Synopsis from Goodreads:
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.
But what Starr does—or does not—say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.
My Thoughts:
(Disclaimer: I will never post spoilers in my reviews HOWEVER the comment section is completely fair game to discuss any and all specifics including spoilers)
5 Stars
I’m honestly not sure that I’ve ever read a more powerful book in my life. Ever. This is truly one of the most well written pieces of literature that I’ve ever read. The writing is real, raw, tragic, heartbreaking, beautiful, and so wonderfully descriptive. Everyone should read this book–all races, all genders.
There are no faults with this book. It’s perfect. In every way. Highly, highly recommend this one.
I don’t think I even breathed while reading the last 100 or so pages…could NOT put it down. The writing! The details! So intense!
There are no words to express my absolute love for this beautifully written story. Each character (and setting) was so well written. It’s a YA book (young adult) and told from the perspective of 16 year old Starr. This added to the magic of the book…having it told from the voice of someone so young, yet so wise and so aware of the world.
This was Angie Thomas’s debut novel and I can’t wait to see what she will write next. I’m reaaaaally hoping it’s a sequel! The movie The Hate U Give comes out this week…and the trailer looks AMAZING!
Please read the book first, though. Always read the book first.
Bottom Line:
One of the most powerful books I have ever read.
Book Coffee Happy 
This one was amazing! It has stuck with me and really opened my eyes. I loved the perspective it gave without it being too cheesy or cliche.
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Yes! Exactly! I completely agree with everything you just said. So well written.
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I just bought this (kindle version) and plan to start reading today! I love YA books after many years of teaching novel studies! I loved your recommendation. I’ll let you know my thoughts when I finish.
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Oh Randee…you will love this book! I’m eager to hear your thoughts, keep me posted!
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I finished it and am anxious to see how they portray the story and characters in the movie. I found the book enjoyable and well written. I definitely could see it as an interesting YA read for the student body that I taught because they would relate to so many aspects. For those living in a more sheltered world, kids and adults, it’s very eye opening to experience Starr’s and her family’s perspectives of their lives and the event she witnessed. I could totally relate to the duplicity of her life! While reading it, I thought about Walter Dean Myers books/ short stories, especially Monster.
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I knew you would like this book! I couldn’t put it down, one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. It really forced me to see things from different perspectives…truly in all areas…and really gave me a lot to think about. Loved it. I can’t wait to see the movie! It premiered yesterday…I made Jon watch the trailer. I want him to read this next, I really think he would like it.
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