Theresa's Reviews > The Hate U Give

This is one of my favorite books i read last year. I completely understand where your coming from with everything you said. I don’t find you racist. One thing i love about reading everyone takes in the world you reading differently.

Ouch, I'm definitely reading it soon to reach my own conclusions, interesting, I've never seen anything bad said about it.

This is exactly the reason I haven’t picked this up yet.. I just know I’d hate it and I’d be too scared to give it a low rating. You made the decision for me to skip it, so thanks! :)

I'm glad you brought up these points. I agree that this book did a lot to address serious issues, but from a purely literary point of view it wasn't the best. I didn't enjoy reading the story because Starr wasn't very compelling, and the only nuance that I really saw was in the conflict between her parents about whether or not they should move.

Thanks for taking your time to provide your thoughts about his book. I'm an African American(Caribbean) living in the United States and I chose not to read this book. I think some people like to reduce things to race when it fact it has nothing to do with race at all. Race is definitely a serious issue and it's irritating when people use it as an excuse for everything. I enjoyed your review and don't feel bad about your thoughts on this book.

I respect your opinion but don't understand how you can confidently state, as a white person, that an African American author writes stereotypical African American characters. Shouldn't it stand to reason that her experience gives her a better understanding of that culture than you would have?

Roz wrote: "This is exactly the reason I haven’t picked this up yet.. I just know I’d hate it and I’d be too scared to give it a low rating. You made the decision for me to skip it, so thanks! :)"

At first I didn't even want to read it either, just saw it at the library and thought why not :P

Saige wrote: "I'm glad you brought up these points. I agree that this book did a lot to address serious issues, but from a purely literary point of view it wasn't the best. I didn't enjoy reading the story becau..."

unfortunately I didn't get that far!

Jordan wrote: "I respect your opinion but don't understand how you can confidently state, as a white person, that an African American author writes stereotypical African American characters. Shouldn't it stand to..."

would you say the things I mentioned are *not* stereotypes of black Americans? I don't presume to know their story but I can tell when something is that blatantly stereotypical.

Thank you for bringing up this book. I've been mulling over my previous rating for a while. Especially my opinion on the writing did change since I wrote my first review. So now I changed it.
I still don't get how I gave it a low for stars when I read it. I don't think it's a one star, more like mediocre 3.
Personally I had the most trouble with the incredibly, stereotypical racist behavior of Starr's father. I don't get why people didn't really mention it sooner when it came out. I also think the BLM component was detrimental to the book. It downgraded everything to race and protests that were way to violent from the get go.
The police were acting wrong, but that shouldn't mean the protesters should as well. I don't think this book will help to create equal treatment of everyone, it's just not done in the right way.

In short, I also didn't get the hype and high ratings.

this one was a miss for me, too.

This is why you're one of my favourite booktubers -- you always give your own honest opinion, even when it's likely to generate controversy. I've no plans to read this book as I don't tend to like YA contemporaries, but I've found that I agree with a lot of your opinions about other books, so this confirms that I should give this one a miss.

Theresa wrote: "Jordan wrote: "I respect your opinion but don't understand how you can confidently state, as a white person, that an African American author writes stereotypical African American characters. Should..."

Without getting too much into it, the book does explore the reasons why black people of a certain economic class choose to rely on joining gangs and selling drugs for safety and income. It plays a significant part in the main character's relationship with her family, community, and members of law enforcement.

Also, sneaker and rap culture aren't stereotypes so much as they are staples of black culture in certain parts of the country. I believe that the author thought that ignoring them wholesale would be disingenuous, especially with a story in a setting such as this. It's not a universal truth, but shoes and hip hop are important to a significant portion of the African American community for a great number of reasons.

I think that stereotypes be stigmatized when they are actively harmful or are unnuanced, and I don't see the examples you listed as either. I also think it's worth noting that there are only a few named white characters in this book and each of them are portrayed very differently.

