TL;DR
'Long Way Down' by Jason Reynolds is a gripping novel in verse exploring a teenager's internal struggle with revenge and the cycle of violence after his brother's murder, all within the span of an elevator ride.
What is Long Way Down about
'Long Way Down' centers on 15-year-old Will, who grapples with the murder of his older brother Shawn. He prepares to avenge Shawn's death by adhering to the unspoken rules of his neighborhood: no crying, no snitching, and always seeking revenge. The story unfolds over sixty tense seconds as Will takes an elevator ride, encountering ghosts from his past on each floor, each shedding light on the consequences of violence. The novel is a profound exploration of grief, morality, and the cyclical nature of retribution, rendered in powerful narrative verse.
Long Way Down 5 Key Takeaways
Will learns of Shawn's death
Fifteen-year-old Will is devastated when his older brother Shawn is murdered, prompting him to seek revenge following the neighborhood's 'no crying, no snitching, revenge' rules.
Will takes Shawn's gun
Determined to avenge his brother, Will finds Shawn's gun and tucks it in his waistband before heading to the elevator in their building.
Ghosts appear on each floor
As the elevator descends, Will encounters ghosts of people connected to Shawn, including Buck, who gave Shawn the gun, and a girl who was a childhood friend.
Revelation and reflection
Each ghost shares a piece of history or a personal story, forcing Will to reflect on the gravity of his intended actions and the cycle of violence they perpetuate.
Will's ultimate decision
The story ends ambiguously as Will reaches the ground floor, leaving readers to ponder whether he will follow through with his revenge or break the cycle.
Top Long Way Down Quotes
- "A cannon. A strap. A piece. A biscuit. A burner. A heater. A chopper. A gat. A hammer. A tool for RULE. Or, you can call it a gun."
- "No crying. No snitching. Revenge."
Who should read Long Way Down?
'Long Way Down' is ideal for readers aged 14 and up, including young adults and adults who are interested in thought-provoking stories about grief, violence, and moral dilemmas. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate narrative verse and stories that tackle difficult social issues.
Long Way Down Best Reviews
- "An intense snapshot of the chain reaction caused by pulling a trigger." —Booklist
- "Astonishing." —Kirkus Reviews
- "A tour de force." —Publishers Weekly
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Long Way Down FAQs
What is the book 'Long Way Down' about?
'Long Way Down' is about a teenager named Will who, after his brother Shawn is murdered, prepares to seek revenge. The story unfolds during an elevator ride where Will encounters ghosts from his past who challenge his understanding of violence and revenge.
What age is the book 'Long Way Down' appropriate for?
The book is best suited for readers aged 14 and up due to its mature themes and strong language, although a mature 12-year-old could also appreciate it.
Is there a second book to 'Long Way Down'?
'Long Way Down' is a standalone novel and does not have a sequel.