The Hate U Give

Cover The Hate U Give
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Genres: Fiction » Young Adult
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This was the book to read in 2017, and I have to admit I kept putting off reading it. I was hesitant. First the reviews this book got were ridiculously positive, absolute rave reviews at every corner. I thought no way can a book live up to this level of hype. Second of all, a novel discussing the Black Lives Matter Movement is in the genre of YA? I thought there is no way in hell a YA novel can properly capture the intricacy, emotions, and complexity of this topic. I assumed YA wouldn't be able to do this movement justice (I assumed wrong). And lastly just personally I knew a book about a black sixteen year old being shot by a cop was going to leave me emotionally drained, heart broken, and furious with the injustice in the world. Sometimes it is hard to force yourself to read those uncomfortable books but I think you have to in the end because its those uncomfortable books that actually transform you into a better and more understanding person.

The Hate U Give is an amazing debut

...

by Angie Thomas, this woman can write! The story follows our black protagonist Starr as she sees her childhood friend Khalil get shot by a white police officer. This happens pretty early on in the novel so the majority of this book is about the aftermath; about Starr finding her voice and lending hers to her friend that was wrongfully gunned down by a cop.

I remember the first chapter Starr talks about her Dad having "the talk" with her when she was just a toddler. As a typical middle class white girl I thought oh this is 'stranger danger' conversation or the 'birds and the bees' type family discussion. NOPE, It was what to do when a cop stops you: No sudden movements, do everything they say, keep your hands where they can see them. A discussion that would never even have crossed my parents mind as middle class white people living in the suburbs. Angie Thomas does such an amazing job giving us, the readers, that feeling of unease and frankly fear towards an institution that is suppose to be there to protect us. You suddenly become very aware that behind the gun and badge is an individual with flaws and unknown bigotry. It reminded me of the movie GET OUT by Jordan Peele because he also made every white person in the audience suddenly feel extremely frightened when a cop car came on the scene. Which is not something white people are ingrained to feel.

Will you feel White guilt when reading this novel? NOPE. Angie Thomas doesn't pit races against each other, or police against civilians. This book doesn't come from a place of hate. It comes from a place of open discussion. The fact one of her friends is white and completely ignorant to Starr's plight is just an example of those that don't want to venture out their privilege to be made uncomfortable by poverty. While other's like Starr's white boyfriend is desperate to be educated on everything important in his girlfriends life. Their are unfair police officers, and then their's Starr's Uncle who is a black police officer. The entire book is just Angie Thomas showing both sides of a coin. She shows the good in the police and the bad, the good in the impoverished community and the bad, the good in privileged white people and the bad. I appreciated the balance even though I just wanted Starr to start hitting the gym go through a Terminator 2 Sarah Connor transformation and murder everyone!

I am so glad I finally picked up this novel. It is such well thought out debut that should be added to school curriculum across the nation! As much as I love George Orwell and Margaret Atwood I think this book is much more relevant in today's political climate. Angie Thomas shattered my stereotypes on YA novels, and I can't believe I ever doubted this novel would be anything but amazing. Highly highly recommend. I'm not kidding when I say this book should be mandatory reading. If you haven't read it, sit down, grab some tissues, and tuck into this amazing story.

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User Reviews:

Guest 2 years ago

for a black person that i am, I'm grateful for this book. it's great and awesome, a great read for all blacks and all other races out there .

Guest 4 years ago

Amazing book,honestly one of my favourites.I remember when I had first read it,its such a brilliant story and portrayed beautifully.

Guest 4 years ago

lets be honest with each other. this is a great book and all but... I find it unfair that people think that its just black people that the police and other people are racist to. Mexican Americans are also a focal point for racist comments from police and other people. but this is a great book and would definetly recomend for a friend :)

Guest 4 years ago

I think i loved it because it shows what [people need to understand about. Such an amazing book! Very well wrote. Good book for teens. And adults. This book defiantly teaches a lesson. As a teenager that has both white and black people in my school, I can verify that both races constantly swear. It's more common in larger schools, but is still very prevalent in smaller schools, like the one I attend

Guest 4 years ago

Please read the entire book in 3 days. As with all books it is very diverse. Please read it in it's entirety before making a judgment on this book. I was able to relate in every way and I thank the author for being bold enough to speak the truth. This is 3 days before 2020 and we continue to deal with these experiences today and the names continue to grow. So please, "Don't judge a book by it's cover".... Those that read the book would understand.

Mysterious Angel✨ 5 years ago

This is a good but I kind of prefer the movie more because its more detailed and emotional,still a good book though.

Guest 5 years ago

Didn't like the book that much

lord9087 5 years ago

You know, that is your opinion and I will not say anything bad about it besides the fact that I disagree. Have a nice day.

Guest 5 years ago

I loved this book but I don't like that they portray all white people as racist or totally ignorant.

lord9087 5 years ago

I just liked the book because it shows problems between both races including racism and stereotypical actions.

Guest 5 years ago

Horrible book. I started reading it, and the way it portrays black people as people who curse all the time and do inappropriate things (her and Chris) is unrealistic and offensive! Even after I finished reading it, I was very disappointed! Won't ever read again and will most certainly never suggest to a friend!

Guest 4 years ago

I think this is a great book but I would like to say that it is not only African Americans that people are racist to. mexican americans are also a a focal point for rasict comments. but overall its a great book and i would defintely recommend it for a friend!

Guest 5 years ago

okay guest you are wrong about this book this book is a good book and the only reason they made this book is for people to understand racist peopleanad you have to read it over to more understand the book
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Guest 5 years ago

Such an amazing book! Very well wrote. Good book for teens. And adults. This book defiantly teaches a lesson. SO emotonal
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