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My Name Is Jason. Mine Too.: Our Story. Our Way. by Jason Reynolds
Our story. Our way.A poetAn artistOne blackOne whiteTwo voicesOne journey
Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2009
12 people are currently reading
1808 people want to read
About the author
Jason Reynolds
75 books10.1k followersJason Reynolds is an American author of novels and poetry for young adult and middle-grade audience. After earning a BA in English from The University of Maryland, College Park, Jason Reynolds moved to Brooklyn, New York, where you can often find him walking the four blocks from the train to his apartment talking to himself. Well, not really talking to himself, but just repeating character names and plot lines he thought of on the train, over and over again, because he’s afraid he’ll forget it all before he gets home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
July 9, 2022
5 stars
I love Jason Reynolds. I love everything Reynolds does. I know he writes mostly for teens, and they may have something on me because I often find myself thinking about his writing days later and wondering... "exactly what did that mean?" Jason Griffin, Reynolds college roommate, is a bit newer to me. He is the drawer, the picture painter to Reynolds poetry writing.
As he so often does, Reynolds writes this book in poetry. In this book he writes the poetry that his best friend - aka 'brother' - puts his art to. Unless the whole book is one long poem like Long Way Down - which is probably my very favorite Reynolds book - I like to read only a few pages a day so I can try to get the most from his poetry. This book contained some pretty simple work, but mixed in were some poems that I wanted to think about, ruminate on.
This book appeared to be written when both Reynolds and Griffin were down and out - 25 years ago - just moved to New York, full of ambition, artists expecting to take the city by the tail. They worked hard - starved, had problems paying rent and didn't give up. Now here they are today, putting pictures to words and giving us their life story from back then.
I love Jason Reynolds. I love everything Reynolds does. I know he writes mostly for teens, and they may have something on me because I often find myself thinking about his writing days later and wondering... "exactly what did that mean?" Jason Griffin, Reynolds college roommate, is a bit newer to me. He is the drawer, the picture painter to Reynolds poetry writing.
As he so often does, Reynolds writes this book in poetry. In this book he writes the poetry that his best friend - aka 'brother' - puts his art to. Unless the whole book is one long poem like Long Way Down - which is probably my very favorite Reynolds book - I like to read only a few pages a day so I can try to get the most from his poetry. This book contained some pretty simple work, but mixed in were some poems that I wanted to think about, ruminate on.
This book appeared to be written when both Reynolds and Griffin were down and out - 25 years ago - just moved to New York, full of ambition, artists expecting to take the city by the tail. They worked hard - starved, had problems paying rent and didn't give up. Now here they are today, putting pictures to words and giving us their life story from back then.
February 11, 2015
A beautiful book of poetry and art
created by two friends,
one black
the other white,
one an artist
the other
a poet.
Bound together
by their brotherhood of friendship,
frequent nights of cereal for dinner,
struggles to make rent,
and big dreams.
My Name is Jason has an almost multi-genre feel to it even though it is mostly a book of poetry. Jason Griffin's art is raw, confessional, and almost more expressive than the poems. But let's not diminish the poems here. Reynolds's writing has an equally confessional style, which is even further evidenced by poems in this collection that are handwritten and even have words crossed out in places. This is like no book I've ever read before and should be on the shelf of every high school library in America.
Read my entire review on my blog
created by two friends,
one black
the other white,
one an artist
the other
a poet.
Bound together
by their brotherhood of friendship,
frequent nights of cereal for dinner,
struggles to make rent,
and big dreams.
My Name is Jason has an almost multi-genre feel to it even though it is mostly a book of poetry. Jason Griffin's art is raw, confessional, and almost more expressive than the poems. But let's not diminish the poems here. Reynolds's writing has an equally confessional style, which is even further evidenced by poems in this collection that are handwritten and even have words crossed out in places. This is like no book I've ever read before and should be on the shelf of every high school library in America.
Read my entire review on my blog
February 11, 2021
Jason Reynolds can basically do no wrong in my eyes. I love him. I also love this book that he wrote with his best friend, and how the graphics and the words play off each other to bring the truth of their stories to the reader. My favorite poem in the book is "Forced to Lean":
"This was supposed to be
a cliched poem
about climbing the mountain
of life on my own
but when I sat down to write it
I realized that
I had to ask a friend of mine
for a piece of paper"
This book shows us how important fellowship and relationships are. And its gritty and honest and real.
"This was supposed to be
a cliched poem
about climbing the mountain
of life on my own
but when I sat down to write it
I realized that
I had to ask a friend of mine
for a piece of paper"
This book shows us how important fellowship and relationships are. And its gritty and honest and real.
August 27, 2022
3.5⭐
Okay, I need more collaborations between the two 2 Jasons!
