Long Way Down: A Powerful Novel By Jason Reynolds

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a powerful, emotionally gripping story that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. Taking place over the course of sixty seconds in an elevator, it follows Will, a 15-year old on a mission to avenge his brother’s death. The novel meticulously explores themes of morality, growing up, and gang violence through raw and vivid storytelling. It has earned critical acclaim from The New York Times, The Washington Post and School Library Journal, among many others.

The entire story takes place in one enclosed space: the elevator car of the apartment building where Will lives. Although it lasts just 60 seconds, this ride feels much longer as Will grapples with his own inner demons and the complex moral dilemma he faces. He’s determined to get revenge for his brother’s death, but is also confronted with memories and other people’s stories that make him question what justice really looks like. As secrets are slowly revealed and time quickly runs out, tension builds throughout the narrative.

Reynolds does an excellent job of conveying emotions through carefully crafted language and dialogue. His use of metaphor is particularly effective; readers can feel the weight of Will’s grief even when it isn’t explicitly stated. This emotionally charged tale is written in verse form, which lends itself well to the suspenseful atmosphere and helps capture the passage of time within each scene.

Overall, Long Way Down is an engaging read that will leave you thinking long after you finish turning its pages. Its poignant exploration of difficult topics makes it a great pick for teens looking for thought-provoking fiction or adults seeking a powerful story about resilience and redemption. In order to better understand this book, let’s take a look at its summary next.

Table of Contents

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds Review

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a story of courage, hope and redemption. It’s a fast-paced, powerful read that will leave you breathless and inspired. Will’s brother Shawn was killed just moments before he got to the elevator. Now, with gun in hand, Will must decide what his next step is going to be. As the elevator descends floor by floor, Will’s choices become clearer and more urgent.

Key Features:

A heart-pounding story about revenge and redemption.

Explores themes of race, identity, family and grief.

Compelling illustrations that bring the story to life.

An exploration of moral dilemmas and their consequences.

Long Way Down is a gripping story about one young man’s journey from tragedy to understanding. The novel takes us through the inner thoughts of a protagonist struggling to make sense of a senseless act of violence in which he has been deeply involved. With each passing floor on the elevator, we gain insight into Will’s difficult choices as he wrestles with the consequences of his actions. The choices he makes will determine whether revenge or redemption will win out in the end.

Along the way, readers are invited to consider broader social issues such as racism, identity and family dynamics. Through vivid illustrations and thoughtful writing, Long Way Down offers an insightful look at these complex topics while also providing an emotional rollercoaster ride for its readers. This extraordinary book will stay with you long after you’ve finished it!

Product Details

Product Name	Long Way Down
Author	Jason Reynolds
Publisher	Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Publication Date	October 17, 2017
Language	English
ISBN-10	1481438255
ISBN-13	978 – 1481438254
Item Weight	5.6 ounces
Dimensions	5.2 x 0.8 x 7.5 inches
Number of Pages	240 pages

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds Pros and Cons

Pros of Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Engaging story – Long Way Down is an incredibly engaging and thought-provoking novel about a young man’s journey through grief and redemption. The story captures the raw emotions of the protagonist and makes it easy for readers to connect with his experience.

Great writing style – Jason Reynolds’ writing style is both poetic and powerful, making for a captivating read that will leave you wanting more. His use of imagery and symbolism brings his characters and their struggles to life in vivid detail.

Relevant theme – The themes explored in Long Way Down are highly relevant to today’s society, particularly among youth. It tackles issues such as gun violence, revenge, and forgiveness in a way that is both poignant and thought-provoking.

Cons of Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Short length – While the narrative is intense and compelling, the book’s length may be off-putting to some readers who prefer longer works.

Graphic content – This book contains graphic depictions of violence which may not be suitable for younger readers or those who are sensitive to such material.

Can be slow at times – Some readers have complained that the plot can feel slow at times due to its focus on character development.

