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carolineroche's review
5.0
Another great book from Alan Gibbons. Based on the true story of the murder of teenager Sophie Lancaster and her boyfriend for simply being Goths, this adds extra oomph to the story. It is a powerful story of hate crimes and where they lead to, (including homophobia). This book is beautifully written and observed, gives no slick solutions or answers, but shows the terrible consequences of prejudice. Teens will be gripped by the story - a must have for your shelves.
coops456's review
2.0
TW: violence, misogynist and homophobic slurs.
Gibbons wrote (the much better) [b:Caught in the Crossfire|2195461|Caught in the Crossfire|Alan Gibbons|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1358727507l/2195461._SY75_.jpg|2201198] Caught in the Crossfire in response to the 2001 Oldham riots and 9/11. In a similar vein, Hate was inspired by the murder in 2007 of Sophie Lancaster.
5/5 for motivation and theme but sadly 2/5 for execution. The writing just isn't very good; there were multiple occasions when I was jolted out of the story by incongruous wording and jumps in POV. Gibbons makes some good points about grief, about justice; but the story unwinds entirely predictably and the lack of subtlety is cringeworthy.
Gibbons wrote (the much better) [b:Caught in the Crossfire|2195461|Caught in the Crossfire|Alan Gibbons|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1358727507l/2195461._SY75_.jpg|2201198] Caught in the Crossfire in response to the 2001 Oldham riots and 9/11. In a similar vein, Hate was inspired by the murder in 2007 of Sophie Lancaster.
5/5 for motivation and theme but sadly 2/5 for execution. The writing just isn't very good; there were multiple occasions when I was jolted out of the story by incongruous wording and jumps in POV. Gibbons makes some good points about grief, about justice; but the story unwinds entirely predictably and the lack of subtlety is cringeworthy.
agsztyl's review
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
avery_21's review
3.0
Hate is a very intriguing book. The story is about the loss of a loved one and the ramifications following this ordeal but also about standing up to prejudice in the world. The message behind the story is strong and important. And I can appreciate the attempt of the writer to bring this important message into the world but I found the story a bit lacking.
The main character Eve needed more layers, all you saw of her was the loss of her sister, and that would be a significant part of her life but it would never make up a whole person. She was anger and judgement in human form, and I didn't really see much love for her sister in the story. It almost feels like there is resentment because she felt like her sister was perfect and she feels the need to live up to it.
The sister, Rosie, as a victim of a hate crime fits the 'profile'. The extreme way of clothing and outward appearance is described provocative enough to see the character come to live. And where people don't often speak ill of the dead, Rosie feels a little bit to perfect. Everyone had flaws and it creates layers in a character when you get to see the good and the bad.
Anthony is a character with a backstory that should have been fleshed out a bit. His history should have been given more layers to shed light on the other side of the story. Eventhough he redeems himself in the end, the reason why needed more body.
The book holds an important message and can be very educational for youth. The story just needed a little more work but I would read it again.
The main character Eve needed more layers, all you saw of her was the loss of her sister, and that would be a significant part of her life but it would never make up a whole person. She was anger and judgement in human form, and I didn't really see much love for her sister in the story. It almost feels like there is resentment because she felt like her sister was perfect and she feels the need to live up to it.
The sister, Rosie, as a victim of a hate crime fits the 'profile'. The extreme way of clothing and outward appearance is described provocative enough to see the character come to live. And where people don't often speak ill of the dead, Rosie feels a little bit to perfect. Everyone had flaws and it creates layers in a character when you get to see the good and the bad.
Anthony is a character with a backstory that should have been fleshed out a bit. His history should have been given more layers to shed light on the other side of the story. Eventhough he redeems himself in the end, the reason why needed more body.
The book holds an important message and can be very educational for youth. The story just needed a little more work but I would read it again.
laurah_123's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
ryanwhittle's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
ettegoom's review
2.0
It was ok. There were some interesting themes, and examinations of the experiences of the characters, but I found it strangely lacking... also the author jumped between perspectives in a really confusing way. There were times where I had to reread several times just to try to work out who was speaking. Overall a fairly meh book
__legiteststal's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Five because I have never reflected as much as I have done reading this book.
Times have changed , but some people are still full of hate. It must be you who should forgive yourself because if you don't, nobody will do it for you. It is your choice if you want to live with guilt or come out and face what the world has for you. We live our lives for ourselves not for other people, just don't hurt them. Always stand up and help them if we can. Spread love : )
#gayrightsarehumanrights
Times have changed , but some people are still full of hate. It must be you who should forgive yourself because if you don't, nobody will do it for you. It is your choice if you want to live with guilt or come out and face what the world has for you. We live our lives for ourselves not for other people, just don't hurt them. Always stand up and help them if we can. Spread love : )
#gayrightsarehumanrights
braggsy's review against another edition
4.0
A very emotionally charged read.. sometimes hard to handle, but ultimately a beautifully written statement for individuality, free expression, and love.
First read from this author, but I genuinely can’t wait to read more from Gibbons.
First read from this author, but I genuinely can’t wait to read more from Gibbons.