Long Way Down
by Jason Reynolds
This is a powerful read. I feel like it had even more of an impact because I listened to it and heard it from a voice not my own. It made it feel more real. Like someone was standing there telling me the story of their life. I’m not sure if I had read it instead if it would have been the same way. I don’t usually pick up novels in verse, that’s why I waited so long to read this one. For some reason the format doesn’t really appeal to me. Listening to it being read though was a whole new experience. If I hadn’t known already I don’t think that I would have picked up on it being a novel in verse. The story is just that well crafted. It’s sad and will probably anger you. I couldn’t believe the “rules” that the people in this situation are suppose to follow blindly. There’s so much that can go wrong in their vicious cycle. One person dies, then a loved one is suppose to go get revenge by killing the killer, but by that loved one killing someone another loved one steps up to take revenge on the original revenge killing. Where does it stop?!? I know that in the real world that this is really how some people live. I know that kids can’t play outside in some areas for fear of being shot. I remember going to school with my mom, who was a teacher in one of these areas, and having her tell me to stay away from the windows because shootings happened outside the school on almost a daily basis. It’s a scary way to live. It’s also scary to think that this is how people live and no one stops it. This book is beautifully worded and might change your look on things. And the ending…. DAM! I want to know what our main character chooses. I want to believe he ends the stream of violence but at the same time I know that’s not how his world works and getting out of the cycle is probably almost impossible. I whole heartily recommend listening to this book, or reading it if you don’t mind novels in verse.
