The Hate You Give – Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas was inspired to write this YA novel after the real-life shooting of 22-year-old Oscar Grant by police in Oakland, California, in 2009.

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this timely novel by Thomas addresses the prevalence of police brutality in the Black community. The story depicts the sad reality of racism (and systemic racism) in the twenty-first century.

Written in a natural empathetic voice, this novel puts us in the shoes of a sixteen-year-old girl; Starr Carter. Starr lives in a lower class, predominantly black neighbourhood of Garden Heights but attends school in the affluent white neighbourhood of Williamson. Necessarily, she adopts different personas in each setting and tries to keep her two worlds separate.  Where is she her authentic self?

Her world is devastated when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed black friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil’s death goes viral and he is called a thug, drug dealer and gangbanger by some. Others take to the streets to protest but what everyone wants to know is what happened that night?

As the only witness to the crime, Starr has a choice to make – stay silent or use her voice to get justice for Khalil. She is reluctant to speak up and worries what her friends and white boyfriend will think of her. What will she do when other cops and the local drug lord are using intimidating tactics to ensure Starr stays silent?

The novel highlights institutional racism and a broken criminal system where the police can violate rights with no fear of consequence.  This book gives a snapshot view of what happens when racialized and marginalized communities stand up for their rights in a visible way.

Thomas has written a gut-wrenching novel that is honest, hard-hitting and an ultimate prayer for change. This is an important book that tackles topics such as racism, gangs, police violence and interracial dating to name a few.  A must read.

Shaheen Mansha – JI142