For Every One

A letter/poem written to himself and everyone frustrated that they haven't reached their dream yet. An encouragement that no one holds the answer to their own personal fulfillment, but that life is an adventure to challenge you, to make you grow, and that time might ultimately highlight your passions and set your direction. Recommend for middle school age and up.

This quick read pulls the heart strings of frustration and hopelessness of those (everyone) questioning why they don't have a dream or have not reached the one they think they should have by now. Reynolds normalizes that experience by addressing all people as either being in the same place or experiencing these same thoughts as some point in their lives. He then sets the show more challenge to recognize that any step in any direction is a leap of courage towards a dream yet discovered. That the journey is the most important part. This would be the book to hand any preteen and older person, especially those questioning existence or transitioning through coming-of-age events such as high school or college graduations. Although "Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss is the book most gifted at educational institutions' graduations, this little gem of wisdom may take up space on the night table of life. show less

It is, perhaps, cheating to count this one poem, written on 101 pages with lots of blank spaces, and read in a morning - devoured, really, while I sat and kept going instead of making my breakfast or getting ready for work - a book. But it's a powerful little piece written by young poet and author Jason Reynolds. In it, he encourages the dreamers, not that the narrator of the poem knows anything, but still tells the readers that to dream and strive is worth the struggle. It's beautifully written and will stay with me for a long time.

Poetry is one of those areas where I tend to be super critical. When I received Reynolds 'letter' to dreamers, I dove in with caution already on high-alert. But I was completely surprised.

This is a letter written in poetry form to dreamers, especially youth, and for those, who are scared to dream because they fear the dreams might never come true. Although the poem is over a hundred pages long. . .something which already had me wondering. . .it is not a long, thick read. Each page holds only a few lines or a short verse of thought. Never long. Never wordy. But packing tons of punch. It wasn't any trouble to read this in one sitting from beginning to end, although it is divided up into four sections.

The words come from the soul, speak show more clear truth and don't paint a reality which is more colorful than it really is. The words and phrases are easy to follow and hit home. The message is encouraging but at the same time, never allows the reader to believe that life is butterflies, easy or that every dream comes true with hard work. It's a naked truth which rings clear without ever talking down to the audience. The author brings his thoughts across in a way, which is easy to relate to, realistic and honest.

Although I started reading this convinced that it was headed for the dusty corner of one of my book shelves, I ended it knowing that I'd found a book which I'd like to share with several youth who are about to embark on life with hopes of seeking the dreams of their own.

In other words, this is a wonderfully meaningful piece of poetry.

I received a complimentary copy and loved it, so I'm leaving my honest thoughts. show less

“Dreams don't have timelines, deadlines, and aren't always in straight lines.” (page 76)

A favorite line from a favorite book!

This book is a poem that extends its message to every one, as the title implies. It is written as a letter to the dreamers, the young, the old, and the ones who are still holding out for their dreams. Jason Reynolds knows how to carefully craft his work, playing with words, using rich imagery, and connecting with the reader. This book is a poem of dreams and hope, inspiring the reader to hold onto their vision no matter where they are or how old they get. He reminds us that “our dreams could be as far away as forever or as close as lunchtime.” This is a book that I like to read with my high schoolers at show more the beginning of the school year to remind us all that we will make mistakes and fumble, but we need to hold onto our dreams.

If you'd like to listen/watch, the author, Jason Reynolds, also produced a short video where he reads/performs the poem!
https://youtu.be/vOHxiN9wsfY?si=yvtRib7AUAxBCVUz show less

My book club read a number of Jason Reynolds’ titles and enjoyed them all, so I was excited to discover this short memoir. Mr. Reynolds subtitles it: “A poem. A nod. A nothing to lose.” I like this.
For Every One shows readers how it feels to be a dreamer, asks if “making it” really matters, and offers encouragement. Printed in a typewriter font interjected with large, capitalized italics, Mr. Reynolds’ words feature wise, yet humble advice and honest sharing. The refrain: “I DON’T KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THAT” is like a chorus that helps me think about my own ignorance, while acknowledging that I’m continually learning and growing.
A slim, heartfelt, inspirational letter of a book that is perfect for graduates … and show more For Every One. show less

Loved, loved, loved this short little poem/letter/advice book. As the title suggests it's truly for everyone regardless of where you are in life. It's an encouraging note of affirmation that we all have dreams and we all deserve to have them. Unlike self help books this slim volume isn't telling readers how to act, think, or believe. It's reaffirming what we already know is deep inside of us and letting us no that we are not alone and we are not failures. It's beautiful, heartfelt, and utterly quotable. This is perfect for everyone and is a book I will return to again and again.

"You Hope
the voice that
delivers the
loudest whispers
of what you envision never silences.
That it never cowers behind fear
and expectations that other people
strap to your life
like a backpack full of bricks
(or books written by experts).

After amazing us with his prophetic prose in the cautionary tale Long Way Down , Jason Reynolds returns to motivate us with this love letter to dreamers and inspirational message to anyone who has ever had aspirations and goals. This book should be placed in the hands of every man, woman, and child because in between the pages of this short but powerful book lies a message for all. Thank you, Mr. Reynolds, for having such a beautiful way with words.

I received this book an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an show more honest review. show less