“The Hate U Give” is a young adult novel by Angie Thomas, published in 2017. It tells the story of Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old black girl who lives in Garden Heights, a poor neighborhood in the fictional city of Williamson. She witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood friend, Khalil Harris, by a white police officer, which leads to a series of events that challenge her identity and sense of justice.
Plot Summary
Starr lives a double life. During the day, she attends a predominantly white private school, where she tries to fit in by hiding her roots and her association with Garden Heights. However, at night and on weekends, she returns to her community and her family, who run a convenience store. Her world turns upside down when she goes to a party with her friend Khalil and witnesses him being shot by a white police officer. The officer mistakes a hairbrush for a gun and shoots Khalil, leaving him dead on the street.
The incident becomes national news, and Starr is caught between two worlds. She has to deal with the grief and trauma of losing her friend, as well as the pressure to speak out about police brutality and racism. She faces hostility from her classmates and fears from her community, who worry about retaliation from the police. The media portrays Khalil as a drug dealer and a thug, but Starr knows the truth about him: he is a caring son, a loyal friend, and a victim of a broken system.
Starr’s parents urge her to testify in front of a grand jury, but she is hesitant at first. She doesn’t want to put her family and herself in danger, but she also feels a moral obligation, to tell the truth. She receives support from her boyfriend, Chris, who is white, and from her uncle, Carlos, who is a police officer. Carlos tries to explain to Starr the complex issues of race and law enforcement, but she is skeptical of his motives.
The trial reveals the deep-rooted racism and bias of the legal system. The defense attorney tries to discredit Khalil and portray him as a threat to the officer’s life. The prosecutor tries to protect the officer and minimize his responsibility. Starr’s testimony is crucial in revealing the truth and exposing the injustice. She speaks from her heart, telling the jury and the world what she saw and what Khalil meant to her.
The Hate U Give of Characters
Starr Carter is the protagonist and narrator of the story. She is a sixteen-year-old black girl who struggles with her identity and her place in the world. She is smart, witty, and compassionate, but she also has a temper and a fear of speaking up.
Khalil Harris is Starr’s childhood friend who gets shot by a police officer. He is described as handsome, charming, and protective. He is also involved in the drug trade, which puts him at risk.
Maverick Carter is Starr’s father, a former gang member who runs a grocery store. He is a strict but loving father who teaches his children about their rights and their heritage. He has a complicated relationship with the police, who have harassed him and his family in the past.
Lisa Carter is Starr’s mother, a nurse who works in a clinic. She is a strong and supportive mother who wants the best for her children. She also suffers from PTSD and anxiety stemming from a traumatic incident in her past.
The Hate U Give Themes
“The Hate U Give” deals with several themes, including race, identity, justice, and family. It shows how racism and bias affect the lives of black people and how they have to navigate different environments to survive. It also explores the complexities of identity, especially for biracial and multicultural individuals. The novel emphasizes the importance of speaking up against injustice and using one’s voice to make a difference. It also highlights the power of family and community support in times of crisis and trauma.
Writing Style
Angie Thomas’s writing style is engaging, poignant, and authentic. She uses a mix of street slang and Standard English to reflect the different languages and cultures of the characters. The novel is also full of pop culture references and social commentary, which adds humor and depth to the story. The author’s use of first-person narrative from Starr’s perspective allows the reader to empathize with her struggles and emotions. The novel is also peppered with moments of tension and suspense, which keep the reader engaged until the end.
Conclusion
“The Hate U Give” is a powerful and timely novel that addresses the issues of racism, police brutality, and social justice. It tells the story of a young girl who finds her voice and her courage to speak up against injustice. The novel offers a realistic and nuanced portrayal of the black experience in America and highlights the need for change and reform in the legal system. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of race and identity in contemporary society.