Review: The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas was a book reflective on the black lives matter movement and tense police relations. It starts off at a high school home party - shots are fired, so the main character, Starr, decides to leave early with her friend Khalil. The two teenagers are driving home when suddenly and unexpectedly, they get pulled over by a police officer. Tensions rise, as Khalil is on the defensive because he doesn't believe that he deserved to be pulled over and the police officer is demanding respect. In an unfortunate expected turn of events, the police officer, who happens to be white, fatally shoots Khalil, an unarmed black teenager - all while Starr was present and watching. Horrified, she struggles to manage day by day activities, like going to her predominantly white school or having a relationship with her white boyfriend. Much of the book deals with these conflicts and with her questioning how she should or could make a difference in the aftermath of Khalil's death. 

While most of the book is relatively predictable, there were pieces that could lend to great discussion topics. For example, as one reads the book, one learns that the police officer who shot the teenager, did not live in the same neighborhood as said teenager. If he did, could that have prevented the death? Would he have understood the realities that Khalil was dealing with and cut him some slack? Furthermore, because the officer did not live in that neighborhood, he was afraid. He saw Khalil as a threat based on his ill-mannered behavior. What should be considered a viable threat? Should law enforcement be required to live in a community that they serve? Did it make him a bad person because he acted on a perceived threat? Whether you stand on the black lives or blue lives matter line, these are all questions that should be considered and discussed.

Without a doubt, this book was uncomfortable to read (or listen to, as in my case), especially given the climate that we are in currently. I think much of it was oversimplified especially considering the complexity of each similar situation the book was based on, but the overall goal was achieved. It did tell a story - a painful story for all. My hope is that someone will read this uncomfortable story and step outside of their comfort zone and attempt to understand and take actions to help rectify and prevent these devastating incidents. 

Until we read again...