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.
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