Alright folks, buckle up, because today I’m reviewing a book that’s got more buzz than my aunt’s old fridge. I’m talking about ‘The Hate U Give’. I read it, argued about it with my friends, and even spilled coffee on it (sorry library). This review’s gonna cover how the book shows racism, nails real teen voices, and what I thought about all those strong family ties. I’ll share what worked, what confused me, and why you might want to clear your schedule before you pick this one up. Let’s go!
Review of ‘The Hate U Give’ by Angie Thomas
In a nutshell
‘The Hate U Give’ is a young adult novel written by Angie Thomas. If you enjoy books that mix real-life drama, friendship, and social struggles, this one’s for you. The story centers on Starr Carter, a teen who finds herself caught between her community and her fancy private school after she witnesses a traumatic event.
Don’t worry, I won’t spill the beans! This book covers big themes like racism, standing up for what’s right, and the importance of speaking out. It’s heartfelt, funny, and sometimes pretty tough to read (but in a good way, like when you eat too much hot sauce and regret nothing).
With fast-paced storytelling and characters that feel like real people, ‘The Hate U Give’ is one of those books that sticks with you. And my spelling error for this review: “Nutsheel” – yes, I really wrote that.
Realistic Portrayal of Racism in ‘The Hate U Give’
Let me tell you, reading The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is like getting smacked with the realness of life. It hits hard. The book doesn’t shy away from showing what racism actually looks like in daily life. From police stops that feel all too familiar, to dinner table talks that make you squirm a bit, the story lays it all out. Sometimes I felt like I was eavesdropping on conversations I wasn’t supposed to hear—now that’s good writing.
One thing I noticed was how the book never paints racism as a cartoon villain. Instead, it’s in the snide comments, the rules that change for some people, and those moments when the system shows its ugly face. As someone who once got side-eyed at a bookstore for reading the manga section too loudly (okay, maybe that was my fault), it’s wild to see how much worse things can be for Starr, the main character.
Don’t get me wrong, the book can be kind of heavy. There were times when I had to put it down and go find a puppy video. But it feels honest, and that’s what matters. It’s not trying to teach with a sledgehammer, but it doesn’t sugarcoat anything either.
If you want a story that doesn’t flinch at showing ugly truths, this one’s for you. But hey, the characters themselves are a whole other roller coaster—I’ll get to that next, so keep your seatbelts on!
Strong Character Development in The Hate U Give
Alright folks, let’s talk about the people who bring The Hate U Give to life. If you know me, you know I’m picky about my book characters. I don’t get attached easily. Unless they’re talking dogs. But Angie Thomas, the author, nails it here. The characters in this book feel like people you’d meet at the grocery store, your school, or—if you’re me—at your Aunt Linda’s backyard barbecue (let’s not bring up her potato salad again, folks!).
Starr Carter, the main character, doesn’t just move through the story; she grows, she stumbles, and she gets back up. I felt like I was riding shotgun with her, cringing at her awkward moments and wanting to high-five her when she spoke her truth. Even the side characters like her friend Maya and her boyfriend Chris get their own layers. These aren’t just cardboard cutouts. They actually argue, make jokes, and screw up, just like us.
Now, I must admit, there are a lot of characters. My brain was working overtime trying to remember everyone, especially near the end. Maybe I read too fast (or maybe my brain needs a software update), but I occasionally got Starr’s relatives mixed up. Still, these people jump off the page, and I cared about what happened to them. That’s rare for me.
So, as much as I like strong, funny characters, I think there’s something even better about this book: how family and community shape everything. Get ready for some serious feels in the next section!
How Family and Community Bring the Story to Life in ‘The Hate U Give’
Alright, folks, time to talk about family and the whole block party that is community in The Hate U Give. Angie Thomas doesn’t just toss in Starr’s family for flavor—they are the meat and potatoes of this tale. Her parents, Lisa and Maverick, are the kind of people I wish had been around when I tried to sneak out past curfew (spoiler: I got caught, and it wasn’t pretty). They fight, joke, and support Starr with real warmth—even when they do that thing where parents think they’re way cooler than they are.
The cool part about the Carter family? They don’t agree on everything. There are arguments about where to live, how to act, and how to keep Starr safe after she witnesses the shooting. It’s super real. In my own family, if there’s pizza toppings to pick, it’s a full-on debate. Angie Thomas nails those moments—messy, loving, and sometimes awkward.
Community is where the book glows. Garden Heights feels like a real place. Everyone knows your business (kind of annoying), but they also have your back when it counts. When Starr’s world flips upside down, neighbors rally, organize marches, and even risk a little trouble to protect their own. I played this book like a team sport with my buddies—everyone rooting, jeering, and debating. You can almost taste the barbecue and feel the tension in the air.
So, if you like your stories with more than a side of family drama and community hustle, you’re in luck. Next, let’s meet the teens of this book who talk just like the ones eavesdropping behind you at the mall—awkward, honest, and sometimes way too bold!
Honest Teen Voice and Dialogue: ‘The Hate U Give’ Speaks Like We Do
One thing I kept noticing while reading The Hate U Give is how the main character, Starr, and her friends actually sound like real teenagers. I’ve read a lot of YA books where the kids talk like 30-year-old poets who’ve had too much coffee. Not here. Angie Thomas nails it—these teens joke around, complain, argue, and sometimes make terrible puns (which I feel deeply in my soul).
The dialogue really stood out when I was reading this with my niece. She actually snorted at some of the things Starr says to her friends and then told me, “This is how we talk. Well, minus the swearing, I guess, if mom’s around.” It’s not just about fancy words either. The book is full of texting, slang, inside jokes, and weird sibling banter that feels fresh without getting corny or outdated. There’s even a few moments where the adults are cringey trying to use teen slang, and I laughed way harder than I should have, remembering my own dad trying to say ‘lit.’
But the honest voice isn’t just for laughs. When the characters need to get serious, they do. Conversations about fear, anger, and hope aren’t sugar coated. It makes the tough topics way more real and lets readers connect to the story, even if they grew up far from Starr’s neighborhood.
Would I recommend it? Heck yes. If you want to actually hear teenagers sound like teens (and not robots from Planet Adult), this book does the job. Get it on your shelf.
Conclusion
So, that’s me wrapping up my thoughts on The Hate U Give. I laughed, I got mad, I even shed a tear or two (don’t tell my friends). Angie Thomas nails what it’s like to be a teen caught in tough stuff, with real talk and family drama that hits close to home. The book shines when it shows love, pain, and standing up even when you’re scared. Some parts get a bit crowded with too many side characters, and a couple of scenes felt a tad too tidy. But hey, this book makes you think and feel—what more can you ask for? If you want a story about finding your voice, justice, and not always knowing the right answer, you should try this one. And now, I promise I’m done. Review over. Go read it!
