TL;DR
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds follows fifteen-year-old Will as he grapples with the murder of his brother and the street rules of revenge, all while encountering the ghosts of his past on an elevator ride.
What is Long Way Down about
Long Way Down is a young adult novel written in prose by Jason Reynolds. It tells the gripping story of fifteen-year-old Will, who grapples with the murder of his older brother Shawn. Guided by the unspoken 'street rules' of no crying, no snitching, and seeking revenge, Will sets out to avenge his brother. Armed with Shawn's gun, he steps into an elevator, only to be confronted by the ghosts of his past at each floor. These encounters force him to question his path of vengeance and the true story behind his brother’s death. Set against a backdrop of gun violence and the cyclical nature of revenge, the novel explores themes of loss, family, and moral dilemmas.
Long Way Down 5 Key Takeaways
Will’s Mission
Will is determined to avenge his brother Shawn’s murder, adhering to the 'street rules' of revenge. Armed with Shawn's gun and fueled by grief and anger, he steps into an elevator with a clear plan in mind.
Encounter with Buck
On the sixth floor, Will encounters Buck, Shawn’s mentor who gave him the gun. Buck reveals that Shawn had used the gun, shocking Will, as he had no idea about Shawn’s actions. This revelation begins to sow seeds of doubt in Will's mind.
Ghostly Encounters
As the elevator descends, Will meets more ghosts from his past, including a girl named Dani who died from a stray bullet. Each encounter challenges Will’s understanding of the truth and the ramifications of his planned revenge.
Shawn’s Appearance
At the second floor, Will meets his brother Shawn, who remains silent but his presence speaks volumes. This poignant encounter forces Will to confront his emotions and reconsider his mission.
The Dilemma
As the elevator reaches the ground floor, Will is left with a critical decision: to follow through with the revenge or break the cycle of violence. The story ends ambiguously, leaving readers to ponder Will’s choice.
Top Long Way Down Quotes
- 'No crying. No snitching. Revenge.'
- 'The rules weren't meant to be broken. They were meant for the broken to follow.'
Who should read Long Way Down?
Long Way Down is ideal for readers aged 14 and up, particularly those interested in young adult fiction that explores complex social issues such as gun violence, grief, and moral dilemmas. The book's poetic prose and gripping narrative make it a compelling read for both teens and adults.
Long Way Down Best Reviews
- The New York Times praises Long Way Down for its 'stunning, lyrical narrative' and 'unflinching look at the cycles of violence and grief.'
- Kirkus Reviews lauds the book, stating, 'This astonishing novel in verse is a must-read for teens and adults alike, presenting a powerful message about the futility of revenge.'
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Long Way Down FAQs
What is the book Long Way Down about?
Long Way Down tells the story of fifteen-year-old Will, who is determined to avenge his older brother Shawn’s murder. As he rides an elevator with Shawn’s gun, he encounters ghosts from his past who challenge his understanding of revenge and violence.
Why was Long Way Down banned?
Long Way Down has faced bans due to its depiction of gun violence and strong language. Despite this, the book is praised for its honest and impactful exploration of these themes.
What age is appropriate for Long Way Down?
Due to its strong themes and language, Long Way Down is best suited for readers aged 14 and up. A mature 12-year-old may also appreciate and understand its content.