Play Book Tag discussion

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
5 stars + ♥

This book was phenomenal. There is no way that my review is going to do it justice (probably a poor taste in phrasing).

Super short synopsis: Starr Carter is in the car when her friend Khalil is shot by a police officer during a routine traffic stop. The book follows Starr's life for the next several months as she struggles to find her voice while living in a gang-ridden neighborhood but attending a private white-dominated school.

This book just felt so timely. We have seen several of these shootings and (honest opinion here) I do not think they are right. I fully support our police and I absolutely want them to be safe while on the job, and I do think there are times when shots must be fired. However, I think the line/training on when those times are necessary is slipping.

Thomas ambitiously takes on so much more than just police shootings. She tackles gangs, reformed felons, mixed race relationships, disenfranchisement, oppression, and so much more. Thomas takes on telling the story of a culture. One that may not be pretty and may have many "bad" elements, but we too often forget these are people and most of those people are not bad, they are just doing what they can to get by. And they have to do that under the weight of stereotypes and a lack of opportunity.

I know some people have found the YA voice of this novel to be too flippant or concerned with mundane things like boys and prom in the midst of such a tragedy. But, I think that is the beauty in the work. Thomas is speaking to teenagers, the group of people who will most likely bring about understanding and change to our society. And, despite tragedy, life does carry on. And teenage girls worry about their boyfriends and fight with their friends and love their families despite these tragedies. It does not diminish the tragedy, but instead further underscores the value of life.

If one part of the book annoyed me, it was when (view spoiler)[Mav invited reps from the two gangs to his kitchen and they all just sat there peacefully and agreed they needed to work together. (hide spoiler)] It seemed too far-fetched; in fact, most of the gang violence seemed greatly diminished, but I could appreciate that she was giving a bit of hope for future actions.

Overall, I think everyone should read this book. And don't compare to some nonfiction account, which is also important but speaks to a different audience and serves a different role. Instead, think of the power of this book in reaching its target audience and Thomas's ability to couch incredibly hefty topics in a story that is funny, touching, sad, and yet hopeful.

Totally agree! I loved her voice so much. I felt like I really connected with Starr. I think everyone should read it too.

Jennifer P. wrote: "Totally agree! I loved her voice so much. I felt like I really connected with Starr. I think everyone should read it too."

Next month would be the perfect opportunity for anyone who is considering it!

And, though I say everyone should read it, I did just tell Anita not to. lol!

Nicole R wrote: "Instead, think of the power of this book in reaching its target audience "

YAAAAASSSSSS

Joi wrote: "Nicole R wrote: "Instead, think of the power of this book in reaching its target audience "

YAAAAASSSSSS"

Lol! Glad you agree with me Joi :) I just think it is such a powerful message and is laid out in a clear and respectful way.

It's short, Anita should read it. :)

Nicole, we are probably 90% for books for 2017, so I better get my act together with this one. I can't wait to see your top 10 list which I think will resemble mine. The only reason I'm debating November versus December, it's because my group of gals in my book club are doing this book, and if they're doing it in early December I'll read it earlier. If they end up waiting, so I should be able to discuss it fresh. There was some talk of getting our highschoolers to join us, as it was one of the five summer books to choose from for required reading. Plus all the kids in the ninth grade, Have to read a book that's written from the perspective of not being a dead white man, and this is a very alive African-American young female. So I actually want my kid to read it. But I suppose we'll see.

Great review! I loved this one, too. As a mother, I felt Angie Thomas also did a great job with the parents’ point of view. It was very easy to put myself in Starr’s mom’s place, and it was heartbreaking.

Tracy wrote: "Great review! I loved this one, too. As a mother, I felt Angie Thomas also did a great job with the parents’ point of view. It was very easy to put myself in Starr’s mom’s place, and it was heartbr..."

That is a good point, Tracy, and one I did not consider. I really thought that the love Mav and Starr's mom (can't think of her name right now) had for their kids and their community was so well written. It may not be how everyone raises their kids, and it may be what some people call "tough love," but it was readily apparent.

Hmmm, this wasn't on my tbr, but I think I'll be adding it.

This would be great for November, but I'm not sure I'm ready to tackle it. We'll see...

Annapurna, it is a heavy topic but the book also brought a smile to my face often. Having said that, I cried at least 8 separate times!

Nicole R wrote: "Annapurna, it is a heavy topic but the book also brought a smile to my face often. Having said that, I cried at least 8 separate times!"

It is NOT to be read in public unless you’re more stoic than me. Definitely an ugly cry book!

Glad you enjoyed it! I did also!

I had a feeling you were going to love it. Great review. I think it's a book everyone should read - the audio was great.

Ladyslott wrote: "I had a feeling you were going to love it. Great review. I think it's a book everyone should read - the audio was great."

Good to know! I'm going to check now if my library has the audio (that's not to say I'll get to it right away, but if they have it, I'm putting it on my wish list!).

LibraryCin wrote: "Ladyslott wrote: "I had a feeling you were going to love it. Great review. I think it's a book everyone should read - the audio was great."

Good to know! I'm going to check now if my library has t..."

Just be aware that there is a lot of swearing in the book, if that is an issue for you.

Good point, Linda. I myself can curse like a sailor so it didn’t bother me but there is a lot of cursing. A lot of F bombs.

This sounds good. I may have to check it out.

Jennifer P. wrote: "It's short, Anita should read it. :)"

If I ever get off the gigantic waiting list from the library, I'm going to read it. I won't blame anyone if I don't like it!

Ladyslott wrote: "Just be aware that there is a lot of swearing in the book, if that is an issue for you. ..."

Thanks for the warning! Shouldn't be an issue for me!