THE DISCLAIMER
I am biased.
BIASED.
B.I.A.S.E.D.
Possible Causes Of Bias
- I have 3 black sons. Any book that shines light on a topic that can directly affect them will probably get a good rating from me.
- l LOVED Tupac growing up and I’m still hoping he faked his death. So any book that is inspired by his life and work will probably get a good rating from me.
Warning
Angie Thomas is addressing a serious social issue in The Hate U Give. And while this book is considered young adult fiction I wouldn’t recommend it for your teen if you take issue with excessive cursing.
My Thoughts
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas was another quick read for me (click here for another one day read). It took less than 48 hrs to get through the entire thing. I just couldn’t put it down. I was so immersed in Starr’s life that I forgot to pay attention to things like writing style or grammar.
Side note: This story is very, very stereotype happy. Every black stereotype you can think of is in there.
Stereotypes Included:
Ghettos, drug dealers, neighborhood crackheads/alcoholics, Jordans, basketball, gangs, the idea that if you are too smart or uptight that you are “acting white”, fried chicken, Uncle Toms, chained up Pit bulls, teenage pregnancy, broken homes, ratchet half-sibling backstories, the candy lady, and my personal favorite the ‘wigga’ (aka Chris)
I’m inclined to forgive the stereotypes and exaggerations because of the point Angie Thomas is trying to drive home. Stereotype or not, no one deserves to be shot in the street during a routine traffic stop. The Hate U Give may not be an accurate portrayal of everyone’s ‘black experience’ but it is an accurate portrayal of the frustration felt in the black community surrounding this issue.
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Summary
The Hate U Give follows a young black girl, Starr, who lives in the ghetto but attends an all white private school. Her parent’s school choice forces her to constantly move between two very different worlds. She refuses to be ‘too black’ around her white peers but also resents not being ‘black enough’ for the folks in her neighborhood. She eventually resolves to just keep her two lives completely separate.
Starr’s separate, but not so equal, lives collide violently and fall apart after she becomes the only witness in the police shooting that killed her childhood friend Khalil, an unarmed black teen. Starr has to choose between saving face at her school, staying safe in her neighborhood, and speaking out for Khalil.
Her journey to find peace for herself and justice for Khalil is heartbreaking. After the string of police killings that left the black community furious and frustrated this story will hit TOO close to home for many.
Coming Soon
The Hate U Give will hit screens this Fall. Check here for info on the cast and updates on the final release date.
What are your thoughts about novels that address serious social issues? Comment below