49 pages • 1 hour read
Long Division
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Book Brief
276
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi • 2010s
2021
Agate Bolden
YA
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Kiese Laymon's Long Division, 14-year-old Citoyen "City" Coldson is sent to Melahatchie, Mississippi, after a controversial speech during a national televised word contest. There, he discovers a peculiar book also called Long Division, whose characters share names with people in his life. With his rival LaVander Peeler, City ventures into a time-traveling hole in the woods to solve family mysteries and find missing girl Baize Shephard while grappling with themes of race, media influence, and intergenerational trauma. The story is set across 1964, 1985, and 2013 in Jackson and Melahatchie, Mississippi. The book addresses racism, anti-gay bias, antisemitism, the loss of a child, and domestic abuse.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Humorous
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
8,570 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Long Division by Kiese Laymon is praised for its inventive narrative and unique structure, blending elements of time travel and social commentary. Reviews commend Laymon's exploration of race and identity, though some find the complex plot challenging. Overall, it is celebrated for its bold storytelling and thought-provoking themes, despite occasional confusion.
Who Should Read Long Division?
Readers who would enjoy Kiese Laymon’s Long Division are likely fans of works that explore complex racial issues, coming-of-age narratives, and time travel. They might also appreciate books like Colson Whitehead's The Underground Railroad and Jesmyn Ward's Sing, Unburied, Sing for their blend of historical context and rich storytelling.
8,570 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
LaVander Peeler
LaVander Peeler
A primary character who serves as City's classmate and rival, known for his intelligence and skill with language. His interactions with City reveal underlying themes of competition and camaraderie amidst systemic challenges.
Shalaya Crump
Shalaya Crump
City's best friend from Melahatchie, Mississippi, admired for her intellect and originality. Her relationship with City involves time-traveling adventures, which deepen their bond and influence their understanding of the past and future.
Baize Shephard
Baize Shephard
A spirited and empathetic girl connected to both City and Shalaya, who lives in Melahatchie. Her mysterious disappearance and encounters with City significantly contribute to the unfolding of the narrative.
Evan Altshuler
Evan Altshuler
A secondary character whom City and Shalaya meet during their time-traveling endeavors, helping them learn about familial and historical connections between Jewish and Black communities. His story intertwines with themes of intergenerational trauma and solidarity.
276
Novel • Fiction
Mississippi • 2010s
2021
Agate Bolden
YA
18+ years
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