The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Published February 28th 2017 by Balzer + Bray
Read on March 20, 2017
Goodreads // Book Depository

5 stars

Powerful and important, a book everybody should read.

This book is perfect. I mean, I know you can't say that, and nothing ever is perfect, but if you don't believe me, you better believe it's damn close.
Inspired by the black lives matter movement, we follow Starr, who, at 16 years old, has already seen two of her best friends get shot. Both were innocent, one got shot by a white cop.
This book is both important and absolutely great, the best possible combination.

I am not black, nor American, so that it resonated so deep with me is a testimony of this books strength. It's not about an easy topic, you might feel uncomfortable or have to face your prejudices, and that, amongst other things, makes it so powerful. It's the first unapologetically black book I've read, and I'm grateful Angie can be an inspiration for so many, and that so much more people now see themselves represented.

The story was wonderful, real, alive, absolutely unforgettable. Every character was original and I loved the relationships and dynamics. Starr had a very present family, which is nice to see in YA. There was a lot of character development and even though she's dealing with very sensitive topics, Angie handles them with care, nuance and without cliches.
Starrs white boyfriend also makes it possible for some questions and prejudices and struggles to be discussed and addressed.

It has a lot of great quotes and even greater lessons. It's really a book I hope everyone will read, that it will make us understand, make us grow, make us better and ready to take on the world.
Nothing I can say about it will do it justice, but you better believe I'll be recommending it till the end of time. It was just so damn good.