Are you in the mood for a gripping, fast-paced novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end? If so, then you need to check out Long Way Down, a novel-in-verse by Jason Reynolds. This young adult novel has been praised by critics and readers alike for its powerful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and heart-wrenching emotional depth. And the best part? You can experience all of it in the Long Way Down audiobook, narrated by none other than the author himself.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at Long Way Down audiobook, including the plot summary, the themes, the writing style, and the narration. We’ll also tell you where you can find the audiobook, and what other listeners have to say about it. So buckle up, because this is going to be one wild ride.
Where to Listen to Long Way Down Audiobook
If you’re ready to dive into Long Way Down audiobook, there are several options available to you. You can purchase it on Audible, Amazon, or iTunes, or you can borrow it from your local library. You can also listen to a free sample on any of these platforms before deciding whether to buy the full audiobook.
long way down book
| Chapter | Description |
|---|---|
| Prologue | Will’s brother, Shawn, has just been killed, and Will is determined to seek revenge. |
| Floor 1 | A man named Buck enters the elevator and reveals that he knew Shawn. Will considers shooting him, but ultimately decides against it. |
| Floor 2 | Will’s friend, Dani, enters the elevator and tries to persuade him not to go through with his plan. |
| Floor 3 | A man named Willie enters the elevator and tells the story of his own brother’s death. |
| Floor 4 | A young girl named NaTasha enters the elevator and tells a story about a school project on Tupac Shakur. |
| Floor 5 | A woman named Mrs. Margolis enters the elevator and shares a story about her son. |
| Floor 6 | A man named Frick enters the elevator and reveals that he was once in prison with Will’s father. |
| Floor 7 | Will’s uncle Mark enters the elevator and tries to talk him out of seeking revenge. |
| Floor 8 | Will’s mother enters the elevator and shares a story about her own brother’s death. |
| Floor 9 | Will reaches the ground floor and exits the elevator, but is confronted by a surprise twist that will change everything. |
These chapters build upon each other to create a powerful and emotional story that will keep you engaged from start to finish. Each encounter in the elevator adds another layer of complexity to Will’s decision-making process, forcing him to confront his own assumptions and biases about the people around him. The surprise twist at the end of the book is the culmination of all these experiences, and will leave you thinking about the story long after you finish listening.
long way down summary
Long Way Down audiobook follows the story of Will, a young Black man who has just lost his older brother Shawn to gun violence. The novel takes place over the course of sixty seconds, during which Will rides an elevator down from his apartment on the eighth floor to the ground floor, where he intends to seek revenge on his brother’s killer. But as he descends, the elevator stops on each floor and a new person enters, each with their own connection to Shawn and their own story to tell. Through these encounters, Will is forced to confront the truth about his brother’s life, his own choices, and the cycle of violence that has trapped him and his community.
Themes
At its core, Long Way Down audiobook is a story about loss, grief, and the devastating impact of gun violence. But it’s also about so much more than that. Throughout the novel, Reynolds explores a wide range of themes that are relevant to young people today, including:
- The importance of family, community, and connection
- The struggle to define oneself in a world that wants to put you in a box
- The power of language and the way it can both unite and divide us
- The complexities of the justice system and the flaws in its approach to crime and punishment
- The role of tradition, history, and legacy in shaping our lives and identities
- The possibility of redemption, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles
Writing Style
One of the most striking things about Long Way Down audiobook is its unique format. Reynolds tells the story entirely in verse, using short, staccato lines that pack a powerful emotional punch. This style of writing gives the novel a sense of urgency and immediacy that makes it impossible to put down. It also allows Reynolds to experiment with language and rhythm in ways that traditional prose wouldn’t allow, creating a lyrical and immersive reading experience.
But Long Way Down isn’t just impressive for its form; it’s also a masterclass in storytelling. Reynolds knows exactly how to build tension, create suspense, and deliver shocking twists that will leave you gasping. He also has a gift for capturing the nuances of human emotion and behavior, making his characters feel like real people with real struggles and desires.
