I know, I know. It’s an “old” book, from 2017. Apparently, I allow time to season my reads. Often, I find books after I stumble across its movie form. (like The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, or Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card). This debut novel by Angie Thomas is a knock-out with a captivating theme that hooked me from the start, fabulous characterization (that I can definitely learn from as an aspiring writer), and lively setting (without info-dumps). It’s a coming-of-age story birthed out of the black lives matter movement, and follows the courageous journey of Starr, who straddles two worlds: a suburban prep school and her poor black neighborhood. She is the only witness to the murder of her childhood friend, Khalil, when a policeman pulls them over for a broken taillight. It is her search for justice and doing what is right, even if it’s terrifying and hard. This book caught my interest on page one (something that is a must for me when I am searching for my next read) and held it all the way through. I did not want to stop reading, but I had to because, you know, children. ;) It explores blended romantic relationships (Starr is black, her boyfriend, Chris, is white), healthy and toxic friendships, family bonds and dynamics, gang realities and substance abuse, among other relevant topics.
Point blank, this book is not Christian. I won’t always recommend Christian books, because I read non-Christian fiction. I need to read what my audience reads. I will write clean stories (no cussing or sex), but I will read and review from both worlds, so to speak. The Hate U Give is a favorite of so many of the literary agents I’ve been researching, so when I saw it at the library, I knew I had to check it out. It's so well done and immersive, it would be one of my favorites if it wasn't so full of language.
What I didn’t like about this book:
It is dripping with swear words (just about every page, if not every other), so if you’re sensitive to cussing, I wouldn’t recommend it. The story definitely could’ve done without it, but as a writer, I know the author was staying true to culture and characters. I was able to 'swallow' the language because of that understanding alone.
There were two scenes where Starr and her boyfriend begin to explore intimacy. However, I was pleasantly surprised that both instances were mild as far as fiction goes. One instance of kissing was interrupted by a protective older brother, and the second one was stopped by the boyfriend, because he cared more about Starr and her emotions and what she was going through than satisfying himself in that moment. I was impressed by a fictional character having more self-control than most young men in real life. Thank you, Angie, for keeping the intimacy on the low.
The third thing I didn’t particularly care for about this novel was the way Starr chose to join rioting and violence at the end of the book (spoiler: she throws a canister of tear gas back at police). Because of this novel, I grasp a little bit better why blm protesters do what they do, and my heart aches for the injustice and broken hearts involved, but I do not condone it. It’s still wrong to be violent and when faced with injustice. This will always be something I believe, as I believe in the One Who is Truth and Justice Himself, and I trust Him to make all things right.
I give The Hate U Give four out of five stars.
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