Thursday, September 7, 2017

The Hate U Give book review



 
 
My rating: 5 stars
Goodreads rating: 4.62 stars
 
 
Inside Cover: Sixteen-Year-Old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor black neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends.  The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend, Khalil, at the hands of a police officer.  Khalil was unarmed.  Soon afterward, Khalil's death is a national headline.  Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger.  Starr's best friend at school suggests he may have had it coming.  When it becomes clear the police have little interest in investigating the incident, protestors take to the streets and Starr's neighborhood becomes a war zone.  What everyone wants to know is: What really went down that night?  And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.  But what Starr does or does not say could destroy her community.  It could also endanger her life. 
 
 
"T-H-U-G L-I-F-E, The Hate U Give Little Infants F*** Everybody, meaning what society gives us as youth, it bites them in the but when we wild out."  Tupac
 
My Thoughts:
WOW!  Imagine a picture of someone with their mouth open wide, well that is my response.  With all the racial tension in this country, this book spelled out true emotions regarding this hard topic.  The main character, Starr Carter is me when I was 16.  I grew up in the city where life was/is hard.  Where violence, drug dealing, gangs, and drama was or is still a problem.  Where children grow up in a lifestyle where it is hard to get out of.  Starr knows what life is like in both worlds and switches her specific persona with each location.  Once both worlds are combined, Starr is unsure how to be herself.  The emotions described from the characters in the books, especially of the main character are pure, honest, and real.  If you have never witnessed a police shooting or someone being killed especially at a young age, the author clearly defines how it can affect you mentally and emotionally. 
 
I recommend everyone to read this book.  White, black. Rich, poor.  City dweller or suburban resident.  Democrat, Republican. EVERYONE!  Our country is plagued by hate and violence therefore talking with those who seem different from us is hard.  We have opinions that we love to share but often lack respect.  This book will put you in perspective of those who are victims of gun violence, police brutality and poverty.  If you need great, urban read with Tupac quotes and young adult slang, this book is for you.  If you are looking for a book that makes you think of other people than yourself, this book is for you.  If you stand against racial discrimination and police brutality, this book is for you. 


Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Fall TBR 2017



It has been rainy and cool for the past couple of days, so with Labor Day in the rear view mirror, the Fall season seems to have started a few weeks earlier.  I am eager to enjoy the fall season with great books while wrapped up in a blanket and sipping on hot tea or coffee. 

Each month since the beginning of the year, I would create a TBR list of books that I would like to read during the month.  However, I would either forget to read the books or read other books and neglect the books on the list.  So after thinking about how to create my TBR's, I have decided to create seasonal TBR's.  Each season is about 3 months which gives me time to read all of my books and add new ones. 

My Fall TBR includes:

1 "The Coldest Winter Ever" - Sister Souljah

2 "The New Jim Crow" - Michelle Alexander

3 "Fatal Trust" -Todd Johnson

4 "The Proving" - Beverly Lewis

5 "Everything, Everything" - Nicola Yoon

6 Black and Blue

7 "Uninvited"-Lysa Terkeurst

8 "Coming of Angels" - MJ Banks

I know there are many great book releases this fall, so I am excited to see which book I grab to read.  If you have a TBR list or a list of books that you would like to read.  Comment and share!! I love to see what others are reading or planning to read.