The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

[Emily]

YALLLLLLLL.

This book was SO AMAZING. There is so much to discuss about this book.

First of all, how shitty are the media for their treatment of Kahlil? and Starr?
How awesome is it to read a YA book with two supportive, strong parents?

But most of all, what can I do right now to stop this from ever happening again because DANG.

[Kaitlyn]

Emily wrote: "YALLLLLLLL.

This book was SO AMAZING. There is so much to discuss about this book.

First of all, how shitty are the media for their treatment of Kahlil? and Starr?
How awesome is it to read a YA ..."

Okay, I've been waiting to discuss this book. I love it so much, it was game changing to me, for many reasons, which I'll get too. It made me more passionate about this issue and it woke me up, it wasn't that I was unaware and didn't care, but it changes your perspective.

Also, the media treatment of Kahlil is heartbreaking. The fact that this happens everyday makes it more so. The fact that this somehow justified what happened to outsiders made me SO MAD. It was such a reflection of what we see every time a life is taken by police brutality that it is more infuriating.

I loved the description of the neighborhood. The bravery of Starr's dad. And the fear of Starr's mom. I thought this was really a wonderful discussion, of the environment the government creates. I can't stop thinking about THUG, it has changed a lot.

[Emily]

I wrote a review on my blog... It was the longest review I ever wrote, and I still think I didn't touch on half of what I could have written about.

THE MEDIA. Man! I found myself reflecting on how I've reacted to these situations ("Well, he was a drug dealer...") and making a conscious effort to change my thinking. Honestly, breaking out of the thought patterns that is ingrained from birth is exhausting, but so necessary!

[Nora]

I think it should be required reading in school (not banned like in some districts heh). It really feels like an important read. I totally did the laughing, crying, getting really mad thing while reading.

I hated the junk the media did but it is so true they do this to the victims but I don't think I had paid enough attention to how witnesses are portrayed.

And I totally loved there being not only parents but positive role models to counter the crud that would make it all to easy to just give up hope.

Speaking of, I appreciated that it holds onto that hope. I personally needed that in today's world. Not sure what I can do to stop it but I'm not going to give up. That a book can do that..... Well yeah I liked this a lot!

[Michele]

Is this really banned by some school districts? That’s so crazy to me! I just finished this book a few days ago and I loved it! I loved Starr! She was such a great character. I especially loved her sass. :) And I just loved how real all the issues were. It was very eye-opening and enlightening. I also enjoyed how it was written from Starr’s point of view. So many good things to say about it.