This is a creative and unique mash-up of art and poetry about the authors' pursuit of their dreams as well as their struggles along the way. It's also a beautiful ode to their friendship and how they have leaned on each other through hard times. Such an incredible journey the two of them have been on and I'm glad to have been privy to it through this book.
Okay, I need more collaborations between the two 2 Jasons!
This is a creative and unique mash-up of art and poetry about the authors' pursuit of their dreams as well as their struggles along the way. It's also a beautiful ode to their friendship and how they have leaned on each other through hard times. Such an incredible journey the two of them have been on and I'm glad to have been privy to it through this book.
November 13, 2024
One word: Brilliant 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Such a beautiful and interesting composition of thought, poetry, and so much more!
May 10, 2014
This is a collaboration between two friends. While the poetry and art would be great alone, it seems like it would only work this well in combination. The poetry tells the story of the two men's friendship and their growth during their late teens and early twenties.
September 28, 2023
Selfishly 4 stars because I wanted more. An artist and a poet. I love that, the art was great and so were the poems.
October 17, 2022
A good story about 2 friends moving to New York to hone their painting and writing skills. They had the guts and nerve to defy the odds, made it work somehow, keeping the dreams alive. A testament to their fortitude and love of their work.
September 16, 2022
"My mother
Is coming home
From the hospital
Tomorrow
And it has occurred
To me That
Somewhere
Between being bathed
In a Bathtub
Overflowing with
Soapsuds and toy soldiers
And Today
I have learned to appreciate her
Seems like sickbeds
Become signals
To selfish sons
Saying
Trouble don't last always
Nor do mothers"
Every once in a while, an author comes along that touches my soul to the point where I know I have to read their entire published list. A few years ago, Jason Reynolds came along and it was immediately clear to me that I needed to read his entire backlist. This was one of the books I discovered on Goodreads and I tried to find a copy, but no luck. When I spotted this republished version on the new arrivals shelf at my library, I immediately snatched it up to read.
Essentially, this is a collection of Jason Reynolds' early poetry and Jason Griffin's early artwork as the two lived together in New York City when they were just getting started living on their own. While Reynolds' voice is clear and it's easy to see the connections between this poetry and some of his more recent work (Long Way Down for example). I'm not that familiar with Griffin's work beyond the absolutely stunning Ain't Burned All the Bright, Jason x2's most recent contribution to the world. While I appreciated this book for what it is, I have to say I much prefer the cohesiveness of Ain't Burned All the Bright as opposed to a collection of pieces that don't necessarily have a central theme. It is still a stunning piece of literature, pushing boundaries to what literature should look like and what the reader experiences. This is a quick read and one that fans of Jason Reynolds are bound to enjoy.
TW: Chronic illness
Is coming home
From the hospital
Tomorrow
And it has occurred
To me That
Somewhere
Between being bathed
In a Bathtub
Overflowing with
Soapsuds and toy soldiers
And Today
I have learned to appreciate her
Seems like sickbeds
Become signals
To selfish sons
Saying
Trouble don't last always
Nor do mothers"
Every once in a while, an author comes along that touches my soul to the point where I know I have to read their entire published list. A few years ago, Jason Reynolds came along and it was immediately clear to me that I needed to read his entire backlist. This was one of the books I discovered on Goodreads and I tried to find a copy, but no luck. When I spotted this republished version on the new arrivals shelf at my library, I immediately snatched it up to read.
Essentially, this is a collection of Jason Reynolds' early poetry and Jason Griffin's early artwork as the two lived together in New York City when they were just getting started living on their own. While Reynolds' voice is clear and it's easy to see the connections between this poetry and some of his more recent work (Long Way Down for example). I'm not that familiar with Griffin's work beyond the absolutely stunning Ain't Burned All the Bright, Jason x2's most recent contribution to the world. While I appreciated this book for what it is, I have to say I much prefer the cohesiveness of Ain't Burned All the Bright as opposed to a collection of pieces that don't necessarily have a central theme. It is still a stunning piece of literature, pushing boundaries to what literature should look like and what the reader experiences. This is a quick read and one that fans of Jason Reynolds are bound to enjoy.
TW: Chronic illness
July 7, 2009
Reviewed by Margaret Waterman for TeensReadToo.com
A paintbrush and a pen come together to depict a vividly real portrait of the lives of two Jasons, living in New York City, trying to make their dreams come true.
They struggle, surviving on nothing but cereal, coffee, and their friendship - the poems Jason writes and the pictures Jason paints illustrate the journey of two friends (and two fellow artists) working together to ultimately achieve their common goal (though they know they must also be able to make it from one day to the next). Each poem that
Jason writes, Jason illustrates, in a way that allows the reader to get both of their perspectives - but at the same time, they can be seen as one entity.
This book gave fascinating insight into the lives of two very daring people. The two Jasons are brave - brave enough to stop halfway down one path, and switch to one that is totally different. They do not do what is expected of them from others, but what they expect of themselves.
