The Hate U Give – An Important Read and Watch

Angie Thomas’ book, The Hate U Give, portrays a young girl’s struggles with racism and police brutality. This young adult reading explores intense and mature themes.

The book was turned into a movie in September of 2018. Both the book and movie were heartwrenching. This perfectly outlined the reality of issues Black people face. The most heart-wrenching part is when the main character, Starr Carter’s, 8-year-old brother, Sekani, holds a gun up at the end as a way to protect his father. That is when you find out THUG LIFE stands for ‘The hate you give little infants ***** everyone”(Thomas). Starr, who is 16 in the novel, watches as her friend, Khalil, got shot by a police officer during a traffic stop. This story takes readers through the events and feelings each character has after his passing. The events included: A funeral, court, and riots. 

Just like the author, Starr lived in a lower-income neighborhood but went to school in a majority white and upper-class school. Thomas said in an interview with Entertainment that “she thinks of the book and movie as fraternal twins” (Rankin).

I read The Hate U Give two summers ago, and it is still my favorite book today. It really gives the perspective everyone should truly hear. For a young adult reading, I find this book to be a subject that is not spoken about enough. The book covers many themes including family, loyalty, social and political differences, Black Lives Matter, black culture, friendship, poverty, and more.

When the movie first came out I was nervous to see it. The trailer looked good, but you never really know how good it will actually be. Sometimes books that are turned into movies ruin the story. I remember knowing what scene was coming next, and I truly felt that the picture I created in my head while reading, went right to the screen.

I believe The Hate U Give could truly help someone better understand why discrimination is a problem and how it is still relevant today. I would hope that after this reading more people would choose to speak up. As Thomas said in the book, “your voices matter, your dreams matter, your lives matter. Be the roses that grow in the concrete.”