Written by M.N.
Picture below: Author with her book
Information
Author: Angie Thomas / Genre: Fiction / Published: 2017
Summary
Written from the point of view of a black girl living in two completely different worlds- "the rich and bougie life" which was her school and the "dangerous ghetto" which was her home.
When an unexpected shooting occurs, killing her childhood friend, Starr realizes that for the first time, she is involved in a racially motivated and violent occurrence. However, speaking up about it is harder than it seems, especially when the news has twisted everything.
Starr has always been embarrassed about where she had grown up and who she was. “The Garden” was an inner-city neighborhood known for its gangs, violence, and poverty. When she was at her private school, a universe that was far from her home, she always had to put on a facade in front of her friends. Starr not only had no sense of identity but was conservative.
How the Book Relates to the Modern World
The Hate U Give brings up many topics that plague society today such as racism, social inequality, identity, police brutality, violence, and inner-city crime cycles.
Starr demonstrates the problems of a black teenager who lacks identity and has the fear of society judging her. Throughout the novel, Starr switches personalities when she is with different people, showing her double personality. She is embarrassed about her culture and where she grew up and is afraid to let people into her life.
The tragic death of Starr's childhood friend Khalil finally enabled her to realize the oppression the public puts on the black community. Her journey towards justice leads her to appreciate and take pride in her culture, giving her an empowering and emotional voice.
Why the Book Should be Read in Schools
The Hate U Give represents black empowerment and is written from the POC perspective. Its theme is a powerful message for young high schoolers.
Rating
The fictitious book was amazing overall and I enjoyed reading through the lens of a teenager who had many struggles and was able to combat them.
I watched the movie, and can I just say wow... it was very impactful for me. I would LOVE to read this book someday. It's a great representation of police brutality in our country.
The Hate U Give is on my book list to read yay, I watched the movie; it was very emotional and overall a great story. The movie felt very heart-wrenching and lol I don't have words to describe the story - just phenomenal and Starr is such a courageous character everyone loves 🙌