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lectrixnoctis's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter goes between the poverty-stricken neighbourhood where she lives and the rich suburban prep school she visits. The awkward balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal gunfire of her youth best friend Khalil at the hands of a policeman. Khalil was defenceless.
Soon afterwards, his passing is a national title. Some are calling him a criminal, even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the places in Khalil's name. Some policemen and the local drug lord try to threaten Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what went down that evening? And the only person alive who can explain that is our protagonist.
But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.
"The Hate U Give" explores the link between race and identity as Starr tries to navigate the primarily black life of Garden Heights and the predominantly white world of Williamson Prep. Starr feels torn between her Garden Heights self and Williamson Prep self, and she switches her speech, mannerisms, and behaviours to fit whichever place she finds herself in. After Khalil's shooting, Starr is hesitant to speak about his death for panic that her white friends, Hailey and Maya, and her white boyfriend, Chris, will not understand everything that happens in her Garden Heights life. Starr feels concurrently "too black" to speak about Khalil's life and death with her fellow students but "too white" at home to stand up for her friend, mainly after Kenya challenges Starr of behaving like a white person who thinks herself better than her neighbours.
Starr's personality conflict is apparent in her father figures, Maverick and Uncle Carlos, who have varied perspectives on authentic blackness. Maverick pulls inspiration from the Black Power Movement and believes in a self-reliant blackness that uses existing constructions within black neighbourhoods to better circumstances. Maverick's philosophy explains why, throughout most of the novel, Maverick refuses to move his family from Garden Heights to a more protected area—he believes they should change their community from the inside. Besides his job as a police officer and house in a gated neighbourhood, Uncle Carlos represents absorption into white culture. Uncle Carlos thinks he can support black communities by using white organisations like the police force to battle gang violence. The endless argument between Maverick and Uncle Carlos highlights how tricky it is for Starr to settle her two worlds and find a way to honour her whole self.
"The Hate U Give" analyses how society uses stereotypes of black people to verify brutality and racism against them. These stereotypes shield white communities, such as the pupils at Starr's school, Williamson Prep, from reflecting upon systemic racism, perpetuating discrimination. We see this bias most clearly in how One-Fifteen justifies his murder of Khalil. The officer has no reason to think Khalil's hairbrush is a gun other than One-Fifteen's presumption that Khalil is a criminal because he is black. However, the broadcast media and many white characters endorse One-Fifteen's version of events because they protect law enforcement from accusations of racism by watching him. Uncle Carlos, Starr's black uncle on her mother's side, is on the same police force as One-Fifteen, also initially defends One-Fifteen's actions before realising he wrongly tried to defend the shooting of Khalil. The media disguises racism in One-Fifteen's efforts by portraying them as logical, and news coverage emphasises Khalil's alleged gang associates, preserving black boys' stereotyped as violent and dangerous. Hailey, Starr's Williamson Prep friend, settles that Khalil was nothing more than a thug upon hearing these rumours. The media circus surrounding Khalil's death shows how white media prioritises protecting law enforcement and perpetuating stereotypes over black lives.
This novel was written in the first person in the present tense. Moreover, it is written like it is happening in this day and age in our natural world.
Holding the traumatic events of "The Hate U Give" is the cyclical reality of racialised poverty, which Maverick describes to Starr during their conversation about Tupac's phrase "Thug Life." According to Tupac, public racism keeps black communities from the possibilities and sources needed for financial success, and poverty feeds on itself, affecting periods of black families. This cycle captures many of "The Hate U Give's" black characters into a situation where they cannot flee poverty without relying on the drug business, which is then used to decrease them as somebody in both life and death. Maverick was born to a drug dealer and joined a gang to create some feeling of protection. Due to the difficulties created by poverty, Khalil marketed drugs to pay off his mother's bill. DeVante explains to Starr—who is initially confused about how Khalil could sell the same "medicines" ruining his mother's life—that Khalil felt compelled to provide for his family and could not find a more suitable alternative. Through Starr's hollowing understanding of racialised poverty, we see how this intergenerational cycle is hard to break because black neighbourhoods, like Garden Heights, do not have adequate access to sources such as education, employment, and protection from police brutality.
