Review: The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is incredibly relevant and timely. Through Star's narrative, Angie Thomas creates a story that is heartbreaking, raw, and real. It could have been ripped right from the headlines as it mirrors so many of the tragic police shootings involving unarmed African Americans. It's a bigger story than that, however. It also explores the issue of identity and how African Americans have to navigate in a society that still sees them as "other," which can be seen in Star's constant shifting between versions of herself depending on who she is with or where she is.

As a white female, there were many parts of this story that I could sympathize with, but not fully emphasize with. I think books like this are important because it gives us a window into what it's really like to be African American in the U.S. today in a way that is accessible to those both within and outside the African American community. And while I will not claim to understand everything, books like The Hate U Give are great conversation starters. I think many people, myself included, want to be allies in this fight, and it starts with greater understanding. Novels like this can help to foster that understanding because it is a truly human story.

The best part of this book is that Star is not just another victim. She's a phoenix rising. She comes through a tragedy and on the other side she is stronger. She finds her voice, her fight, her desire to make the world a better place. The end of this novel is incredibly inspiring and empowering. Star may have lost some friends, but she also gained some unexpected allies, found herself, and a purpose. This is a beautiful book and I hope it will be widely read.

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