The Hate U Give “THUG” is a novel written by Angie Thomas. It was released in the fall of 2017 and regained its popularity recently with the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Warning! Minor spoilers ahead!

The story revolves around the modern life of a teenage black girl named Starr Carter. Starr recently changed schools. She attends a prep school with a primarily white student population, a stark difference from her former public school near her home, with a mainly black student population

The book gains momentum after Starr witnesses the death of her friend. Her friend, a young black man, is shot by a police officer whilst being pulled over by the cops. 

Thomas begins to show the audience some biased stereotypes created by society. Starr begins to become more aware of them and how they affect her. These stereotypes almost always tend to put POC at a disadvantage. Thomas shows Starr’s journey of understanding and attempting to overcome the stereotypes within her school, town, and family.

Kathie Meizner of the Washington Post described her opinion on the book as, “this big, important novel is fueled by vividly drawn characters and large themes of systemic racism and speaking truth to power.”

Starr struggles with her beliefs, feeling tossed and turned between two worlds. It  honestly describes what life can  be like today for many young people in the United States.

‘The Hate U Give’ is an explementary read; it shines light on issues that tend to be shied away from. Angie Thomas gives a unique perspective that many people will likely never experience.