Jordan wrote: "Theresa wrote: "Jordan wrote: "I respect your opinion but don't understand how you can confidently state, as a white person, that an African American author writes stereotypical African American ch..."

As you know I haven't read the full book, so in my review I can obviously only speak to the parts that I have in fact read. I agree that stereotypes are only harmful when they're used to presume something about somebody that might not necessarily be true. I still think that relying solely on stereotypes when creating characters is lazy and uninteresting. It doesn't add anything new and certainly doesn't work to dismantle those stereotypes.

It's great to use universal truths in depicting African American communities. However, these can still only present a part of the full picture, especially when we look at individuals in detail. Sure, some or even all of the "universal truths" might apply to them, but there would be some deviation as well. This nuance is what's lacking in my opinion. By creating characters solely upon stereotypes, you are essentially validating those stereotypes to be in fact presenting the full picture. At the same time, however, the author goes out of her way to have Starr call out her white friends for even so much as mentioning them. So which is it? You just can't have it both ways.

Similarly I don't think it's helpful to use blanket statements like "white people are obsessed with dressing up their dogs" or "white people can't dance". First off, they are pointless because they can't possibly be true when applied to such a large group of people and also completely irrelevant to the plot. It seems to me they were only included to mock white people, which again isn't really productive when having any sort of serious conversation about race.

Ruth wrote: "This is why you're one of my favourite booktubers -- you always give your own honest opinion, even when it's likely to generate controversy. I've no plans to read this book as I don't tend to like ..."

Thank you, I really appreciate your support! <3

Amarinske wrote: "Thank you for bringing up this book. I've been mulling over my previous rating for a while. Especially my opinion on the writing did change since I wrote my first review. So now I changed it.
I sti..."

I unfortunately didn't get far enough into it to even reach the point with BLM and the protests, but based on your comment I can't possibly imagine it would have improved my feelings about this book!

I'm sorry you couldn't get into this book. And thank you for the detailed review. I agree with most of what you said, but it didn't bother me so much and made me think about the "why".

1. I think stereotypes actually helped make a point. Stereotypes do not inherently make a character unrealistic, they exist in the first place because some people live them. What this book did for me though is it took those stereotypical portrayals and humanized them.

2. Starr's POV is imperfect, she definitely has a chip on her shoulder. It didn't seem odd to me because (1) the is a teenager. Taking things out of proportion and failing at nuance seems to be the normal stage of development. And (2) she has just lived through trauma, that would mess a person up a bit.

Overall, the book message (as I see it) did not at all reduce anyone to their race. But you may have to get through the whole thing to form that conclusion.

I enjoyed your review way more than I enjoyed the book. It tackled a very important issue I just think the execution was really poor. And I agree that people are afraid of speaking up about it out of fear as being labelled racist. If we are not able to differentiate between an important subject and the way it is handled than what´s the point of talking about it? Racism in general is a very sensitive topic and you have to choose your words carefully. I just think there are better books out there that handle the subject in a better way.

I am currently attempting to read this book. I read one chapter and put it down because I didn't enjoy the writing style or the dialogue. I'm not giving up on it yet, but I'm not sure it's going to be a hit for me either. Part of the problem for me is that I do not enjoy many YA books. I find them to be written too simplistically for my tastes. However, I wanted to give this one a try because of all the good reviews. It also fits a category in my Popsugar reading challenge. We shall see if I can get into it or if I DNF it.

Thanks for your honest review. I find it helpful.

Thank You for this. I think you are voicing the opinion others have and are not saying. I do think it does need to be cut some slack as a first novel but if it is as bad as you say then stopping is for the best. Life is too short for bad books. And this books isn't for you.

Thank you for giving honest review. I agree

Thank you for explaining everything I wanted to. I could barely finish this.

Thank you for being so honest and real about this book. I really struggled with this one too! I really didn’t like the m/c either but liked the family dynamic and her friends so kept on reading cos of that. I really felt like I was the only one that didn’t like it for awhile! So thanks again 😊👍📚

Totally agree. It's horrible.

