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riestenberger's review against another edition
5.0
This book was absolutely amazing. As with most of the country I've been trying to educate myself to be anti-racist. As a teacher I thought I understood the code switching that many students do, but this novel really illuminated it for me. Despite it being fiction, it so closely mirrored everything that has been happening in the past few years in a way that really allowed me to understand everything. I would recommend this book to absolutely everyone.
proserpina6's review against another edition
5.0
Everyone should read this book.
From the first page, the writting grabbed my attention and made me want to keep reading. Thomas's writing is so unflinchingly real and honest, but there's also plenty of humor and hope throughout. Starr's voice is so strong and her character so fully-realized, and that goes for all the other characters as well, including her childhood friend Khalil. Thomas paints a picture of who Khalil really was and how that conflicts with the image of the "thug" the media and white people make him out to be. Throughout the story, we see a struggle between the 'Garden Heights Starr' from her neighborhood and the 'Williamson Starr' from her elite private school. The friction between these two Starrs and their ultimate union is part of what the story is all about. As Starr becomes less afraid to be herself, she finds her voice and decides to use it to speak out.
I loved this book, I loved the writing, and I loved the characters. I can't wait to see the movie adaptation (which I hear is coming out in late 2018) and read Angie Thomas's future novels. I know she's writing one now which is partially based on her own life.
From the first page, the writting grabbed my attention and made me want to keep reading. Thomas's writing is so unflinchingly real and honest, but there's also plenty of humor and hope throughout. Starr's voice is so strong and her character so fully-realized, and that goes for all the other characters as well, including her childhood friend Khalil. Thomas paints a picture of who Khalil really was and how that conflicts with the image of the "thug" the media and white people make him out to be. Throughout the story, we see a struggle between the 'Garden Heights Starr' from her neighborhood and the 'Williamson Starr' from her elite private school. The friction between these two Starrs and their ultimate union is part of what the story is all about. As Starr becomes less afraid to be herself, she finds her voice and decides to use it to speak out.
I loved this book, I loved the writing, and I loved the characters. I can't wait to see the movie adaptation (which I hear is coming out in late 2018) and read Angie Thomas's future novels. I know she's writing one now which is partially based on her own life.
birdinflight1's review against another edition
5.0
Timely and important conversation starter about police brutality and racism in America. I enjoyed the perspective of a black teenage girl who navigates two worlds, her neighborhood where drug dealers and gangbangers are the norm and her white-rich-kid private school. I also really enjoyed the mom character...smart and fierce and loving and protective.
ulyssedamour's review against another edition
5.0
I just finished The Hate U Give and I don't think I can really talk about it right now as I am so overwhelmed with many emotions and feelings.
I love Starr. I love her story and all of her family and friends (except for that bitch Hailey). I'm so happy I got to read this amazing book. It's officially on my list of favorite books I've read. I cannot wait to see what the movie will be like. I heard Amandla Stenberg will play Starr and I'm already overly excited about it.
What a powerful story, what amazing writing, what incredible characters! Dear Angie Thomas, I FREAKING LOVE YOU.
I love Starr. I love her story and all of her family and friends (except for that bitch Hailey). I'm so happy I got to read this amazing book. It's officially on my list of favorite books I've read. I cannot wait to see what the movie will be like. I heard Amandla Stenberg will play Starr and I'm already overly excited about it.
What a powerful story, what amazing writing, what incredible characters! Dear Angie Thomas, I FREAKING LOVE YOU.
librarydoc's review against another edition
4.0
Book Talk
Starr grew up in the hood. She is surrounded by gang violence, and watches her best friend get killed in a drive-by at 10 years old. But that all pales in comparison to the night she gets a ride home from a party with her childhood friend Khalil. The blue lights go on behind them and Starr's life changes forever.
My Thoughts
I think there is a lot to think about and discuss in this book. I had trouble connecting with the characters because I have no experience or perspective to match it. I am glad I read the book because it caused me to think deeply about my own biases and perceptions.
That being said, I felt the dialogue was heavy handed and overplayed. It just felt too contrived, like I knew exactly where the story was going from the first chapter. I also felt like there were things in the story that were glamorized that didn't need to be (gang violence is one example, the rioting another).
My Recommendation
3.5/5 stars
Grades 10+ (language, violence, drugs)
Starr grew up in the hood. She is surrounded by gang violence, and watches her best friend get killed in a drive-by at 10 years old. But that all pales in comparison to the night she gets a ride home from a party with her childhood friend Khalil. The blue lights go on behind them and Starr's life changes forever.
My Thoughts
I think there is a lot to think about and discuss in this book. I had trouble connecting with the characters because I have no experience or perspective to match it. I am glad I read the book because it caused me to think deeply about my own biases and perceptions.
That being said, I felt the dialogue was heavy handed and overplayed. It just felt too contrived, like I knew exactly where the story was going from the first chapter. I also felt like there were things in the story that were glamorized that didn't need to be (gang violence is one example, the rioting another).
My Recommendation
3.5/5 stars
Grades 10+ (language, violence, drugs)
liangjie's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
jackleopards's review against another edition
5.0
I knew I should’ve read this sooner. It wasn’t really that heavy contrary to what I’d anticipated (I laughed); I kept rooting for Starr throughout the entirety of the story, and loved the fact that it made my blood boil for all the good reasons. The character development was great and the family dynamics was well-done owing to its flawed and authenticness. With currently relevant themes of racism, activism, gun violence, and police brutality, this was a powerful and important book that made my eyes open, without a doubt, to our reality that is still being held captive of discrimination and injustices.
Concluding my thoughts with a quote that got me enlightened just as I was caught completely dumbfounded:
”We let people say stuff, and they say it so much that it becomes okay to them and normal for us. What’s the point of having a voice if you’re gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn’t be?”
Concluding my thoughts with a quote that got me enlightened just as I was caught completely dumbfounded:
”We let people say stuff, and they say it so much that it becomes okay to them and normal for us. What’s the point of having a voice if you’re gonna be silent in those moments you shouldn’t be?”
niccinite's review against another edition
5.0
This book is sooooo important!! It's about family and community. It's about how sometimes you might feel like you have to tone yourself down to fit in. Man..read it so we can discuss!!
jess_riley25's review against another edition
5.0
Everyone needs to read this. So important and provides realistic perspective of society.
liketheverb's review against another edition
5.0
I can't do this book any justice with my own words. Read it for yourself, and you'll know exactly what I mean.