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A review by monitaroymohan
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
5.0
What a fantastic book! My library had an audio book copy and I decided to give it a shot. This book has been highly acclaimed and recommended, but I’m wary of YA books. They usually think they’re sending a message but in actuality they’re just wallowing in contrived plot lines.
Not this one however. From start to finish Thomas is unflinching in her portrayal of Black life in America. Told through the eyes of 16-year-old Star who witnesses a horror that no one should have to, the story paints a life that may seem unusual for some but very normal for young Black folk.
Thomas doesn’t fall into the trap of pitting one racial group against another - each has their flaws and that’s what makes it worse. The Carter family and everyone like them is not only caught in a system that is created to oppress them, but they are also battling the gangs and drug lords that patrol their neighborhoods. Another result of an oppressive system, but not one that they can fight on their own.
I think what really sold this book to me was Bahni Turpin’s performance. Some books are made to be read aloud and Turpin is so emotive that she gets you right in the heart with her reading. She captures the raw emotions of Star perfectly, but she also makes you laugh out loud as she recites Nana’s crazy dialogue. The dialogue in this book is very natural and utterly relatable.
This was such a find. I wish I hadn’t waited this long to read it. More people should pick up this book and really take to heart the daily fights marginalized people have to confront every single day.
100% would recommend to everyone!
Not this one however. From start to finish Thomas is unflinching in her portrayal of Black life in America. Told through the eyes of 16-year-old Star who witnesses a horror that no one should have to, the story paints a life that may seem unusual for some but very normal for young Black folk.
Thomas doesn’t fall into the trap of pitting one racial group against another - each has their flaws and that’s what makes it worse. The Carter family and everyone like them is not only caught in a system that is created to oppress them, but they are also battling the gangs and drug lords that patrol their neighborhoods. Another result of an oppressive system, but not one that they can fight on their own.
I think what really sold this book to me was Bahni Turpin’s performance. Some books are made to be read aloud and Turpin is so emotive that she gets you right in the heart with her reading. She captures the raw emotions of Star perfectly, but she also makes you laugh out loud as she recites Nana’s crazy dialogue. The dialogue in this book is very natural and utterly relatable.
This was such a find. I wish I hadn’t waited this long to read it. More people should pick up this book and really take to heart the daily fights marginalized people have to confront every single day.
100% would recommend to everyone!