Angie Thomas (1) (1988–)

REQUIRED READING FOR ALL HUMANS

A great book stays with you, like a dozen shot tequila hangover. The Hate You Give is the type of book that will stop you in your tracks, take your breath, and make you evaluate yourself. The Hate You Give is riveting and an absolute must read.

Sixteen year old Starr is caught between her worlds of white privilege school, where she and her brothers, Seven, and Sekani, commute 45 minutes to get the best education available, and the ghetto where she lives, where bullets spray her neighborhood, and colors equate to gang loyalty.

While at a party in her ‘hood over spring break, shots ring out and she and her best friend, Khalil dash for his car and take off, only to get pulled over by a white cop. Unarmed, Khalil is shot three times in the back and dies on the street with Starr holding him. What follows is expected, rioting, opinions, lack of justice, and lines drawn between blacks and whites, including at Starr’s 99% white school and with her white friends.

I read for many reasons: entertainment, relaxation, education. I try to stay away from the over-hyped, I don’t tend to know if something is a movie (I’m more of a nose in a book kinda gal rather than eyes on the screen), and I do my best to stay well-rounded (read: I try to see all sides). But there are some things that need to be shouted from the rooftops. YOU NEED TO READ, THE HATE YOU GIVE.

Angie Thomas’ debut novel, written some years back, is as relevant then as it is today. Read this book. Look inside yourself, your knee-jerk thoughts and behaviors, and see if you too don’t come away hungover, wrung out, and emotionally exhausted. We must do better.… (plus d'informations)