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A review by amandamagdic
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I "read" this book via audio book at the recommendation of another bookstagrammer. Not something I would have gravitated towards on my own but I'm so glad I picked it up. Told in verse over the prolonged time span of 1 min, it is an ode to end gun and gang violence.
After 15 year old Will witnesses the murder of his older brother Shawn, while running and errand to get their mom special soap for her skin condition in enemy territory, he knows what he has to do. Follow the rules. The rules go back generations and everyone knows them: no crying, no snitching, and revenge when someone murders someone you love.
Will awakes the morning after his brothers death, finds his hidden gun and goes on a mission to fulfill rule number 3 against the person he is positive is responsible. As he steps into the elevator he is joined on each floor by someone from his past who is now deceased. From his brothers mentor, to childhood friend, uncle and father and then finally Shawn himself. Conversations with each person show Will he is not ready to take a life. And show him a bigger picture that he was not aware of. how much can happen in the span of one minute. As Will's mind races with the knowledge of what he is about to do. My only wish is that when we finally move from 9:08 to 9:09 that we find out what Will's final decision is.
This is a beautifully written and powerful book. while focusing on gang violence and murder it still manages to be a highly emotional read that tugs at the heart strings and makes you think. You find yourself feeling for Will and his plight. It managed to teach a lesson while still keeping you engaged. I definitely recommend anyone stepping out of their comfort zone and reading this quick read
After 15 year old Will witnesses the murder of his older brother Shawn, while running and errand to get their mom special soap for her skin condition in enemy territory, he knows what he has to do. Follow the rules. The rules go back generations and everyone knows them: no crying, no snitching, and revenge when someone murders someone you love.
Will awakes the morning after his brothers death, finds his hidden gun and goes on a mission to fulfill rule number 3 against the person he is positive is responsible. As he steps into the elevator he is joined on each floor by someone from his past who is now deceased. From his brothers mentor, to childhood friend, uncle and father and then finally Shawn himself. Conversations with each person show Will he is not ready to take a life. And show him a bigger picture that he was not aware of. how much can happen in the span of one minute. As Will's mind races with the knowledge of what he is about to do. My only wish is that when we finally move from 9:08 to 9:09 that we find out what Will's final decision is.
This is a beautifully written and powerful book. while focusing on gang violence and murder it still manages to be a highly emotional read that tugs at the heart strings and makes you think. You find yourself feeling for Will and his plight. It managed to teach a lesson while still keeping you engaged. I definitely recommend anyone stepping out of their comfort zone and reading this quick read
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Gun violence, and Violence