Overall I enjoyed this book. I did not think that I would appreciate it as much, but let me tell you, this is everything you need to read about a fiction book that is a place in the real world. I have laughed because of this book, but I also have cried; it is exceptionally well. You feel connected with the characters. For me, a white girl in Germany, I especially adored the insides given to me by seeing the other side and feeling with the black characters.
Moreover, I enjoyed that the book felt realistic. It is so hard to imagine that a teenager dies because of a hairbrush. Although the ending was sad, I thought it was the best ending the book could have since this is a path from reality which is unfortunate that black people die in the white cop stays alive and free.
Soon afterwards, his passing is a national title. Some are calling him a criminal, even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the places in Khalil's name. Some policemen and the local drug lord try to threaten Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what went down that evening? And the only person alive who can explain that is our protagonist.
But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.
"The Hate U Give" explores the link between race and identity as Starr tries to navigate the primarily black life of Garden Heights and the predominantly white world of Williamson Prep. Starr feels torn between her Garden Heights self and Williamson Prep self, and she switches her speech, mannerisms, and behaviours to fit whichever place she finds herself in. After Khalil's shooting, Starr is hesitant to speak about his death for panic that her white friends, Hailey and Maya, and her white boyfriend, Chris, will not understand everything that happens in her Garden Heights life. Starr feels concurrently "too black" to speak about Khalil's life and death with her fellow students but "too white" at home to stand up for her friend, mainly after Kenya challenges Starr of behaving like a white person who thinks herself better than her neighbours.
Starr's personality conflict is apparent in her father figures, Maverick and Uncle Carlos, who have varied perspectives on authentic blackness. Maverick pulls inspiration from the Black Power Movement and believes in a self-reliant blackness that uses existing constructions within black neighbourhoods to better circumstances. Maverick's philosophy explains why, throughout most of the novel, Maverick refuses to move his family from Garden Heights to a more protected area—he believes they should change their community from the inside. Besides his job as a police officer and house in a gated neighbourhood, Uncle Carlos represents absorption into white culture. Uncle Carlos thinks he can support black communities by using white organisations like the police force to battle gang violence. The endless argument between Maverick and Uncle Carlos highlights how tricky it is for Starr to settle her two worlds and find a way to honour her whole self.
"The Hate U Give" analyses how society uses stereotypes of black people to verify brutality and racism against them. These stereotypes shield white communities, such as the pupils at Starr's school, Williamson Prep, from reflecting upon systemic racism, perpetuating discrimination. We see this bias most clearly in how One-Fifteen justifies his murder of Khalil. The officer has no reason to think Khalil's hairbrush is a gun other than One-Fifteen's presumption that Khalil is a criminal because he is black. However, the broadcast media and many white characters endorse One-Fifteen's version of events because they protect law enforcement from accusations of racism by watching him. Uncle Carlos, Starr's black uncle on her mother's side, is on the same police force as One-Fifteen, also initially defends One-Fifteen's actions before realising he wrongly tried to defend the shooting of Khalil. The media disguises racism in One-Fifteen's efforts by portraying them as logical, and news coverage emphasises Khalil's alleged gang associates, preserving black boys' stereotyped as violent and dangerous. Hailey, Starr's Williamson Prep friend, settles that Khalil was nothing more than a thug upon hearing these rumours. The media circus surrounding Khalil's death shows how white media prioritises protecting law enforcement and perpetuating stereotypes over black lives.
This novel was written in the first person in the present tense. Moreover, it is written like it is happening in this day and age in our natural world.
