[Review] The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Rating: 5 stars

Published: February 28th 2017

Goodreads Synopsis:

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.

Funerals aren't for dead people. They're for the living.

I'm essentially echoing the words of thousands of others who have read and loved this book, but everyone needs to read this book. Now. It speaks volumes of the issues that POC in America deal with, because of those who cannot overlook the color of one's skin. The Hate U Give is evocative, powerful, and moving.


Our heroine, Starr Carter, is dealing with a tragedy - her childhood friend, Khalil, was shot by a police officer, and she is the only witness - only she knows the truth of her friend's innocence. Now, she must handle the tension that is brewing in her home, in her neighborhood, and in her school.

This book was so real. It hit me in the gut. BECAUSE IT'S WHAT SO MANY PEOPLE IN AMERICA GO THROUGH. In fact, this book felt like nonfiction because this racism happens all the time. And nothing seems to change. And we can't help but feel helpless.

So, as a result, I loved and resonated with Starr. Her inner conflicts became my conflicts. Her family was so close-knit and adorable and THAT'S JUST THE KIND OF SUPPORT STARR NEEDS. She's surrounded by loving people.

I also loved Chris. He's like the perfect boyfriend. He's dorky and corny and he's always there for Starr.

I also loved Maya. She's the perfect best friend, and I'm glad her and Starr bonded against Hailey.

I absolutely hated Hailey and I am glad Starr cut her off because she doesn't need that kind of toxicity.

The Hate U Give told a story with a message. It wasn't a call to sit still, but to stand up and do something. That's honestly what this world needs.

EVERYONE GO READ THIS BOOK.