YES. You pretty much summed up my thoughts on the book far better than I could have. Everything you said is perfectly on point. I especially facepalmed when Starr's boyfriend apologizes on behalf of all whites for being white. Does anyone else not see just how wrong that one line sounds? But yeah, hated this book, and I don't plan on recommending it to anyone I know.

I don’t think you are racist. I just don’t think your too educated on the issue. One - if you were raped by a black man it would be natural for you to be biased against black men. I know women who are white raped by a white man and thus afraid of them. So how that is not understandable ... I don’t get. 2 - yes we have systemic racism in the US. A simple Google search of racial bias studies and racial perception studies would sufficiently educate anyone on the issue. Try it.

I completely agree on everything you said.

Thank you for this review and putting into words what a lot of people were probably afraid to. Aside from all of the content, the writing was mediocre at best. I did not finish it either and promptly returned it via prime.

I only started reading this because of its high rating. I am half through when I began to realize how poorly written and overhyped this book is. I agree everything you said. Great review.

Well I haven’t read his book yet, but I don’t think it’s fair that you made a review when you are ONLY 30% finished. My requirements would be at least 50% for me to make a review

After reading your review, I am glad I decided not the read this one. I do applaud you for your courage to actually give this a low rating. No matter what others think, you are entitled to your opinion!

I love your book reviews but this one misses the mark especially talking about code switching. That’s what it’s called when black people, specifically assert themselves in different ways around white people. It’s not the same for EVERYONE because everyone isn’t / hasn’t been disenfranchised or denied spaces in society because of the way they speak, look, act....or you know the color of their skin. This review came from a very privileged but somehow equally problematic/uneducated place. Disappointing.

Great Review! I couldn‘t agree more and everything you mentioned will continue until the end of the book. It‘s one of the most overrated books I ever read.

I couldn’t get past the first chapter, so you had me beat. I was bored and couldn’t be bothered with the language.

I do think a main issue of why you couldn't connect with this story or even understand the intense focus on race is because, like you said, you don't live in the U.S. and are not surrounded by the systemic and prevalent racism that permeates daily life here. There is constant police brutality, there are places that are divided based on race, there is racial profiling, and yes, there are even families that don't want their kids dating white people. It's easy as a non-African American to say that this book contains tons of black stereotypes, and even easier to say that when you don't live in the country that the book takes place in. You can say that about any book that focuses on black people and American culture: American Street, All American Boys, Anger is a Gift, Monday's Not Coming, etc. However, I'm confused as to how it's a stereotype when that's how some people actually live? You're going to call out people's real life experiences and issues as being "too stereotypical" for your liking? I'm questioning whether or not you've even met enough black Americans in your life for you as a white person to categorize this book as being full of stereotypes. I would honestly recommend you read a few more books about black PEOPLE and culture in the U.S. before writing a rant review about a book dealing with racial inequality and police brutality in the U.S. And the stereotypes of white people...those people exist! Again, confused as to how it's a stereotype. Angie Thomas doesn't say "all white like Taylor Swift and are bad at dancing" - that's a stereotype. She's giving a glimpse into what rich white girls in Starr's story are like. How is that wrong? Honestly, it's very disheartening to read this but I'm not surprised. I would seriously suggest you take a step back and acknowledge your own privilege as a white person not living in the U.S. before you take down an own voices novel because it didn't fit your definition of what a story about black people should be about.

“So far”. Why would you rate the book if you haven’t finished it (or are very close to finishing)?

This is a crap “review”. I don’t even consider it a true review. You barely read any of it. Maybe you can’t relate to it or can’t see why it’s such an important book because... now hear me out, because you’re not black?? Also, not an engaging story? HELLO HAVE YOU PAID ATTENTION TO THE SOCIETY WE LIVE IN TODAY?!?! Apparently not.