Holding the traumatic events of "The Hate U Give" is the cyclical reality of racialised poverty, which Maverick describes to Starr during their conversation about Tupac's phrase "Thug Life." According to Tupac, public racism keeps black communities from the possibilities and sources needed for financial success, and poverty feeds on itself, affecting periods of black families. This cycle captures many of "The Hate U Give's" black characters into a situation where they cannot flee poverty without relying on the drug business, which is then used to decrease them as somebody in both life and death. Maverick was born to a drug dealer and joined a gang to create some feeling of protection. Due to the difficulties created by poverty, Khalil marketed drugs to pay off his mother's bill. DeVante explains to Starr—who is initially confused about how Khalil could sell the same "medicines" ruining his mother's life—that Khalil felt compelled to provide for his family and could not find a more suitable alternative. Through Starr's hollowing understanding of racialised poverty, we see how this intergenerational cycle is hard to break because black neighbourhoods, like Garden Heights, do not have adequate access to sources such as education, employment, and protection from police brutality.
Overall I enjoyed this book. I did not think that I would appreciate it as much, but let me tell you, this is everything you need to read about a fiction book that is a place in the real world. I have laughed because of this book, but I also have cried; it is exceptionally well. You feel connected with the characters. For me, a white girl in Germany, I especially adored the insides given to me by seeing the other side and feeling with the black characters.
Moreover, I enjoyed that the book felt realistic. It is so hard to imagine that a teenager dies because of a hairbrush. Although the ending was sad, I thought it was the best ending the book could have since this is a path from reality which is unfortunate that black people die in the white cop stays alive and free.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, Bullying, Child abuse, Cultural appropriation, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, and Xenophobia
erins_bookshelf_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I’m a bit disappointed that I didn’t read this sooner, but reading it for the first time after what happened last summer with George Floyd and more recently with Chauvin getting sentenced has given me some perspective on issues like this. Thankfully there were positive differences in the book One-Fifteen didn’t get any jail time or get declared guilty, whereas Chauvin did get sentenced , it showed me how a lot of things are going to take a lot of time to change and sometimes won’t change at all. I enjoyed this and the perspective it gave, it was a very powerful book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Vomit
fabshroom's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Death, Murder, Police brutality, Blood, and Gun violence
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Alcohol
noahfr1day's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Murder, Police brutality, Racism, Toxic friendship, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, and Vomit
Minor: Abandonment, Addiction, Alcoholism, Blood, Child abuse, Cultural appropriation, Cursing, Fire/Fire injury, Racial slurs, and Sexual content
mir_frog73's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Grief, Murder, Police brutality, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Racial slurs
Minor: Vomit
madelnguttorms1's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Vomit, Violence, Racism, Racial slurs, Police brutality, Physical abuse, Murder, Hate crime, Gun violence, and Grief
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Domestic abuse and Drug use
bibliocharylodis's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, Police brutality, Racism, and Grief
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Domestic abuse and Drug abuse
literarypenguin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
“Brave doesn’t mean you’re not scared, Starr,” she says. “It means you go on even though you’re scared. And you’re doing that.”
There comes a time when you find that one book, that rare unknown creature that is both important and well written, a book that is not afraid to talk about a subject that really needs to be talked about. A subject that is more relevant now than it has ever been before.
The Hate U Give is that book.
I absolutely adored this book. In my opinion it doesn’t have a single flaw. Every topic in the book was approachable, well written, and did not pull any punches. It stands out amongst most YA, and is a very diverse read.
Starr Carter is one of the most authentic, resilient, and strong characters I have ever read in a book. While she is not completely fearless, she embraces the adversity in her own way and overcomes it. She is such an inspiration to young girls looking to find their voice. I don’t know too many people who can juggle so many stresses in their life and come out on the other side unscathed. It was such a pleasure watching this girl grow and evolve into the strong, capable young woman we all knew she would become. I was so proud of this girl by the end.
