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andeez's review against another edition
5.0
The original is one of my favorites, so I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the GN version. I loved it.
While I do enjoy imagining the characters while reading prose, the illustrations added made the story even more real. Interpretations may have been different from mine, but powerful nonetheless.
Recommended to anyone who loves the original or whom has never read before. Frame-worthy artwork that gutted me as much as Reynolds' words did the first time.
While I do enjoy imagining the characters while reading prose, the illustrations added made the story even more real. Interpretations may have been different from mine, but powerful nonetheless.
Recommended to anyone who loves the original or whom has never read before. Frame-worthy artwork that gutted me as much as Reynolds' words did the first time.
whitneymouse's review against another edition
4.0
**Thank you to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for providing an eArc in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my rating**
The first time I read Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds was in a YA Literature class in 2018. The class had a requirement to read 12 books of our choosing, but the professor also had us read two of hers. She thought this book was important enough that we should all read it.
I'm so glad she felt that way because I loved Long Way Down. It was such a heart wrenching book about grief and the cyclical nature of revenge. The last sentence sends chills down my spine.
It really translates well to a graphic novel form. I think this will help non-readers or new readers pick up this version of the book more readily, which will get this important novel in their hands. I think they did a nice job adapting the text, as well. Book adaptations can be dicey: They're either really well done or they miss the mark with few in betweens. I think this did a nice job of maintaining the spirit of the original and getting that across. The one problem I will say I had was that the off-hand reveal before floor 2 was less impactful than it was reading the print text. I can't say more about that without spoiling it, but if you've read both, it's less of a punch to the gut realization. It's kind of like what I said about the Animal Farm graphic novel adaptation. It's missing the slow tension build. However, I count that to be fairly minor and think it's an excellent adaptation in general.
Danica Novgorodoff did a beautiful job on the artwork for this edition. The watercolors were an interesting choice and give a soft edge to a book that could've easily gone hard and rough. I'm not sure if this was the intention, but that style lent to the feeling of Will's vulnerability for me.
The first time I read Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds was in a YA Literature class in 2018. The class had a requirement to read 12 books of our choosing, but the professor also had us read two of hers. She thought this book was important enough that we should all read it.
I'm so glad she felt that way because I loved Long Way Down. It was such a heart wrenching book about grief and the cyclical nature of revenge. The last sentence sends chills down my spine.
It really translates well to a graphic novel form. I think this will help non-readers or new readers pick up this version of the book more readily, which will get this important novel in their hands. I think they did a nice job adapting the text, as well. Book adaptations can be dicey: They're either really well done or they miss the mark with few in betweens. I think this did a nice job of maintaining the spirit of the original and getting that across. The one problem I will say I had was that the off-hand reveal before floor 2 was less impactful than it was reading the print text. I can't say more about that without spoiling it, but if you've read both, it's less of a punch to the gut realization. It's kind of like what I said about the Animal Farm graphic novel adaptation. It's missing the slow tension build. However, I count that to be fairly minor and think it's an excellent adaptation in general.
Danica Novgorodoff did a beautiful job on the artwork for this edition. The watercolors were an interesting choice and give a soft edge to a book that could've easily gone hard and rough. I'm not sure if this was the intention, but that style lent to the feeling of Will's vulnerability for me.
alimarvels83's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
natalies7's review against another edition
5.0
I had seen the other version of this book but while sat waiting I picked this up…and couldn’t put it down. Heartbreaking story about grief, loss and gun violence with incredible graphics.
perazo's review against another edition
5.0
Sometimes you know an author's been praised by enough people you can trust, so you know you're going to love their work. That being said, I certainly wasn't expecting to be left shaken and filled with goosebumps after finishing this stunning graphic novel. I really want to read the original now, wow.
libraryrobin's review against another edition
4.0
Good graphic novel but I still want to read the text version.
jeleigh16's review against another edition
5.0
I read the novel in verse a while back and it was enormously impactful. Now, reading this graphic novel version, it seems like the story has even more punch, if that’s even possible.
himalaya's review against another edition
5.0
really good and impactful story, the loose watercolour style really suited it.
cmorrisclark's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful artwork by Danica Novgorodoff paired with a powerful story by Jason Reynolds. A gripping, sobering read.