Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds tells the story of a teenager, Will, who grapples with the decision to avenge his brother Shawn's death. Growing up in their neighborhood, Will and Shawn learned the rules of engagement: no crying, no snitching, and seek revenge. After Shawn is brutally gunned down, Will understands what he must do. He retrieves the gun that Shawn had hidden and intends to avenge him. While waiting for the elevator to confront the person, he is certain of his target. But is Will completely confident? As he enters the elevator, a mysterious individual steps in and begins to question Will’s motives. The elevator stops at each floor, and someone new boards who shares their perspective on Will’s intentions. It’s a long way down, and does Will change his mind, or will he gain clarity on his course of action?
I previously read another book by the author, All American Boys, and found it enjoyable, so I decided to give this one a chance. Initially, I was surprised by its poetic verse style and felt hesitant to continue reading. I'm glad I persevered, as the novel proved to be intriguing, and the writing style added an engaging element. The book maintained suspenseful moments, making me eager to see who else would enter the elevator with Will. Although some pages were sparse in words, their impact was profound. I would be open to exploring more works by this author.
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