You are Austrian so you haven't lived in the US culture. I'm not surprised you don't understand. Plus, you didn't finish the book. So I will take your review with a grain of salt.

The Hate U Give ​by Angie Thomas is a book that would enhance the TAG curriculum and is not a book that is just black and white or right or wrong. In the book review that was written by Ms. Theresa, she says that “ there’s no complexiety, no gray areas, there’s just black and white.” The topics in the book are not just black and white they are complex and controversial. One of the main issues in the book deals with racism and police brutality. In the very beginning of the book the main character Starr Carter witness’s her friend, Khalil, get murdered by a police officer. “ ‘K, you don’t have anything in the car, do you...’Nah’......He opens the door. ‘You okay Starr—’ ​Pow!” ​ Khalil is murdered for no reason by a police officer. This is a very controversial issue with complexity to it, especially in the real world. Ms.Theresa also states “ she barely reacts when she finds out Khalil is dealing drugs.” She doesn’t have quite a large reaction because she knows the real Khalil. Starr says “ The Khalil I know was afraid of animals...The Khalil I know loved bubble baths as much as his grandma.” Starr knew Khalil and knew that even if he was a drug dealer, he was still a person with a life and a future. Ms. Theresa also says “ how it makes things about race that doesn’t necessarily need to be and how it presents a simplistic world view.” The whole book’s premise stands around relations between two races and how Khalil’s death ignited the tension between the two races like a flame. This kind of situation has even happened in the real world with instances such as Laqaun Mcdonald, Freddie Gray, and Philando Castile. In the book the shooting of Khalil causes many protests in one where Starr spoke up like many other people did for others killed by police brutality. “I’m sick of this! Just like y’all think all of us are bad because of some people” ​The Hate U Give b​ y Angie Thomas does not have simplistic views and is not just a story about black and white. It is a book with complex and different views and sheds light on a topic that is left in the dark.

Gotta love the people who claim that the stereotypes in this book are genuine reflections of black culture. Does that mean you guys will shut up about stereotyping the next time a white author writes a black character being in gangs, dealing drugs, liking Jordan's and being poor? No, seriously I can't take you seriously if you're ok with negative stereotypes but only if a black person writes it.

Alsa wrote: "um.. ok first off u said a lot of wrong things. when hailey made that fried chicken comment, she was literally being racist. its disrespectful how u think starr was being an annoying brat when in r..."
Very well articulated comment. *chuckles*

To all of you calling this young woman "priveliged" you can stop any time. She doesn't have to like a book just because it makes a point about race. And you don't know anything about her life or what struggles she may have dealt with. She is entitled to her opinion just as much as your entitled to yours. Honestly I agree with pretty much EVERYTHING stated in this review and I love that she stood up and said what everyone else is too afraid to say because their all just jumping on the race and social politics bandwagon. I loved her review and her bravery. Great job and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!!

💯 you are absolutely right

I read a few pages and I don't want to read it ever again. But I'm still gonna give it a chance... Let's see

Girl... next time think twice about reviewing a book you haven't finished which deals with heavy topics topics of trauma and systemic oppression that affect real people, none of which you yourself live through or understand

Thank you for this review. You made it further than I did. I only read about a chapter or two and the MCs obnoxious racist point of view was already getting to me. Sounds like it just got worse from there, which is unfortunate because this topic really would make a good subject for a book if it weren’t written so purposefully polarizing.

Thank you for this review, you spoke my mind. I was not able to put it as well as you did. I chickened out with a depth related comment but what you’ve said (a lot of it) is exactly what was I my mind.

I would respect this review more if you had a read more than 1/3 of the book.

Hailey made some racist remarks not only to starr, but to their Chinese friend about eating cats all because of the stereotype. But yes please tell me that Starr was just obnoxious.

I understand you decision and unease, but....
JFYI: it is not as simple as they said

https://time.com/4404987/police-viole...
It is a short article, written by a black author in 2016.
And it gives much more balanced view.