Narration
In the Long Way Down audiobook, Jason Reynolds takes on the role of narrator, and he does an excellent job of bringing his own words
to life. His delivery is engaging and dynamic, and he infuses each line with emotion and meaning. Reynolds’ narration is especially effective in capturing the different voices and perspectives of the characters that Will encounters on his journey down the elevator. By using distinct vocal tones and inflections, he brings each character to life in a way that is both authentic and compelling.
Reynolds’ narration also enhances the poetry of the novel, as he is able to emphasize the rhythm and flow of the language. Listening to the audiobook, you can hear the way the words roll off his tongue, creating a musical quality that enhances the emotional impact of the story. In short, Reynolds’ narration is the perfect complement to his own writing, and it’s a joy to listen to.
What Listeners are Saying
Long Way Down audiobook has received widespread critical acclaim since its release. It was a National Book Award finalist, a Newbery Honor book, and a Printz Honor book, among other accolades. But it’s not just critics who have fallen in love with this novel-in-verse; listeners have also been raving about it.
On Audible, the audiobook has an impressive 4.8-star rating out of 5, with over 3,000 ratings and reviews. Listeners praise the audiobook for its powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and engaging narration. Many reviewers note that they were moved to tears by the story, and that it stayed with them long after they finished listening.
Some listeners also mention that they enjoyed the unique format of the audiobook, with one reviewer writing: “The verse format makes this book absolutely brilliant as an audiobook. It adds an extra layer of emotion and depth to an already stunning novel.”
Things to Learn from Long Way Down Audiobook
| Things to Learn from Long Way Down Audiobook | Description |
|---|---|
| The impact of gun violence | The novel explores the devastating impact of gun violence on individuals and communities, highlighting the ripple effects of a single act of violence. |
| The importance of family and community | Through Will’s interactions with his family and neighbors, the novel emphasizes the importance of having a support system in times of grief and hardship. |
| The complexities of the justice system | Long Way Down raises important questions about the justice system, including its biases and its focus on punishment over rehabilitation. |
| The power of language | Reynolds uses language in creative ways throughout the novel, demonstrating how it can both unite and divide people. |
| The cycle of violence | The novel shows how violence can be cyclical, perpetuating itself through generations and communities. |
| The struggle to define oneself | Will grapples with questions of identity and self-definition throughout the novel, highlighting the challenges that young people face in trying to find their place in the world. |
| The possibility of redemption | Long Way Down offers a nuanced exploration of the possibility of redemption, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. |
Conclusion
Long Way Down audiobook by Jason Reynolds is a must-listen for anyone who loves powerful, emotionally resonant storytelling. Reynolds’ writing style is unique and captivating, and his narration brings the story to life in a way that is both authentic and compelling. Whether you’re a fan of poetry, young adult literature, or simply great storytelling, you won’t be disappointed by this unforgettable novel-in-verse. So go ahead and give it a listen – but be prepared to be swept away by its heart-pounding tale of loss, grief, and redemption.
FAQs
Q: Who is the author of Long Way Down audiobook?
A: The author of Long Way Down audiobook is Jason Reynolds.
Q: Who narrates Long Way Down audiobook?
A: Jason Reynolds narrates the Long Way Down audiobook.
Q: What is Long Way Down audiobook about?
A: Long Way Down audiobook follows the story of Will, a young Black man who has just lost his older brother Shawn to gun violence. The novel takes place over the course of sixty seconds, during which Will rides an elevator down from his apartment on the eighth floor to the ground floor, where he intends to seek revenge on his brother’s killer. But as he descends, the elevator stops on each floor and a new person enters, each with their own connection to Shawn and their own story to tell. Through these encounters, Will is forced to confront the truth about his brother’s life, his own choices, and the cycle of violence that has trapped him and his community.
Q: What are the themes explored in Long Way Down audiobook?
A: The themes explored in Long Way Down audiobook include loss, grief, family, community, identity, language, justice, tradition, legacy, and redemption.
Q: Is Long Way Down audiobook appropriate for young adults?
A: Yes, Long Way Down audiobook is appropriate for young adults. It is a young adult novel that deals with themes and issues that are relevant to young people today.
Q: Where can I listen to Long Way Down audiobook?
A: Long Way Down audiobook is available for purchase on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It is also available to borrow from many public libraries.
About Author
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