In Jason Reynolds’s novel “Long Way Down,” the author effectively conveys the central theme through vivid imagery. From beginning to end, the author generates a violent setting filled with memories the main character, Will, or his peers faced, which all memories can connect back to the origin of violence. Reynolds consummates this literary device into the narrative, permitting the readers to connect or feel empathy on a deeper level, which is the central theme of the cycle of violence in a community. I rate this novel four Redhawks out of five for its use of different perspectives to imagine their point of view on violence in their community. While explaining violence from guns, the author could have added other forms of violence, some of which
