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The Hate U Give

Book 1 in the series:The Hate U Give

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'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas is a powerful and moving book that follows Starr, a teenager who witnesses the shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil by a police officer. The story delves into Starr's struggles as she navigates between her life in a poor neighborhood and her predominantly white prep school, dealing with issues of prejudice, racism, and police brutality. Through engaging storytelling and well-thought-out characters, the book sheds light on the current social and political climate, emphasizing the importance of using one's voice to stand up against injustice.

The book artfully captures the complexities of Starr's experiences, addressing themes of racial divide, police brutality, and the challenges faced by young black men and women in today's society. It portrays the harsh realities of life through Starr's perspective, highlighting the need to bridge societal divides, understand different viewpoints, and stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. 'The Hate U Give' serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy, courage, and speaking out against injustice.

Characters:

The characters are dynamic and relatable, each representing different facets of life and community.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is relatable and easy to read, filled with authentic dialogue and emotional depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows Starr, a 16-year-old girl who witnesses the police shooting of her friend Khalil and must confront the impact of this tragedy on her life and community.

Setting:

The setting contrasts a struggling urban community with an affluent suburban environment, emphasizing the disparities in Starr's life.

Pacing:

The pacing is expertly crafted, maintaining a balance between tension and character development.
I’m not even sure I belong at this party. That’s not on some bougie shit, either. There are just some places where it’s not enough to be me. Either version of me. Big D’s spring break party is one of ...

Notes:

Starr navigates two worlds: her poor neighborhood in Garden Heights and her affluent private school, Williamson Prep.
The title references Tupac Shakur's acronym, THUG LIFE: The Hate U Give Little Infants F***s Everybody, highlighting the consequences of systemic oppression.
The protagonist, Starr, witnesses the shooting of her childhood friend Khalil by a white police officer, which serves as a catalyst for the story's events.
The book addresses heavy themes of racism, police brutality, and social justice, making it particularly relevant in contemporary discussions.
It captures the nuances of code-switching, as Starr shifts her behavior and speech based on her environment.
The narrative threads through complex relationships, such as Starr's interracial relationship with her boyfriend Chris, who struggles to understand her experiences.
Starr's family plays a crucial role, showcasing a supportive and loving dynamic amid the challenges they face in their community.
Angie Thomas explores the idea of finding one's voice and standing up against injustice, resonating with readers seeking empowerment.
The book has received multiple awards and recognitions, reflecting its impact and importance in young adult literature.
Adapted into a feature film, The Hate U Give further expanded its reach and conversation about race and identity.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include police violence, racism, drug use, and strong language.

From The Publisher:

Boston Globe-Horn Book Award

National Book Award Longlist

William C. Morris Award

Coretta Scott King Honor (Author)

Edgar Allan Poe Award Nominee (Mystery Writers of America)

Michael L. Printz Honor Book

8 starred reviews · Goodreads Choice Awards Best of the Best · William C. Morris Award Winner · National Book Award Longlist · Printz Honor Book · Coretta Scott King Honor Book · #1 New York Times Bestseller!

"Absolutely riveting!" -Jason Reynolds

"Stunning." -John Green

"This story is necessary. This story is important." -Kirkus (starred review)

"Heartbreakingly topical." -Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A marvel of verisimilitude." -Booklist (starred review)

"A powerful, in-your-face novel." -Horn Book (starred review)

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.

Want more of Garden Heights? Catch Maverick and Seven's story in Concrete Rose, Angie Thomas's powerful prequel to The Hate U Give.

Ratings (73)

Incredible (21)
Loved It (28)
Liked It (15)
It Was OK (7)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (138):

Read It (83)
Want To Read (37)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (17)

5 comment(s)

Incredible
1 month

This book was hard to get through. You may wonder why I only spent a day on it, then. Because I wanted to get through it and because it's important to read this book and books like it. It's important to give these authors a voice and an audience. It's important to know what the teens are reading and what the social landscape looks like.

I don't feel right giving it stars, though. Others have said it's an excellent book--but to grant it the number of stars that others have done, I would have to say "it was amazing". But to give it the stars that equate to how I feel about it would be a disservice to the book.

The Hate U Give is like how I felt about Wuthering Heights the movie. It was an excellent movie, but it's not to my tastes. You can appreciate something as a work of art and still say, "No, this isn't for me." And that is why this book shall remain without stars from me.

I intend to move onto something a little less reality-based. Reality is awful enough, thanks.

 
Loved It
2 months

4.5 stars

 
Incredible
2 months

have you read this book

drop everything you're doing and read this book

especially if you've ever thought, but all lives matter

read this fucking book

it's topical without being grating, offers an unflinching look at characters from all facets (the good and the bad), and explains issues that talking heads all over america can't seem to grasp

just read this book and stop being dumb

also, can starr be a real person and become my best friend please, she is an amazing character that i actually think of as a real live human being

why are you reading this review when you could be reading the book

 
Liked It
3 months

This was a good book that dealt with many social justice issues, including the killing of young black men by police. I thought it was good, if a little too stereotypical (the teenage urban dialogue especially seemed like an adult trying really hard).

 
Incredible
4 months

As a white person who lives in the suburbs this book really made me realize how privileged and luck I am. The audiobook narrator was fantastic as well. It was honestly like watching a movie, every have different voices.

 
 
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