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that will leave you wanting more. With its relatable themes, great writing style, and engaging story, this book is sure to please readers looking for an enthralling read. However, some readers might find it too short or too slow paced due to its focus on character development and its graphic depictions of violence.

Who are They for

Long Way Down, by Jason Reynolds, is a thought-provoking and gripping story about a young man’s journey of grief and healing. Will is faced with a difficult decision when his brother is killed in an act of gang violence – should he seek revenge, or take the high road? With only sixty seconds to decide, Will embarks on an unforgettable ride that takes him through unexpected revelations about life, death, and love.

This powerful story of self-discovery and redemption will stay with readers long after they put the book down. The novel is full of vivid imagery and believable characters that draw readers into their lives. Through its raw emotion and honest exploration of complex topics, Long Way Down quickly becomes an unforgettable read.

My Experience for Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Once upon a time, I was walking down the street when I noticed something peculiar. I looked up and saw a Long Way Down book by Jason Reynolds! It was like a sign from above that this book was meant for me.

So, I pulled out my wallet, took out my credit card and went to buy it. The moment I opened it, I felt an incredible surge of excitement run through my veins. This Long Way Down novel was the perfect adventure to embark on!

The story follows Will, who has sixty seconds to make a decision that could change his life forever. He takes a journey into the depths of his soul during those sixty seconds and discovers himself while also learning to face his fears in order to make the right choice.

I couldn’t put this book down! With its powerful messages and poetic writing style, Long Way Down had me hooked from the beginning. From gripping suspense to intense emotions, this novel had it all.

If you’re looking for an inspiring story about facing your fears and making tough decisions, then Long Way Down is definitely for you!

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages:
1. Some readers may find the language and subject matter too mature for younger audiences (language).
2. It has a rushed ending which may be unsatisfactory to some readers (rushed ending).
3. The story is heavy in topics such as violence and death, which could be triggering to some readers (violence and death).
4. There are some parts of the book which can be confusing or hard to follow (confusing).

How to Handle Grief and Loss with Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Grief and loss can be overwhelming, but Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds offers a unique perspective on how to handle these difficult emotions in a healthy way. Through the story of a young boy dealing with the death of his brother, this book shows readers how to navigate through their own struggles with grief and loss.

One way to handle grief and loss is to take time to express your emotions. In Long Way Down, the main character learns that it’s okay to cry and talk about his sadness. He also finds strength in talking with others who have experienced similar losses. This provides an important reminder that it’s okay to reach out for help when grieving.

Another key lesson from Long Way Down is that it’s important to find ways to honor those we’ve lost. The main character finds solace in writing poems about his brother and visits his brother’s grave regularly. There are many creative ways to remember and celebrate loved ones, such as creating a memory box or making an art project in their honor.

Finally, Long Way Down demonstrates the importance of taking care of yourself while grieving. It can be easy to forget basic needs like eating well, sleeping enough, and exercising when going through tough times. Taking time for self-care activities like yoga, journaling, or meditating can help you stay grounded during difficult moments.

By following the lessons from Long Way Down, readers can learn how to handle grief and loss in a constructive way.

Questions about Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

What is Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds?

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is a New York Times bestselling novel about one boy’s journey to find answers after his brother’s death. With no clear rules for what he should do, Will embarks on a complex and emotional ride of discovery, as he confronts questions of grief, revenge, morality, and consequences.

What age group is this book recommended for?

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is recommended for readers aged 12 and up. It contains mature topics such as violence and racism that may not be suitable for younger readers.

What awards has this book won?

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds has been honored with numerous awards including the National Book Award Winner in Young People’s Literature, Coretta Scott King Author Honor Book Award Winner, and Newbery Honor Book Award Winner.

Are there any other books related to Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds?

Yes! The sequel to Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds is Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks, which continues Will’s story with 10 interconnected vignettes. It was released on October 6th 2020.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.