Title: The Hate U Give
Author: Angie Thomas
Published: 2017
Genre: Contemporary
Grade Level: Young Adult
-Trigger Warning: Grief, Police Brutality
-Movie Rating: R for vulgar language and various mature topics
Blurb (from goodreads):
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.
Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.
Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this is a powerful and gripping YA novel about one girl's struggle for justice.
My Scores:
Writing Style: Solid
This book encompasses what I love most about literature. Through various narratives readers have the singular opportunity to hear new voices, meet new characters, and gain new perspectives. An opportunity that we would not have had otherwise. Without voices like Thomas’, I would have never understood the Black Lives Matter movement with as much clarity as I do now.
It’s an emotionally raw, candid, and engaging look into the lives of average black families living in America. Sadly, the curse of having to balance a double consciousness (that DuBois wrote about) is still as prevalent as ever.
With all that being said, I was hesitant to read this novel because of its heavy use of profanity. Because of how I was raised, swear words are jarring to me, and there are over 40 swear words in the first chapter alone. There are also many mature topics mentioned in the novel like selling drugs, addiction, underage drinking, and underage sex. However, I understand that Thomas is simply giving her readers an accurate depiction of life for the average teen and these topics are all a part of that.
Characters: Absolutely Amazing
These characters are wonderful, unique, and incredibly strategic!
I especially love the family dynamic. Parents just seem to be missing from so many middle grade and YA novels that it makes me so incredibly happy that this novel has fully developed, believable, and unique parental / family characters.
I also love how strategic these characters were in representing all kinds of perspectives on race, the police, and what it means to be a friend.
Every character seemed to have flaws that were revealed to them by other characters giving the novel several strong messages throughout. Some of these flaws were reflected in my own character and I was personally glad to have them pointed out to me in such a direct way. In that regard, this novel was truly a revelation for me.
Plot: Absolute Page-Tuner
Even though it’s contemporary, this novel did not struggle at all with pacing. I couldn’t stop myself from turning pages. I ran through this novel so fast I was shocked when I came to the end and there was no more to read.
Overall: Totally Obsessed
This novel is a no holds barred look into the lives of black teens across America. I think that despite its heavy hand in vulgar language and mature topics that it is a novel well worth the read. I’m totally obsessed and can’t wait to read the sequel!
Messaging:
Pro
Black Lives Matter movement
Pro
Christianity
"Sometimes you can do everything right and things will still go wrong. The key is to never stop doing right."
Goodreads
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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