BLOG TOUR: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (Review)

Title: The Hate U Give

Author: Angie Thomas

Publication: February 28th 2017, Balzer + Bray

Format: e-ARC
Source: For blog tour purposes (Thank you JM of Book Freak Revelations) 

Order it on: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | The Book Depository | Kobo | National Book Store / Fully Booked (PH)



SYNOPSIS:

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, Angie Thomas’s searing debut about an ordinary girl in extraordinary circumstances addresses issues of racism and police violence with intelligence, heart, and unflinching honesty. Soon to be a major motion picture from Fox 2000/Temple Hill Productions.

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.

Review:

When my friend JM of Book Freak Revelations invited me to read The Hate U Give for a tour, I was not hesitant to say yes to it. It would mean going back to blogging again after some time but for this book, how could you not say yes?

I've been so detached from anything book related lately that it feels like I only get book news from my friends. When I heard of The Hate U Give however, my life, as if, was put into a standstill. Nothing mattered as much and I knew for a fact that I had to read it.

AND WOW! THIS BOOK DELIVERS! Yeah, let me be as fangirly about is as possible. My goodness. It's not rare for authors these days to "try" to send a message about a certain advocacy. In fact, in a case, most authors are somewhat propelled or required to talk about something that uplifts and enlightens. The Hate U Give is a not a fun ride, let me tell you that. I don't mean it in a bad way but more so, it's horrific how the events that happen in this book are happening currently. And the theme and message of this novel holds true and man does it pack a punch.

Starr, the main character, has to be propelled to these two worlds, one of which is her own yet doesn't feel as if she belongs in it, another is entirely different, white and still a place she feels she doesn't belong in, a world that is dominant and discriminatory to not just her but the actions of her race.

Racism is true and Starr, her family and peers go through it every day. Oh how I loved the vividness in the voices of each of the characters are. It's as if my ears are ringing every time and I can actually hear them screaming into my ears. The humor and honesty in each of the voices resonate with me and it brings tears to my eyes when something awful happens. Seven is probably my favorite character. How supportive of a brother he is and that he'd do anything for his family. And what I loved most is the fact that Black community is there for each other no matter what. Gangs or no gangs, family is family.

I loved Starr's voice and her sassy remarks and I wish I have more friends like her. Her honesty is what people need in this day and age. And she has a level of class that I just truly adored

When I first heard about this book, The thing that hit me almost too fast was Fruitvale Station directed by Ryan Coogler. The film where Michael B. Jordan plays Oscar Grant. I hadn't seen it yet at the time and I was not entirely aware of what was going on. But my curiousity got the best of me and I have never been the same person.

Why? Why do black people have to justify their innocence and their existence against prejudice when they have every right to be in this world and to not be judged? Most especially if they've done nothing wrong? Haven't they proven enough during the time in Selma? That they belong here?

It breaks my heart when I see stories like that of Oscar Grant and with that of Khalil's too and the people being fought for in this book. Black Lives Matter is something that should never be forgotten and never be side tracked by the idea of authorities having the chance to be pardoned for being unforgiving themselves.

What a powerful debut for Angie Thomas. She brings a poignant, gut wrenching, absolutely riveting story into the lives of those who need to read it. And by need, I mean EVERYONE should read it. It not only opens up more perspective of how Black Americans handle their everyday situation, most especially by discrimination, but also of how it is definite that there is a voice that can be amplified if we know better.

This book is already slated to be a film and I know for a fact that it is going to be one of the most beautiful adaptations. And I want it to have an Oscar and I want Barry Jenkins to direct it. (Sorry, Oscar high) and I want more people to know more and more about this story and how it can uplift, even a child of how discrimination lies dormant, never eradicated and it must be fought for, noespecially in these trying times.

I think I've said enough. Buy this book. You won't regret it. Keep it in a glass box if you want to. It's important, captivating and a masterful piece that should be remembered by generations to come.

About The Author:

Angie Thomas was born, raised, and still resides in Jackson, Mississippi as indicated by her accent. She is a former teen rapper whose greatest accomplishment was an article about her in Right-On Magazine with a picture included. She holds a BFA in Creative Writing from Belhaven University and an unofficial degree in Hip Hop. She can also still rap if needed. She is an inaugural winner of the Walter Dean Meyers Grant 2015, awarded by We Need Diverse Books. Her debut novel, The Hate U Give, was acquired by Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins in a 13-house auction and will be published in spring 2017. Film rights have been optioned by Fox 2000 with George Tillman attached to direct and Hunger Games actress Amandla Stenberg set to star.

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