Jason Reynolds - For Every One
Jason Reynolds reads from For Every One
Book Review
Booklist (March 15, 2018):
Reynolds shares this letter-poem, written several years ago, in the hope that it will encourage readers to continue reaching for their own dreams. “This letter is / being written / from a place of raw honesty / and love / but not at all / a place of expertise on / how to make your / dreams come true.” He admits that he hasn’t yet reached his goals, which frustrates him and causes him to reevaluate his definition of success. But he vows to keep trying. He addresses everyone—not just “creatives”—and encourages jumping right in no matter how late in life. He concludes that he “will keep looking / until I find that beast, / that thing that bit me / when I was young,” and challenges others who find truth to “keep it close.” Although not illustrated, the layout makes use of various typefaces and font sizes, which helps to emphasize certain words and phrases. An inspirational piece from a master writer, this is a book to read and share with others.
Summary
Read the first few lines...
DEAR DREAMER,
THIS LETTER IS BEING WRITTEN
from a place of raw honesty and love
but not at all
a place of expertise
on how to make
your dreams come true.
I don't know NOTHING
ABOUT THAT.
I HAVEN'T GONE
THROUGH IT ALL
and come out on the other side
pinned with a
blue ribbon,
draped in
a victor's sash
or dollar bills
or even unshakable happiness.
IN FACT,
I have yet to see
my own dreams
made tangible.