If you’re wondering how long it takes to read Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, the answer is simple: most readers can finish it in about 1 to 2 hours. This is because the book is written in verse, meaning there are fewer words on each page compared to a traditional novel. However, the exact reading time depends on your reading speed, whether you’re reading the physical book or listening to the audiobook, and how deeply you engage with the story.
How Many Pages Are in Long Way Down?
Long Way Down is a 320-page novel, but don’t let that number intimidate you! Unlike a typical book with dense paragraphs, this one is written in free verse poetry, meaning there are fewer words per page. Many pages have just a few lines of text, making it a much quicker read than a standard 320-page book.
For comparison, a 320-page novel with traditional prose could take 6 to 10 hours to finish. But since Long Way Down is written in verse, it’s much faster to get through.
How Fast Can You Read This Book?
Your reading speed determines how long it will take you to finish Long Way Down. On average:
- Fast readers (300+ words per minute) – Can finish in about 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Average readers (200–250 words per minute) – Will take about 1 to 2 hours
- Slow readers (100–150 words per minute) – Might take 2 to 3 hours
Since the book is highly engaging and written in short, impactful verses, many readers finish it in one sitting.
Average Reading Speed for Kids and Adults
The time it takes to read Long Way Down also depends on the reader’s age and experience. Here’s a general idea of reading speeds:

- Children (8–12 years old): 100–200 words per minute → Might take 2 to 3 hours
- Teenagers (13–18 years old): 150–250 words per minute → Can finish in 1.5 to 2 hours
- Adults: 200–300+ words per minute → Can finish in 1 to 2 hours
Since the book is written for young adults, it is designed to be an easy, engaging read for both teens and adults.
Is Long Way Down a Quick Read?
Yes! Even though it has 320 pages, the book is a very fast read because it is written in verse form. Unlike traditional novels, there are no long paragraphs, making the story easy to follow and quick to absorb.
Most readers find themselves so engrossed in the story that they finish it in one sitting.
What If You Listen to the Audiobook?
If you prefer audiobooks, Long Way Down takes about 1 hour and 43 minutes to listen to at normal speed.
However, if you listen at:
- 1.25x speed → It will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes
- 1.5x speed → It will take about 1 hour and 10 minutes
- 2x speed → You can finish it in 52 minutes
The audiobook is narrated by Jason Reynolds himself, which adds a powerful emotional element to the experience.
How Long Does It Take the Average Reader?
For the average reader (200–250 words per minute), Long Way Down typically takes 1 to 2 hours to finish. This makes it one of the fastest YA books to read, especially compared to other novels of the same length.
Does Reading Speed Change the Time?
Yes! If you read faster than average, you’ll finish sooner. If you’re a slower reader, it might take longer. However, because of the verse format and engaging storytelling, even slow readers can finish it fairly quickly compared to other books.
Some readers also like to reread certain passages to fully absorb the emotional weight of the story, which could slightly increase the reading time.
How Does the Writing Style Affect Reading Time?
The way a book is written has a big impact on how long it takes to read. Since Long Way Down is written in verse, it reads much faster than a traditional book.
Instead of long paragraphs, it has:
- Short lines of poetry
- Minimal words per page
- Fast-moving scenes
This makes it easy to flow through the book quickly without feeling overwhelmed by large blocks of text.
Why Verse Books Are Faster to Read
Verse novels like Long Way Down are quicker to read because they:

- Have less text per page
- Use concise, impactful language
- Are structured in a way that keeps the reader engaged
Many readers find that verse books feel more like reading song lyrics or spoken word poetry, making them more immersive and easier to read.
Is This Book Good for Beginners?
Yes! Long Way Down is a great book for:
- Beginner readers who might struggle with long novels
- Reluctant readers who get bored with traditional books
- People looking for a quick but powerful read
Even if you don’t usually enjoy poetry, the storytelling is so strong that it feels more like a novel than a collection of poems.
Can You Read Long Way Down in One Sitting?
Absolutely! Most readers finish Long Way Down in one sitting because:
- The story is fast-paced and gripping
- The verse format makes it easy to fly through
- It’s only 1 to 2 hours long for most people
Many readers find themselves so engrossed in the story that they don’t want to stop until they’ve finished the book.
Thoughts – Should You Read Long Way Down?
If you’re looking for a quick, emotional, and thought-provoking book, Long Way Down is a must-read. It’s especially great if you:
- Enjoy fast-paced stories
- Like books with deep meaning
- Prefer books that can be read in one sitting
Even though it’s a quick read, the story stays with you long after you finish.
Does Reading Speed Change the Time?
Yes, your reading speed will impact how long it takes to read Long Way Down, but because it’s a verse novel, it’s naturally a fast read for most people. Even slower readers will find it easier to get through than a traditional book of the same length.
The Bottom Line
So, how long does it take to read Long Way Down? For most people, it takes about 1 to 2 hours. The verse format, engaging storyline, and emotional depth make it a quick yet unforgettable read.
Whether you’re a fast reader, a slow reader, or someone who rarely reads, Long Way Down is a book that grabs your attention and doesn’t let go until the last page. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s definitely worth picking up!