Jason Reynolds‘s Long Way Down is the first book I started and finished in 2023!
I finished this book shortly after revising my Reading Goal for 2023, so the small accomplishment has rejuvenated my approach to reading.
I enjoyed the layers and levels, symbols and metaphors utilized by Jason Reynolds throughout the story of Will, the main character, that is told in verse poetry. I often had to reread pages when I noticed something new and nuanced whether it was the shading on the page or the layout of the words or a development in the plot.
Without giving too much away, the ghosts of Will’s past pay him a visit as he prepares for a life changing decision. Each page and eventually the end of the book included cliffhangers, so it was a fast read when I was able to fit in the time to read.
I found three of the poems/pages of the book to be excellent samples of poems for National Poetry Month too. A few students have expressed interest in the book, have been able to grab copies to read, and have had conversations with me about the book. One student told me that there is a graphic novel version of the book, so I have added that to my TBR.
Book Stats
Enjoyed between March 16 to April 1, 2023
Genres – Realistic Fiction, Verse Poetry, Young Adult
Pages – 300
23 in 2023 Reading Challenge List
- Long Way Down – Jason Reynolds – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (this post)