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reflective
fast-paced
Long Way Down was a very quick read. Most of the book takes place on a two-minute elevator ride. The culture of the characters in their black neighborhood with gang violence, drugs, and mistrust of the police, is far removed from my lived experience, which lets me see a different perspective. In the book, Will sets out to get revenge on the man he thinks killed his brother. On his way, he is visited by the ghosts of many killed by gun violence. I found the approach unique and interesting. The book is left open-ended, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions. I think it brings up some important ideas about perpetuating violence.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Murder
Minor: Drug use
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I’ve read the original of this story in verse and was excited to get a copy of the graphic novel for Christmas. The water color illustrations were beautiful and done in a way that enhances the ominous and haunting tone of this story. I forgot how the author chose to end this story & was immersed quickly back in the story to see what Will chooses to do. I think this story is powerful in that it forces the reader to think and evaluate right from wrong. It challenged the Rules of the streets but indirectly and with a clever way. It’s a sad story, but intentional and with strong lessons that I think many kids need to hear - especially ones within this cycle of gangs, drug dealing, or gun violence.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Death of parent, Murder
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I finished this book in one day, and it BLEW MY MIND! I had not heard about the original novel this is based on, and I'm glad I hadn't because this definitely hit harder because it was not what I expected. Heart-wrenching, thought-provoking, REAL in all the ways that matter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Grief, Murder
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Drug use, Blood
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Murder
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was such a heartbreaking and poignant read. It was so powerful and holds great impact.
The author utilises this story in graphic novel form to truly capture the depth of cyclical violence within young people, particularly. It portrays how they are especially vulnerable and can become victims of violence.
The story focuses on Will who has just lost his brother, so now he plans to go by the rules. ‘No. 3: Revenge.” In his attempt to get retribution for his brother’s death he is visited by people from his life, who were also victims of the same violence.
The author leaves the ending a mystery, it has you questioning whether Will actually goes through with his plans. This was a really good touch to the book because it’s a good way to get the readers wondering if the cycle has finally been broken.
The novel really plays on the readers empathy; as the reader I was emotional from the beginning and my heart was breaking for Will—not just because he lost his brother, but also because he thinks he has to carry out revenge; he believes he has to go by the rules; continue the cycle of violence. He was a victim himself.
Finally, I loved the artwork. The watercolours were done so well and was such a beautiful addition to the story.
The author utilises this story in graphic novel form to truly capture the depth of cyclical violence within young people, particularly. It portrays how they are especially vulnerable and can become victims of violence.
The story focuses on Will who has just lost his brother, so now he plans to go by the rules. ‘No. 3: Revenge.” In his attempt to get retribution for his brother’s death he is visited by people from his life, who were also victims of the same violence.
The author leaves the ending a mystery, it has you questioning whether Will actually goes through with his plans. This was a really good touch to the book because it’s a good way to get the readers wondering if the cycle has finally been broken.
The novel really plays on the readers empathy; as the reader I was emotional from the beginning and my heart was breaking for Will—not just because he lost his brother, but also because he thinks he has to carry out revenge; he believes he has to go by the rules; continue the cycle of violence. He was a victim himself.
Finally, I loved the artwork. The watercolours were done so well and was such a beautiful addition to the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Grief, Murder
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Racism, Grief, Murder, Classism
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Grief, Murder
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A very poignant graphic novel. I'm still not sure whether I'd like to read the long-form book, but this book absolutely challenged my beliefs. I wish the book had done more to challenge or explain why you have to live by The Rules, because I found myself quite frustrated by that . This was likely the point and I just don't get it, and maybe this is explained in the original book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Grief, Murder
Moderate: Blood, Death of parent
Minor: Chronic illness
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Grief, Murder
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gun violence, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Drug use, Gun violence, Racism, Violence, Grief, Murder