This ‘Black Lives Matter’ Themed Book Is a Must-Read for Everyone

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This ‘Black Lives Matter’ Themed Book Is For Everyone, And You Should Read It by Jordan Miles

The phrase “The Hate U Give Little Infants Fucks Everybody” originated from Tupac Shakur’s iconic tattoo and embodies a powerful message about the repercussions of neglecting marginalized communities. This sentiment highlights a cycle where those who are underserved often create unrest in a world that has overlooked them.

Tupac was particularly addressing the struggles of the black community, a group that has faced systemic oppression since being forcibly brought to America centuries ago. In the 1990s, when this phrase gained traction, the black community was grappling with issues like urban violence, poverty, and the devastating crack epidemic, all while being portrayed negatively by the media and government.

Fast forward over two decades, and sadly, many of the same challenges persist. Black communities continue to face neglect, rampant poverty, and the tragic reality of police brutality, with innocent black lives being lost far too often.

These themes of unrest and the urgent call for change are vividly portrayed in Angie Thomas’s young adult novel, The Hate U Give. A self-described Tupac aficionado, Thomas chose this title intentionally, as it resonates deeply with the book’s core message.

In The Hate U Give, we meet Starr Carter, a young black girl from Garden Heights, a predominantly black neighborhood. The story kicks off when Starr and her childhood friend Khalil are stopped by police, leading to Khalil’s tragic and unjust death at the hands of an officer. This event thrusts Starr into a whirlwind of emotions and challenges as she grapples with being the lone witness to the incident while also navigating her identity as the only black girl at her mostly white prep school.

Inspired by real-life events, including the police killing of Oscar Grant III (whose story is depicted in the film Fruitvale Station) and the trial surrounding Trayvon Martin, Thomas originally penned this story as a short piece for her senior writing project. The profound impact of her narrative soon led her to expand it into a full-fledged novel.

The Hate U Give (often shortened to THUG) made waves even before its publication. After fierce bidding from 13 publishing houses, HarperCollins’ Balzer + Bray secured the rights. There’s even a film in the works, with Amandla Stenberg set to star as Starr. The book also garnered an impressive eight starred reviews before hitting the shelves, maintaining a spot at the top of the New York Times best-seller list for Young Adult Fiction since its release.

Angie Thomas masterfully explores the complexities of race and identity through Starr’s experiences. She illustrates the struggle of balancing her life between two worlds: her vibrant community at home and the predominantly white environment at school. Starr faces the pressure to conform to the stereotypes that often come with being a black woman, leading her to hide parts of her life, including her relationship with a white boyfriend, from her father, a former gang member turned community business owner who educates his kids on race relations.

The characters are vividly relatable, showcasing a family’s love and resilience in the face of adversity. Thomas’s writing avoids clichés, instead weaving in truths that resonate with readers.

When discussing her characters, Thomas shared how personal experiences shaped their development, particularly highlighting Hayley, one of Starr’s friends who embodies the cluelessness and microaggressions that often arise in interracial friendships. She also presents a nuanced view of law enforcement through the character of Starr’s uncle Carlos, a police officer, acknowledging the complexities faced by black individuals within the police force.

Thomas emphasizes the importance of representation in literature, recalling her own childhood experiences with a lack of black protagonists in books. Her journey illustrates the necessity of diverse voices in publishing, and how stories like The Hate U Give can bridge gaps in understanding.

While it may seem easy to label The Hate U Give as solely a young adult or a black-centric novel, its themes extend beyond those categories. Readers of all ages can relate to Starr’s teenage dilemmas, from irritating siblings to the struggle of friendships evolving.

Readers who may not relate directly to the racial aspects of the story can still gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by black Americans amidst injustice. It’s a book that fosters empathy and understanding, making it an essential read for everyone.

Early glimpses of this novel hinted at its potential to ignite important conversations and inspire a new wave of storytelling in the young adult genre. Don’t be surprised if this book becomes a staple in school curriculums down the line. It brilliantly encapsulates a pivotal moment in history, and Angie Thomas truly deserves all the accolades she has received and more.

For those interested in exploring more about the intersection of race and societal issues, check out this insightful piece on home insemination, as well as resources from March of Dimes for a deep dive into pregnancy and family planning. You can also find expert advice at Make A Mom regarding starting a family.

In summary, The Hate U Give is not just a story about race; it’s a lens through which readers can examine their own lives and perspectives. It’s a transformative work that resonates with anyone who has ever faced the challenge of being true to themselves in a world filled with expectations.