Book Review: The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Review by Carrie Studer

“The truth casts a shadow over the kitchen — people like us in situations like this become hashtags, but they rarely get justice. I think we all wait for that one time though, that one time when it ends right. Maybe this can be it.” From time to time, I like to pull a Young Adult title from the library shelf - and this book did not disappoint. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is about a black teenage girl named Starr and how she deals with the aftermath of witnessing a friend be unjustly killed by the police. This book is so many things: social and political commentary, an exploration of racial divides in America, complicated friendships and family relationships. But first and foremost it is the story of a scared young girl. This book was funny, tough, tender, and thought-provoking. Although my life experiences are vastly different from those portrayed in the book, its central message is one that will stay with me - words hold incredible power and using your voice matters.