T.H.U.G

Alexa Vongsy


The Hate You Give                                      T.H.U.G

By Angie Thomas


“Brave doesn't mean you're not scared. It means you go on even though you're scared...why should I be ashamed of what makes me, me?” Fight for what you believe in and don’t be ashamed of where you came from as this book portrays on making a difference in your life and society.

The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas sends a very powerful message of how 16 year old African American girl named Starr Carter seems to live two different lives and identities. Starr attends a private school of a white dominated environment and comes home to her predominantly black neighborhood in Garden Heights. Starr Carter had lived a typical life but then changed due to one night when she had witnessed her childhood friend Khalil get shot and killed by police brutality. They portray Khalil as a thug and bad guy after this incident has occurred. Starr had trouble to somehow inform the people of what really had happened and get justice for him without affecting both of her lives at the same time. Everyone the truth and fight for his justice.

Thomas does an amazing job of applying different themes throughout the book, it also mainly revolves around with anti-police brutality. I thought it was deserved to be New York Times #1 best seller because of the fact that this controversial issue seems to occur currently and change hasn't been happening. Though this book is realistic fiction, it is tremendously familiar to real life issues African Americans face today. I believe the book sends an important message to teenagers to not be afraid to stand up for your own. Starr learned that she has a strong voice and uses for Khalil. I think some teens and kids aren’t exposed to these kinds of issues of gang violence and police brutality. I think this generation should realize these problems and make a difference, we can only make a change in our community if we use our voices. The message of this book had been inspired and created by activist, artist, and actor Tupac Shakur who had used a stereotypical statement “THUG” to make a statement which was “The Hate You Give F**** Little Infants” Angie was trying to give a main point based on Shakur’s statement that the hate we are born into, that we grow up with, destroys society. I thought the way she put it into the book and the message was powerful. Another thing was I really enjoyed is the way this book was laid out and how it was written. Angie did apply inappropriate words, informal words, and portrayals of drug use but, she wanted teens to thoroughly relate and understand what she was trying to illustrate, which is how I felt that I knew what was going on and things that were included; I could understand and feel different emotions. Thomas made it very raw and powerful. It is emotional and real, and it also helps young adults in real life to not let anything get in their way and never be ashamed of who they are.

I suggest adults and mainly young adults should read this book. The movie that was recently released does an even amazing job which is what I prefer. I usually never read any books, but this specific book compared to others I’ve read, really captured my attention and it is so moving to me. This is recommended to anyone interested in justice and the challenges we face with society and the world we live in, such as how teens like Starr are mistreated.