Let me just say that this isn’t going to be a normal review, or even a mini-review. I’ve been putting off doing this review for so long, not only because I hadn’t finished the book yet, but because I wanted to marinate and simmer the experience before I came with a review at all. But in general, I did really enjoy Angie Thomas’ debut novel!
At first, I was super excited to read this book, that’s been on my TBR/currently-read list for over a year now. I picked this up last Christmas 2017, and I haven’t been able to finish it until just now. I’ve had to read it in doses because as the initial excitement wore off, the reality of Starr’s situation set in, and the story became real. Too real. Too real for me to read all in one sitting. There were parts that made me laugh, cry, tear up, and rinse/repeat all the same.
This book opened my eyes to how privileged I was, and that scared me.
I hear about these stories all of the time on the news, social media, see the hashtags and riots and calls for justice. But I hadn’t had the chance to see it through someone’s eyes who was actually going through this. Losing a friend in such a horrific way, but knowing how they died and people still treat you like you lied to defend them. How can any government official, cop, detective sleep at night knowing how many lives and families they have ruined?
I must admit, as effective this book was, the writing was kind of simplistic. However, it was simplistic because that is how young teens talk these days. (Wow, I sound super old! lol) A lot of the pop culture references didn’t fly over my head, but it may have for some older readers who have never heard of the Jonas Brothers, Disney Channel, and things like that.
And Starr is the light in the darkness; the hope too.
Comment below if you have read The Hate U Give! Let’s discuss!
Danielle – enjoyed reading this review. You write very well. See you at the next book club!
Thank you so much, Karen! See you next time too! 🙂