Long Way Down Paperback – 2 April 2019

Wow! Where to begin with this novel? I read this in just an hour. The author has developed his own style of writing and this I absolutely LOVED. I have a great respect for author’s who choose to write in their own unique style and make zero apologies for it! So straight away, that was a ‘Go Jason!’ from me!The novel is YA, I am 34 years old! My days of being a YA are long behind me. But I firmly believe YA is for everyone! Therefore, I have continued to support YA novels on my blog as often as I can. The novel also has illustrations within it’s pages. They are amazing, accurate to the emotions and themes and I only wish I owned a physical copy now!The illustrator Chris Priestley has done a phenomenal job!The novel opens with William Holloman (Will to his friends). In the aftermath of his brother Shawn’s shooting. Will is 15 years old, his brother just four years older. I immediately started asking myself, Why did this young life, have to end so soon? As Will describes his pain and grief at the loss of his brother. You begin to realise the pain of bereavement is deeply painful for everyone, regardless of age. It just resonates with each individual differently. In that split second, Will knows what he must do………….“If the blood inside you is on the inside of someone else, you never want to see it on the outside of them”Will talks us through the local neighbourhood people. What happens when a crime like this takes place and most importantly of all the rules!The rules: No crying, no snitching and revenge!As a mother, reading Will’s words, I really began to worry for his future and where the path of vengeance would take him.“Gun shots make everybody deaf and blind especially when they make somebody dead”“If someone you love gets killed, find the person who killed them and kill them”The novel briefly describes Will and Shawn’s mother’s pain. Her worries that Shawn stay out of jail, not get his girlfriend pregnant and not die!We also hear Will describe his relationship with Shawn. His favourite brother, his only brother. It is with that in mind, he grabs Shawn’s gun and decides to get revenge.What happens once Will enters the elevator, is the true beauty of this novel. He will be met with a variety of characters, all known personally to him. Well at least until they died…..They offer their words of wisdom, each taking a turn to show Will the consequences, his future actions could have!“Might as well relax, it’s a long way down” - BuckThe writing is poetic and beautiful. I had so many quotes written in my reading journal. Jason Reynolds has proven, without a shadow of a doubt, He is a master wordsmith!The novel depicts the cycle of violence and gang culture. But in a way, I have NEVER read before.I can see the huge appeal to YA readers, as the novel really is written to them. But the novel still manages to be unique and moving to the older adult reader also. Which cannot, be an easy writing endeavour.

This is the best book I have read this year! I have to admit I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about starting this book. It is written in free verse, which is something which has never really appealed to me….however, I loved this book!It is a short book, and quick to read. The rhythm of the verse and the tense, emotional story propels you to the end of the book. It has such a strong, raw, message that the impact stayed with me, long after the book had been finished.The overall theme of the book is one of revenge, passed down through generations and strengthened through the community they live in.Will, the protagonist of the story, sets out from his flat. He plans to kill someone in revenge for his brothers’ death – he know ‘the rules’. He lives on the 7th floor and the entire book is set in the lift as it travels from his floor to the ground. As it descends, pivotal characters enter the lift on each floor. These characters are all ghosts from Will’s past and it is a sad reflection on a young man’s life that violent crime has had such a huge impact. He has a chance to step out of the cycle of revenge but the reader can see how hard a decision it is for Will as he descends.As I have already mentioned, this book is a quick read, but the emotional impact it has, is phenomenal. I would highly recommend reading this book.

I loved the way the author told his story, I couldn’t put this book down. A very powerful story which really gets the message over and hopefully Touches a young persons life in a positive way.

This is one of those books where you can”t explain the premise to anyone you just have to live and breath it, my daughter recommended it as she is training to be an English teacher and this book is on the curriculum, I can fully understand why, such powerful imagery and thought provoking way to tell the story, amazing!

This is the first book i have read in verse.I read it in 2 hours. I literally couldn't stop reading.I dont wanna write a huge review , as dont want to spoil it, but everyone needs to read this!The need for acceptance and the need to follow the rules of gang life is so strong. I totally feel for Will, like I feel for any one in this situation. ..Gun crime ... an eye for an eyeThe moral dilemmas...Just brilliant

From the very first page I was sucked in and I didn’t want to get out. As with all the novel-in-verse books I’ve read so far, they’re so deeply moving, heartbreaking, gritty and raw, and this masterpiece was all the above and more. I’m definitely going to read more from Jason Reynolds 🙌🏼

Bang on

This is a sad story but important to tell. The story encourages both what your gut says, but also what is morally right.

This is perfection, everything is extremely well done from the narrative to the page design, after reading this you will definitely see some changes in your point of view when it comes to the discussions brought up by the author.As expected 10/10 would recommend

My students loved It!

Ottimo

Loved the language and the story, the author found a fresh and appealing way of dealing with the topic of youth violence

J'ai du mal avec la poésie sans rythme. Ici la forme soutient parfois la pensée mais c'est très artificiel. Par exemple si je prenais mon commentaire et que je le détachais en vers, ça donnerait pareil et ça n'a pas toujours grand intérêt.L'histoire par contre est plus intéressante. On suit notre protagoniste, dans sa tête, qui souhaite venger la mort de son frère, tué par balle dans contexte de règlement de compte entre gangs de rue. Il suit les Règles comme son frère, comme son père. Il prend l'ascenseur et à chaque étage, quelqu'un rentre.L'occasion est ici donnée d'explorer ces règles de la rue, la transmission, la vengeance...Apparemment l'histoire n'avait pas été conçue sous forme poétique. Pourquoi pas. En tout cas on le sent bien. Parfois ça fonctionne et d'autres fois pas. Pas à voix haute en tout cas. C'est un peu le défaut du récit.J'ai quand même bien aimé globalement, le personnage est sympathique et on espère qu'il fera le bon choix.