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drjoannehill 's review for:
The Hate U Give
by Angie Thomas
challenging
informative
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:
Complicated
Not my usual choice but an important book to read.
16 year old Starr witnesses her friend Khalil be shot dead by a police officer on a traffic stop. The book follows the aftermath as Starr navigates talking to the police, DA, national media, her family, and friends. It's a good portrait of a 16 year old who doesn't share everything with her family, and doesn't tell her friends and boyfriend about it until they find out weeks later. Bits of different BLM themes come in, including dealing with riots in the neighbourhood where Starr lives; and there are contrasts between her life at private school (friends live in gated communities) and her neighbourhood where the nuances of living amongst drug dealing and gangs are presented in a complex way.
Ultimately it is about solidarity, loyalty, family, and finding ways to deal with injustice when it seems to be all around.
Excellent audiobook narrator!
16 year old Starr witnesses her friend Khalil be shot dead by a police officer on a traffic stop. The book follows the aftermath as Starr navigates talking to the police, DA, national media, her family, and friends. It's a good portrait of a 16 year old who doesn't share everything with her family, and doesn't tell her friends and boyfriend about it until they find out weeks later. Bits of different BLM themes come in, including dealing with riots in the neighbourhood where Starr lives; and there are contrasts between her life at private school (friends live in gated communities) and her neighbourhood where the nuances of living amongst drug dealing and gangs are presented in a complex way.
Ultimately it is about solidarity, loyalty, family, and finding ways to deal with injustice when it seems to be all around.
Excellent audiobook narrator!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Police brutality, Murder, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail