Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a powerful novel written in verse, exploring the cycle of violence and revenge within inner-city communities. The story follows Will, a young man who embarks on an elevator ride armed with a gun, seeking to avenge the murder of his older brother Shawn. Throughout the elevator journey, Will encounters ghosts from his past, each representing a different aspect of his life and the consequences of following the rules of the street - no crying, no snitching, get revenge. The narrative delves into themes of grief, loss, and the impact of gun violence, presented in a compelling and thought-provoking manner.
Reynolds' writing style, characterized by short, poignant verses, creates a fast-paced and impactful reading experience. The use of free verse allows for a raw and emotional exploration of Will's inner turmoil and the complex decisions he faces. Through the concise yet evocative language, Reynolds captures the intense emotions and struggles of the characters, inviting readers to reflect on the consequences of violence and the choices we make in the face of tragedy.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers for this book include violence, gun violence, grief, and death, particularly related to the themes of street and gang violence.
From The Publisher:
A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021)
Jason Reynolds's Newbery Honor, Printz Honor, and Coretta Scott King Honor-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling novel Long Way Down is now a gripping, galvanizing graphic novel, with haunting artwork by Danica Novgorodoff.
Will's older brother, Shawn, has been shot.
Dead.
Will feels a sadness so great, he can't explain it. But in his neighborhood, there are THE RULES:
No. 1: Crying.
Don't.
No matter what.
No. 2: Snitching
Don't.
No matter what.
No. 3: Revenge
Do.
No matter what.
But bullets miss. You can get the wrong guy. And there's always someone else who knows to follow the rules…
Ratings (14)
Incredible (7) | |
Loved It (4) | |
Liked It (1) | |
It Was OK (2) |
Reader Stats (27):
Read It (14) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (9) | |
Not Interested (2) |
4 comment(s)
Content wise this was a very heard hitting and important story. But the style wasn't quite my thing at the moment. Still enjoyed what the book taught me but I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was written in a more common way. 3.8 stars. Highly recommend this though
Listening to Jason Reynolds read his words on Audible brought this story to life way better than any voice my brain could have conjured up. This book is POWERFUL and unfortunately a true story for so many kids and families across the country. This is also a story that needs to be told for all those out there who this type of life seems so foreign. The “rules” are the “rules” but that doesn’t make them any less heartbreaking.
Really sad. A book about gun violence. Makes you think about the choices you make.
This was my class read last year. Loved it.
What can you read after
Long Way Down?
About the Author:
Jason Reynolds is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, a Newbery Award Honoree, a Printz Award Honoree, a two-time National Book Award finalist, a Kirkus Award winner, a Carnegie Medal winner, a two-time Walter Dean Myers Award winner, an NAACP Image Award Winner, and the recipient of multiple Coretta Scott King honors. He's also the 2020-2021 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature. His many books include All American Boys (cowritten with Brendan Kiely), When I Was the Greatest, The Boy in the Black Suit, Stamped, As Brave as You, For Every One, the Track series (Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu), Look Both Ways, and Long Way Down, which received a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor, and a Coretta Scott King Honor. He lives in Washington, DC. You can find his ramblings at JasonWritesBooks.com.
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