Long Way Down

by Jason Reynolds
Long Way Down cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Young Adult (YA)
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Paperback • £8.99
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Format • £8.54
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Technical
  • ID: 9999
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9781481438254
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2017-10-24
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Long Way Down,' fifteen-year-old Will is determined to avenge his brother Shawn's fatal shooting. As he steps into an elevator with a gun, seven ghosts who knew Shawn board with him, each revealing truths that Will needs to confront. This powerful novel explores themes of grief, retribution, and the cycles of violence, all within the confines of a high-rise building./n/nThe book is written in verse, creating a unique and poignant narrative style that captures the raw emotions of the characters. It's a gripping and thought-provoking story that delves into the complexities of urban life and the difficult choices that young people face.

Reviews
Book Trust · 2026-01-05
breathtaking 4.50

The book is breathtakingly gripping and spectacular, with tense action and powerful language. It's a read that almost leaves you breathless.

This review praises 'Long Way Down' for its gripping and spectacular narrative. The reviewer highlights the tense action and powerful language that make the book so compelling. The story is described as breathtaking, with a pace that leaves readers almost breathless. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to convey deep emotions and themes in a way that resonates with readers. The format and style of the book are particularly praised for their effectiveness in telling the story.

Quick quotes

    Written in verse, Long Way Down is breathtakingly gripping and spectacular.

    You almost read it without breathing; the action is so tense, the language so powerful.

    The book's ability to convey deep emotions and themes in a way that resonates with readers.

The Bellarion · 2023-05-01
powerful 4.50

The book is a short but powerful and gut-wrenching read that leaves a lasting impact. The story itself is a work of art that will stay with readers long after they finish it.

This review highlights how 'Long Way Down' is a deeply moving and impactful read. The reviewer emphasizes the book's ability to leave a lasting impression on readers, describing it as gut-wrenching and powerful. The story is praised for its emotional depth and the way it lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned. The format and style of the book are also noted for their effectiveness in conveying the narrative.

Quick quotes

    Reynolds curated a short but powerful and gut-wrenching book that leaves a lasting impact on readers.

    Not only is the story itself a work of art, but the way it's told is just as compelling.

    This book will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

Reader Pants · 2018-06-06
engaging 4.00

The book is perfect for reluctant readers, particularly boys who live in urban settings. It's short and written in free verse, making it accessible and engaging.

This review highlights how 'Long Way Down' is an excellent choice for reluctant readers, especially those in urban settings. The reviewer praises the book's short length and free verse format, which make it accessible and engaging. The story is noted for its ability to captivate readers who might otherwise struggle with longer or more complex texts. The reviewer also appreciates the book's ability to address important themes in a way that resonates with young readers.

Quick quotes

    Long Way Down is perfect for reluctant readers, particularly boys who live in urban settings.

    It's short and written in free verse, making it accessible and engaging.

    The story is noted for its ability to captivate readers who might otherwise struggle with longer or more complex texts.

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