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A review by nataliejordin_writes
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
5.0
I wish I could say that everyone will get the purpose of this book, but they won't. I wish I could say that all non-Black people who read this book will find compassionate in their hearts, and understand a small potion of the Black experience, but I cannot say that either. I have read far too many reviews that state some version of the following; "No, he didn't deserve to die, but if he had followed instructions," or "what do people expect from human police officers who patrol rough neighborhoods in the night," or even, "if you want a safer and better life, move out of the neighborhood."
So, if that is the case for those who stated these things, does that mean that his life is less valuable than the life of a Black teen who was shot by an officer in his own suburban neighborhood? Should I have to send my child to a school 45 minutes away from my home for her to receive a better education? There are so many questions that could be asked to dispute these reviews, but this is a review.
Thomas told this story the right way. It is honest, and filled with the raw anger, grief, and fear of the Black experience. It forces you to see the unjust and the unfair life that Black people work so hard to remove themselves from, even though Blacks know that moving from the "hood" doesn't mean safety. That getting a degree at the finest institutes doesn't mean safety. A clean record does not mean safety, and Thomas captured that in THUG. She doesn't bash cops, nor does she give excuses for Black people making bad choices.
She is fair; more fair than reality allows on both sides. Thomas kept it to the facts, and let those shine bright. Between the happy moments where I laughed, the sad moments where I cried, and the angry moments when I screamed, I don't know what else to even say about my experience reading this book.
As a young Black woman, I felt so attached to this story. The fear of losing my life is dominant in this world. It is someone's real story, and it needs to be heard and read by everyone.
Thomas's writing was uncut and deeply rooted in the many cultures that Black people have created throughout the years. Her words gave the message exactly what's needed.
What feelings did THUG give you while reading? Let me know in the comments below, or on any of my social medias.
Love, peace, and dope reading!
-NJ
So, if that is the case for those who stated these things, does that mean that his life is less valuable than the life of a Black teen who was shot by an officer in his own suburban neighborhood? Should I have to send my child to a school 45 minutes away from my home for her to receive a better education? There are so many questions that could be asked to dispute these reviews, but this is a review.
Thomas told this story the right way. It is honest, and filled with the raw anger, grief, and fear of the Black experience. It forces you to see the unjust and the unfair life that Black people work so hard to remove themselves from, even though Blacks know that moving from the "hood" doesn't mean safety. That getting a degree at the finest institutes doesn't mean safety. A clean record does not mean safety, and Thomas captured that in THUG. She doesn't bash cops, nor does she give excuses for Black people making bad choices.
She is fair; more fair than reality allows on both sides. Thomas kept it to the facts, and let those shine bright. Between the happy moments where I laughed, the sad moments where I cried, and the angry moments when I screamed, I don't know what else to even say about my experience reading this book.
As a young Black woman, I felt so attached to this story. The fear of losing my life is dominant in this world. It is someone's real story, and it needs to be heard and read by everyone.
Thomas's writing was uncut and deeply rooted in the many cultures that Black people have created throughout the years. Her words gave the message exactly what's needed.
What feelings did THUG give you while reading? Let me know in the comments below, or on any of my social medias.
Love, peace, and dope reading!
-NJ