Long Way Down

By: Jason Reynolds

Will is 15 years old and his brother Shawn has just been shot and killed. He’s been taught rules to live by no crying, no snitching, and seek revenge. That is just what he plans to do, seek revenge against his brother’s killer. He gets his brother’s gun, and as he rides down the elevator to seek his revenge, people in his life that have been killed by gun violence appear in the elevator. Each of these people provides Will the pieces of the bigger story and helps build the circle of violence. A circle of violence that may never end if Will gets off the elevator.

This was a different type of read for me, but I cannot express how much I loved it. Told completely in verse, Long Way Down is a harrowing tale of the circle of gun violence. The verses are easy to read, and really paint a picture. Reynolds’ use of the space on the page is thoughtful and creative. Gun violence is a hot button topic in the US. A lot of us know that gun violence exists, but never experience it. This really personifies the cycle of violence that is taught and acted upon. It provides an example of a traumatic background for those that may find themselves in a life like this. Some of the verses are heartbreaking and gut wrenching. I could easily picture the scenes. I read this as a group buddy read; one of my fellow readers mentioned seeing this made into a performance piece and I think it would be a fantastic performance piece. I think this is a must read for everyone. It really provides perspective.

Get this book here.