Review Detail

I often hear it said that writers are bred, and sure you can breed some decent writers with whatever amount of work it requires, but I think the most gifted writers are born.

Jason Reynolds is the latter. He’s naturally good at writing tales that leave out all the pomp and stance, but are so well written you don't miss it.

His writing is connecting and pulling, so enthralling, every book feels like an experience you walk away from changed.

Look Both Ways is a masterful work of intertwining short stories told from the multiple perspectives of different students all from within the same zone, but at different points. Every story is unique but tightly knit like three-strand braids.

The characters transcend the pages. I felt as though I knew them. Reynolds is a master at telling the stories of Black youth, and he does so with relatable finesse.

Reynolds doesn't shy away from telling these stories in a truly and authentically way. He provides Black youth with stories they can grow up with. They are the stories that get passed on from one generation to the next.

Look Both Ways was no exception from his usual repertoire. The novel will grip you and hold you until the last page. Look Both Ways is stunning, clever, raw, and humorous. It began and ended every chapter on a high note, leaving little room for breathing. Reynolds is a true talent.