“For You. For Me.”

The opening line establishes a sense of shared purpose and connection. It symbolizes a mutual journey and dedication toward a significant goal. By addressing the audience with “For You,” Jason Reynolds extends his writing beyond the personal sphere. He’s not solely writing for himself but also for others who share similar dreams, ambitions, and struggles. With this inclusive approach, Reynolds aims to create a sense of universality, inviting dreamers to connect their aspirations with the narrative. The phrase “For Me” implies that he is not only guiding but participating in this shared pursuit.

“A poem in form only, a letter written in parts, an offering that I’ve now been working on for years. A thing.”

Reynolds illustrates the uncertainty inherent in pursuing dreams and navigating the path of self-discovery. This is mirrored in the creative process itself, where the journey toward achieving one’s goals often begins without a distinct path or predefined outcome. The above quote sheds light on the unconventional structure of the verse novel. Reynolds’s work is “[a] poem in form only, a letter written in parts,” or a mix of various literary forms. The blending of poetic expression with epistolary elements mirrors the complexity of Reynolds’s endeavor, and the intricacies of pursuing dreams and self-realization. By labeling his creation as “[a] thing,” Reynolds acknowledges the ambiguity and fluidity of the creative process.