About the Book
-
Author:
- Angie Thomas
Cover Story: Statement-astic
BFF Charm: Platinum Edition
Talky Talk: A Star(r) Is Born
Bonus Factors: Political Activism, Banks Family Award, Community
Relationship Status: Head Over Heels
Cover Story: Statement-astic
Simple and perfect. Although I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt that Starr is, indeed, in a pair of her trademark Jordans.
The Deal:
Starr Carter belongs to two worlds – her poor black neighborhood, and her mostly white prep school – with little overlap between the two halves of her life. That is, until Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend by a police officer, which becomes the biggest controversy on the national stage. With tensions rising and misinformation spreading, Starr’s the only person who can set the record straight about that night. Whether or not she does, though, could tear her community apart – and her life with it.
BFF Charm: Platinum Edition
A girl after my own heart, Starr is a Harry Potter and Fresh Prince-loving sneakers aficionado with many a celebrity husband. Although it’s a shame that she’s always holding a part of herself back in order to navigate her two worlds – can’t be too Black in one, can’t be too white in the other – because all of her is AMAZING. And having faced a lot of unfortunate tragedy (and resulting PTSD) in her short life, Starr’s also made of mettle tougher than most. I couldn’t be happier to share (her fave) Golden Oreos with such a kickass young lady.
Swoonworthy Scale: 6
After a year together, Starr and Chris have hit a rough patch. And that’s without even addressing the elephant in the room of Chris being white and wealthy – which shouldn’t matter, not really, but the differences are too real to ignore, and the stigma of interracial dating still persists in 20-freaking-17. (Lest this relationship sound too heavy, though, Starr and Chris are quite cute together.)
Talky Talk: A Star(r) Is Born
Being a kid in a candy store is probably the best analogy to describe the awe with which I marveled at the many topics that Angie Thomas seamlessly covered. (Code switching! Microaggressions! Friend breakups!) Funny, truthful, wise, relatable – and this is only her DEBUT, holy shizz. May this be the first of a long line of brilliant books!
Bonus Factor: Political Activism
This story of racial profiling and police brutality feels painfully familiar, accompanied by the rise of a Black Lives Matter movement in all but name only that advocates for police accountability. The book also emphasizes the clear distinction between protesters and rioters. (Everyone should read this book anyway, but maybe especially Black Lives Matter detractors should give it a try.)
Bonus Factor: Banks Family Award
Loving and communicative, the Carters are total #familygoals. But it’s every Carter for themselves once the NBA* playoffs roll around and the (good-natured) trash talk begins.
*I couldn’t help being distracted that Starr’s dad has the same name as LeBron’s business manager.
Bonus Factor: Community
Garden Heights’ reputation might be marred by violence and crime, but there’s another side to Starr’s neighborhood, too: a close-knit community that cares about one another. A community that bands together in times of adversity. And a community worth fighting for, even when everybody’s saying otherwise.
Relationship Status: Head Over Heels
I knew I had it bad for this book when my digital copy was covered in highlights of all the lines that I wanted to savor. I hate why this book has to exist, but I shout-it-from-the-rooftops love that it does. I can’t wait to see it thrive in the world and to introduce it to all my friends.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received my free review copy from publisher. This review was originally posted on Kirkus Reviews in exchange for monetary compensation, which did not affect or influence my opinions. The Hate U Give is available now.
