The Hate U Give Paperback – 6 April 2017

When your 14 year old boy, who doesn't read fiction, tells you to read The Hate U Give because "I think you'll like it, Mum", you don't decline. You pick that book up and you devour it. And it wasn't hard to like this book although in a lot of ways, there's not a lot to like.With that contradictory statement, let me explain. The book concerns itself with Starr who witnesses the shooting of her childhood friend, Khalil. That in itself is a heartbreaking tale, only it's not some street killing: he's killed by a cop. A white cop and Starr and Khalil are black. Yes, this opens up a whole other story. Add that it's in a deprived neighbourhood called Garden Heights, plagued by drugs and gangs and you're reading a novel of our times, for sure.Angie Thomas' book covers many things. It is a book about a shooting and injustice but it is also a book about family and community and coming together; it's also a coming-of-age book and all of the awkwardness, excitement and anxiety that comes with being a teen; it's about roots and identity and hopes and aspirations and whether wanting a better life means leaving behind what you know and moving elsewhere, although it may be seen as betrayal; it's a book about desperation, violence and having nowhere to turn and what do you do when you have nothing and no-one to help you but you still have to live somehow?So when I say there's not a lot to like, it's because a mirror has been held up to society and there's a whole lot of ugly reflected back. The book is good. It is a great read and Thomas' storytelling is vivid, right; her characters are rounded and the narrative flows. It's a book you can read quickly and fluidly. But it is hard-hitting in what it depicts and doing it through the eyes of a black teenage girl heightens that vulnerability. It is a social treatise for things to change; for a long hard look to be taken to see the people behind statistics and the families who are struggling, in communities that receive no investment, and to not give up on them or leave them to decline.Read it. You won't be disappointed. I was especially pleased that Starr is depicted as strong, despite being scared. She has integrity and emotional intelligence and Thomas shows her conflicted emotions adroitly.Despite its subject matter, it is a hopeful book. Light is hitting that mirror of ugly like a searchlight and showing there's nowhere to hide and in these dark days in which we live, we need to read books like this to see the human element that we all share beneath our skin.

i really loved this book. it felt incredibly real, from the depth of the characters to the rawness of their emotions. the characters felt brought to life—they felt like people I could know, with their own unique personalities, struggles, and complexities. Starr’s journey was moving and authentic; I could physically feel the pain, anger, and love she experienced throughout the story.the book tackles very real and difficult issues like systemic racism, police brutality, and the impact of injustice on communities, and it was done in a way that feels deeply human. it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities but still finds moments of hope and resilience. the dialogue is so well written and realistic, and I loved how every relationship was portrayed with care and depth. i teared up soooo much because i love love in any and every form.

Book Review: The Hate U Give by Angie ThomasThe Hate U Give is a powerful and poignant debut novel by Angie Thomas that addresses the critical issues of race, identity, and social justice through the eyes of its protagonist, Starr Carter. Starr is a 16-year-old African American girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. The story unfolds as Starr grapples with the aftermath of this traumatic event and navigates the complexities of her life in two different worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the prestigious prep school she attends.Thomas’s writing is both accessible and impactful, weaving together elements of realism and emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers. The narrative is rich with cultural references and the authentic voice of Starr makes her journey relatable and compelling. The author does an exceptional job of portraying the internal conflict that many young people face when dealing with issues of race and identity, highlighting the importance of speaking out against injustice.The themes of activism, friendship, family, and courage are woven throughout the story, encouraging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the societal structures that shape our world. The book does not shy away from the harsh realities of systemic racism and police brutality, making it not only a gripping read but also a crucial conversation starter for young readers.The ideal age range for The Hate U Give is typically considered to be 14 and up, due to the book's mature themes and language. It’s particularly suitable for teens who are beginning to explore social issues, identity, and the complexities of life in a diverse society.Overall, The Hate U Give is a must-read that challenges its audience to confront uncomfortable truths while offering hope and resilience. Angie Thomas has crafted a modern classic that speaks to the hearts and minds of readers and encourages them to find their own voices in the fight for justice