The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a powerful and moving novel about police brutality and systematic racism. It was on my 2019 book list and I had requested the hardcover and audiobook knowing that it would be a long waitlist. I started listening to the audiobook and I got through about 75% of it before it was due back to the library. I immediately put in another request, because it was so gripping. Then, I saw it was a movie available on my last flight.
The Hate U Give: Amazon Description
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor 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, his death is a national headline.
Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
My Review
I fast forwarded the movie to close to where I left off. The last part of the movie was very dramatic. Luckily, the guy next to me was sleeping so I didn’t need to worry too much about my wet eyes. Needless to say the movie was very moving. The reviews agree; Amazon’s 500+ reviews give it 4.8 out of 5 stars and IMDb gives it 7.3 out of 10 stars. Most of the acting is great and the message is clear and thought provoking. I suggest checking out the book, listening to the audiobook, or watching the movie.
