Concrete Way Down

If you liked Concrete Rose, you'll love Long Way Down.

Both books follow "the rules": what young children are expected to follow when living in gang areas. The rules are unwritten, of course, but still ever present. Long Way Down focuses more on "the rules" and its immediate affects, whereas Concrete Rose focuses on the long term fallout. Long Way Down also focuses on the younger generation, whereas in Concrete Rose, Mav is seventeen and a father. Still young, yes, but a little less innocent than fifteen-year-old Will is.

Both books require the reader to either reflect on their life choices or reflect on their privilege. A Long Way Down is written in prose and a faster read, but Concrete Rose is still a very quick read. However, Concrete Rose takes place over a year... Long Way Down is only an elevator ride. Nevertheless, both are touching pieces of art and go well together.