Oh, this book. Look, if you read nothing else this month, make it this book. (Also, maybe don't read it on a plane, because you will have the feels, and the older gentleman sitting next to you will feel very uncomfortable with your tears and rage. No, scratch that- read it anywhere you can.) Nothing I can say will ever do The Hate U Give justice but... I will do my best to convince you to read it, because I promise you, it is a game changer. And beyond just the sheer importance of it, it is flat out a damn good book in general. Here's why:
- This is one of the most important and remarkable books I have ever read. I mean, if you read the synopsis, I think you can understand why we all must read this. But The Hate U Give is truly the whole package, in addition to being a critically necessary book. I was of course angry- and not just at characters in the book, but just at society in general. I read this right after the Women's March, right after the dawn of the apocalypse inauguration, and so my emotions were already on high alert. And yours need to be, too.The Hate U Give shines a light on so, so many injustices and wrongs in our society in a way that will absolutely make you unable to not think about the impact of Starr's experience in our world.
- This book will cause you to feel all the things. Oh, no emotions will be spared, I promise. Yes, anger will be one of them. But there's so much more than that. There's so much love and joy, even in the darkest of times. There are moments of humor, of awkward teen moments, of relationship and family dynamics happening all around Starr. In the midst of death and hate, there is life. There is hope.
- Starr's family is incredible. Not perfect, as no one is, but just... oh, I adored them so. They loved each other with a fierceness that came jumping out of the page, one that I admired so much. Starr even comments on her parents' relationship being adorable- even though she knows as a teen she should be rolling her eyes. It was so honest, and so sweet. When times got tough, they were there for each other, in a way that is so real, and yet so underused in young adult books in general. She has solid relationships with both parents, and an uncle, and of course they have ups and downs, but they are so wholly functional, and the importance of this, and presenting it in such a positive light, is a fabulous message for readers.
- There is a romance, and I enjoyed it, but it did not steal the focus of the story. And just as important as the romantic relationship dynamics are those of Starr's friendships. Or in some cases, “friendships”. I was so pleased at how in depth these were explored, and at how authentic they felt.
- Starr has so much growth during the book. Just like any young woman, she is figuring out so many things about herself. She has moments she isn't terribly proud of, and moments that she realizes just how far she has come. It is beautiful watching her grow, and learn, and overcome.
Bottom Line: This book is one of those rare books that I can say with absolute certainty will never, ever leave me. Starr's story, from start to finish, is gorgeously written, dynamic, and beautiful, even in its most heartbreaking moments. I promise that this is a book that you need to experience for yourselves.