Okay so when someone pointed out that this book club pick was written in poems, I cringed, as I don't really enjoy poetry and its often cryptic nature. However, when I started reading I couldn't imagine it being written any other way. This book was so innovative and fresh. It chronicles the internal struggle of a youth whose world is shattered by violence, a not too unfamiliar aspect of his life, and in his grief he becomes focused on and strongly considers revenge . A Long Way Down chronicles Will's extensive internal struggle with obligation, ethics, truth, and innocence through ethereal discussions he has while riding for 60 seconds, down an elevator. The words on the page flowed and pieced this story together like butter. The plot itself is not lighthearted or unique but the way it was presented absolutely was. I especially appreciated Reynold's creativity in integrating descending chapters, coinciding with the effect of going down in an elevator, and (who'd have thought) I loved the poetry.

Thought-provoking and sparked interesting conversation. I am usually not a fan of poetry, but i was surprised at how the visual layout of the text fit so well with the meaning and added a lot to the story.