Although the book itself is not very long, it was clearly written over a long period of time and took lots of effort. Jason and Jason truly managed to create a window into their lives through their work.
This was an all-around enjoyable book, providing the reader with both great art and a great story. You'll laugh, you'll cry... You'll recommend it to all your friends.
A paintbrush and a pen come together to depict a vividly real portrait of the lives of two Jasons, living in New York City, trying to make their dreams come true.
They struggle, surviving on nothing but cereal, coffee, and their friendship - the poems Jason writes and the pictures Jason paints illustrate the journey of two friends (and two fellow artists) working together to ultimately achieve their common goal (though they know they must also be able to make it from one day to the next). Each poem that
Jason writes, Jason illustrates, in a way that allows the reader to get both of their perspectives - but at the same time, they can be seen as one entity.
This book gave fascinating insight into the lives of two very daring people. The two Jasons are brave - brave enough to stop halfway down one path, and switch to one that is totally different. They do not do what is expected of them from others, but what they expect of themselves.
Although the book itself is not very long, it was clearly written over a long period of time and took lots of effort. Jason and Jason truly managed to create a window into their lives through their work.
This was an all-around enjoyable book, providing the reader with both great art and a great story. You'll laugh, you'll cry... You'll recommend it to all your friends.
September 28, 2022
An absolutely beautiful tribute to an over twenty year long friendship between Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin. Told in poetry and beautiful art, this is a fabulous book. I will literally read anything that Jason Reynolds writes.
August 29, 2022
I have really enjoyed everything I've consumes by Jason Reynolds. So it was no surprise I liked this too.
September 28, 2022
Hoo boy. I’ll read anything by Jason Reynolds. Seriously.
But I’ll admit, this one left me wondering if I read too fast, if I didn’t savor the poetry and art the way I “should have”. I wasn’t feeling it. That said, I did enjoy the mixed media and how words and phrases kept coming back around.
I think I’ll have to come back to it.
But I’ll admit, this one left me wondering if I read too fast, if I didn’t savor the poetry and art the way I “should have”. I wasn’t feeling it. That said, I did enjoy the mixed media and how words and phrases kept coming back around.
I think I’ll have to come back to it.
July 11, 2022
It was really interesting to read this after reading Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin's newer collaboration. Though I thought the art in this book was amazing and the poems were good, it did not have the cohesion of their newer collaboration. I could also really see the growth of Jason Reynolds as an artist. This book was written 20 years ago (his first book) and you can tell that he was young when he wrote it. It was still really cool to see this earlier part of his evolution as an author. He has now written 19 books and is a very different artist than he was when he wrote this.
I think the true winner of this book was the obvious deep friendship of the two Jasons which was apparent throughout and within their look back interview that they wrote about their thoughts on 20 years later.
I think the true winner of this book was the obvious deep friendship of the two Jasons which was apparent throughout and within their look back interview that they wrote about their thoughts on 20 years later.
February 6, 2016
I did not look at the book before I picked it up because sometimes I like to not know what a book is about. The cover caught my attention and the fact that both men are named Jason. However, when I started reading the book there were just poems and weird looking art. The poems were not bad but I was hoping to learn a little more of their own personal stories. Too bad.
March 14, 2022
I picked this up after reading and loving the duos latest collaboration, Ain't Burned All the Bright.
A mash-up of art and poetry on various topics and themes. Some clear cut, some took a few read throughs. Some I connected with some not meant for me. Enjoyable work of art and quick read even with going through some poems several times. Will revisit again before returning to the library.
A mash-up of art and poetry on various topics and themes. Some clear cut, some took a few read throughs. Some I connected with some not meant for me. Enjoyable work of art and quick read even with going through some poems several times. Will revisit again before returning to the library.
August 22, 2015
The perfect poetry books for teens! Fun and eye-catching! Young poets and artists will enjoy this book that encourages, embraces and validates creativity.
July 30, 2022
J. Reynolds is my boo. 💚💚💚
September 5, 2022
Quick review for an insanely quick read. How is it that I've heard of and loved Jason Reynolds's books and have never heard of this one? It was a random browse for me in the bookstore when I saw this picture book of poems and art and I'm like "Oh, this is new?" but it turns out that it wasn't new at all. This was published all the way back in 2009, and it got an update with an added end note from 2021. I feel awkward that I missed this, because it was a fun read. Like you can read and peruse this in the bulk of 30 minutes, give or take depending on how you pace yourself.
