The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Book Review [NO SPOILERS]

Whatever you are doing at this current moment, you need to stop and go read this book. This is by far the BEST book I have read in a long time. I actually saw the movie before I read the book. I had no idea that it was originally a novel, but I loved the movie so much that I purchased the book as soon as I knew of its existence. Although it is a fiction book, it has so much truth. The message and story is one that is so important and MUST be made apparent to everyone.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with what the book is about, here is a brief description from Good Reads: 

'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.'

There is so much I want to say about this book, but I'm going to hold myself back so that I don't spoil it for anyone. This book has won goodreads choice, THREE YEARS in a row. If that doesn't convince you to read it, I don't know what will. 

I went through so many different emotions whilst reading this book. I laughed; I smiled; my heart broke; I was angry, I was inspired. Every page left a lasting impression on me. One of the MANY things I loved about this book, was how REAL it was. There was no sugar coating at all. I felt like I was actually inside of Starr's head, feeling the same things she did and seeing what she saw. I enjoy many books that make you feel like a fly on the wall, watching things unfold but this was on a different level. I almost felt like I was a part of the story, despite never experiencing the tragedies the characters did. 

The character development and writing style is phenomenal. If you haven't already read this, and its not currently on your TBR, you need to put it as a priority- seriously. Also, if you love Tupac, you HAVE to read it. I've never really been into rap music, so Tupac isn't someone I listened to but this book definitely made me respect him so much. 

I definitely think the movie did the book justice. I have watched so many movie adaptations that just haven't been at the same level as the book. Of course the book is going to be different, but sometimes the movie just doesn't have the same impact on me. However, they definitely did a great job with THUG. I love both the book and film equally. 

Overall I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is packed full of life gems and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of reading it. 

Have you read The Hate U Give? What are your thoughts? Leave your comments down below. 

Thanks for reading, 

Have a great day x