Another part of this book I loved was the family dynamic. I think it is one of the healthiest, closest, realistic families I have ever read. The siblings might fight each other, but they always have each others backs. The parents may argue and bicker back and forth, but that doesn’t erase the deep and emotional love they have for one another. They always do what’s best for their children, even when it goes against their own personal beliefs. It was just so wholesome to see a scene with the family sitting around the dinner table or watching a sports game together or having a birthday pool party. It is one of my favorite parts of this book.
One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the social commentary and political criticism. This book is the kind of book everybody should read. It can make them aware of the current issues, encourage them to make a change whether in their neighborhood or world wide, and educate people on pressing matters. It invites people to think about important questions about racism, discrimination, police brutality, and prejudice. It was interesting how the author integrated such a important movement into her book and made it accessible for teens. Hopefully this novel will bring positive attention to the movement and will serve to educate others about the cause.
I hope one thing people will take away from this is just how truly powerful and important ones voice can be. Although it might not seem like it in the moment, all the world needs is just one voice to speak up and speak for those who sometimes can’t speak. Starr is the perfect example of a person who at first is scared to speak up, but she soon learns how important it is to speak about things you are passionate about. No matter how terrifying the consequences might seem, it is always important to speak your mind.
I can not recommend this book enough. If you want a entertaining story, with heart and powerful message. Then read The Hate U Give. You won’t regret it trust me.
‘Sometimes you can do everything right and things will still go wrong. The key is to never stop doing right.’”
There comes a time when you find that one book, that rare unknown creature that is both important and well written, a book that is not afraid to talk about a subject that really needs to be talked about. A subject that is more relevant now than it has ever been before.
The Hate U Give is that book.
I absolutely adored this book. In my opinion it doesn’t have a single flaw. Every topic in the book was approachable, well written, and did not pull any punches. It stands out amongst most YA, and is a very diverse read.
Starr Carter is one of the most authentic, resilient, and strong characters I have ever read in a book. While she is not completely fearless, she embraces the adversity in her own way and overcomes it. She is such an inspiration to young girls looking to find their voice. I don’t know too many people who can juggle so many stresses in their life and come out on the other side unscathed. It was such a pleasure watching this girl grow and evolve into the strong, capable young woman we all knew she would become. I was so proud of this girl by the end.
Another part of this book I loved was the family dynamic. I think it is one of the healthiest, closest, realistic families I have ever read. The siblings might fight each other, but they always have each others backs. The parents may argue and bicker back and forth, but that doesn’t erase the deep and emotional love they have for one another. They always do what’s best for their children, even when it goes against their own personal beliefs. It was just so wholesome to see a scene with the family sitting around the dinner table or watching a sports game together or having a birthday pool party. It is one of my favorite parts of this book.
One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the social commentary and political criticism. This book is the kind of book everybody should read. It can make them aware of the current issues, encourage them to make a change whether in their neighborhood or world wide, and educate people on pressing matters. It invites people to think about important questions about racism, discrimination, police brutality, and prejudice. It was interesting how the author integrated such a important movement into her book and made it accessible for teens. Hopefully this novel will bring positive attention to the movement and will serve to educate others about the cause.
I hope one thing people will take away from this is just how truly powerful and important ones voice can be. Although it might not seem like it in the moment, all the world needs is just one voice to speak up and speak for those who sometimes can’t speak. Starr is the perfect example of a person who at first is scared to speak up, but she soon learns how important it is to speak about things you are passionate about. No matter how terrifying the consequences might seem, it is always important to speak your mind.
I can not recommend this book enough. If you want a entertaining story, with heart and powerful message. Then read The Hate U Give. You won’t regret it trust me.
‘Sometimes you can do everything right and things will still go wrong. The key is to never stop doing right.’”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Murder, Police brutality, and Racism
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Racial slurs
Minor: Vomit
meganlikesreading's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a must read. The emotion delivered from the writing to the characters within ring deep throughout. I really do recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Police brutality, and Gun violence
Moderate: Vomit
Minor: Domestic abuse
eudaemonia's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Death, Grief, Gun violence, Murder, Police brutality, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Cursing and Domestic abuse
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, and Vomit