Why I Recommend Reading “Long Way Down” By Jason Reynolds , article by Kavin Sivakumar

 Why I Recommend Reading “Long Way Down” By Jason Reynolds

Kavin Sivakumar

“Long Way Down” by Jason Reynolds is a novel that covers topics such as violence and grieving the loss of a loved one. One of the important aspects of the story is the way it is written. Unlike most novels this story is written in verse. The story also has many messages and lessons that are shown throughout the story. These messages that are learnt from this novel are important for people to know if they are facing a similar situation. 

One of the reasons why I would recommend this novel to others is because the lessons that are learnt in the story are important for people to know because it addresses topics many people are facing. The main character in the story is struggling with the loss of his brother and he feels pressured by society to get revenge for him. Throughout the story they’re many characters that try to convince the main character not to go out with his actions because they know it can only lead to more violence. The novel encourages people to break the cycle of violence so no one in the future has to feel the same pain that you did. 

Another reason I would recommend “Long Way Down” is the book is written in a unique and different way. The story is written in verse which makes the story fast paced and easy to follow along. This style allows the reader to see the main character's emotions because they’re many moments when just the placement of the words have a deep and meaningful story behind them. For example, in one chapter of the story the words are shown going down one word at a time which shows that they have less time to make their decision if they want to go out with their plan. An important thing to know is the entire story takes place in a 60 second elevator ride and as he goes down every level he meets a new character that helps him when making his decision. 

The story also covers the importance of thinking while making choices and decisions. As the main character meets more characters that have been in the same place that he is in it forces him to think about the consequences that will follow if he goes through with his decision. The book shows that every choice has a consequence even if the consequence might not be immediately shown. 

Overall, “Long Way Down” is a great novel to read if you are looking for a book that can keep your attention and have meaningful lessons. The way the story is written in verse which allows the book to keep moving and catches the readers attention since they have to think about why the words are placed where they are placed because even that can have a meaning behind it. All of these factors are what make the novel “Long Way Down” such an amazing story to read.