Many of you know that my first love is poetry, writing wise, so to have both Jason Reynolds (the writer) and Jason Griffin (the artist) team up to make a book that combines their particular talents and stories in a unique blend and weaving a story of their friendship and experiences in a brief way? That's cool. The art is a blend of abstract, photos, drawings, paintings, and doodles, coupled with Jason's reflections in a way that presents each poem in different orientations, angles, and progressions. I liked the blend of both of them for what they offered and it makes sense that the quick read would appeal to teens. Heck, it appealed to me as well, even if it felt like it ended too soon.
This makes me want to check into their latest collaboration, "Ain't Burned All the Bright" in physical form, both with the poetry and the illustrations. I'm glad that I picked this up, even if a bit belated.
Overall score: 3.5/5 stars.
Many of you know that my first love is poetry, writing wise, so to have both Jason Reynolds (the writer) and Jason Griffin (the artist) team up to make a book that combines their particular talents and stories in a unique blend and weaving a story of their friendship and experiences in a brief way? That's cool. The art is a blend of abstract, photos, drawings, paintings, and doodles, coupled with Jason's reflections in a way that presents each poem in different orientations, angles, and progressions. I liked the blend of both of them for what they offered and it makes sense that the quick read would appeal to teens. Heck, it appealed to me as well, even if it felt like it ended too soon.
This makes me want to check into their latest collaboration, "Ain't Burned All the Bright" in physical form, both with the poetry and the illustrations. I'm glad that I picked this up, even if a bit belated.
Overall score: 3.5/5 stars.
January 24, 2023
College roommates turned best friends, Reynolds and Griffin moved to New York City with the hopes of pursuing their poetic and artistic dreams. Though glamorous, life in the city wasn't easy and to make it work they had "No food. For the first six months we only ate cereal, peanut butter toast. Tuna. Fried Tuna. Tuna and rice. Rice and soup." With little aside from their friendship to sustain them, they figure out ways "to make it" against the odds when everyone else seems to think they're "probably stupid." Griffin's multimedia art including watercolors, collages, and sketches compliment Reynolds' poems as their story unfolds. A tribute to their perseverance and friendship, this stunning work encourages readers to follow their dreams even when they seem unattainable and emphasizes the importance of having a good support system to help you get there.
THOUGHTS: The powerhouse duo behind Ain't Burned All the Bright is back for another artistic collection of poetry. Fans of Reynolds' work will enjoy learning the story behind how he got where he is today. Highly recommended for middle grade and young adult collections.
THOUGHTS: The powerhouse duo behind Ain't Burned All the Bright is back for another artistic collection of poetry. Fans of Reynolds' work will enjoy learning the story behind how he got where he is today. Highly recommended for middle grade and young adult collections.
October 6, 2022
Whenever I read a children's or YA book I always try to imagine its readers. What students will gravitate to this book? Will open it up and gawk at the art? Will they be determined enough to read all the poems even if it means reading through artistic messes or having to adjust the direction of the book?
I appreciated this book so much because a. I can imagine the high school student who will love this and gain inspiration/vocation from it and b. it is fun to imagine an author, well-known in the YA world, at the beginning of his writing career. He gives us a peek at his life when it was pretty messy and scary, yet exhilarating and fun. I think this book will inspire teens to dream, imagine, move.
I appreciated this book so much because a. I can imagine the high school student who will love this and gain inspiration/vocation from it and b. it is fun to imagine an author, well-known in the YA world, at the beginning of his writing career. He gives us a peek at his life when it was pretty messy and scary, yet exhilarating and fun. I think this book will inspire teens to dream, imagine, move.
September 30, 2022
The mixture of art and poetry in this was absolutely beautiful. It made me feel like I know them personally. Loved the simplicity and it had me nodding my head to the words. I laughed and related. Thank You!
December 16, 2022
A completely unique way of sharing the experience of friendship between the two Jasons. The artwork was beautiful and the poetry, as usual, wonderful. This is definitely an ode to friendship and how they may look different, they truly are not.
January 14, 2025
I really liked this book, the art and the poems were reslly nice and i especially loved how you had to decipher which jason was which because they are kind of like one. I think ill come back to this book in a couple years
November 2, 2021
Loved the art, and the poetry and how it all tied together to tell their story!
December 31, 2021
Two artists expressing themselves through art and poetry. Beautiful.
“Men pretend. Men don’t cry.
Or write poetry
Or paint
Or dance
Or hug
Or kiss
Or like
Or love
Or listen
I hear.”
“Men pretend. Men don’t cry.
Or write poetry
Or paint
Or dance
Or hug
Or kiss
Or like
Or love
Or listen
I hear.”
March 11, 2022
Ambition and hope in Brooklyn. Not enough specificity to tether the poems to the reader's experiences. This seems more about the process than the product.
September 3, 2022
A memior told in poetry is such an interesting idea.
September 8, 2022
What a fun look back at two artists, two friends —where they came from with the knowledge of where they are.
October 19, 2022
I don’t do poetry, but I love Jason Reynolds and this was amazing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews