challenges narrow definitions of love and celebrates its messy, complicated, and beautiful nature.
Pay attention to how the urban setting influences the characters’ experiences and emotions. It’s a reminder that where we are often shapes who we are, especially during formative years.
The book invites readers to recognize the many forms love can take—friendship, self-acceptance, and unexpected connections—not just romantic relationships.
Different perspectives enrich storytelling. When reading, notice how varying voices and styles contribute to a fuller understanding of complex themes.
Consider times in your own life when being forced out of routine—like a blackout—led to unexpected insights or changes. It’s a chance to embrace discomfort as a path to self-discovery.
Notice how the characters aren’t perfect or one-dimensional. They make mistakes, have conflicting feelings, and grow. This complexity makes their stories relatable and real.
“Blackout” isn’t your average YA love story. It’s a messy, vibrant snapshot of Black teens navigating identity and connection when the city—and their lives—go dark. It’s less about neat endings and more about the sparks that fly in the in-between moments. If you’re tired of one-note coming-of-age tales, this one’s worth the flicker.
Where to go next
These recommendations serve different purposes: stay with the author, follow the closest idea, find an easier entry, go deeper, or deliberately change perspective.
Strong overlap in themes, life-impact signals, mood, or the questions the books raise.
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The full book offers a mosaic of voices you won’t find anywhere else, each story adding texture and depth to the experience of Black youth. Reading all six stories together reveals how a single event—a blackout—can ripple through lives in surprising ways, highlighting the interconnectedness of human experience. Plus, the emotional highs and lows, the humor, and the tender moments only fully land when you spend time with every character’s journey. It’s a rare, collaborative celebration of love and identity that feels both personal and universal.