One of the biggest regrets that I had in the past year is not picking this book up the moment it is released. I've been hearing so many positive reviews about this book so I decided to add it to my to read list, and it has been sitting there for a whole year until I've decided to finally pick it up to read. All the hype this book has been getting before and the moment it was released? It totally deserves it. Not only is this book beautifully written, it also sends a very powerful message about a lot of important issues such as racism and police brutality that is happening in our world today.

The Hate U Give is a story inspired by the #BlackLivesMatter movement and centers around 16 year old black teenage girl Starr Carter who's life turned upside down after witnessing her childhood friend, Khalil Harris, gunned down and killed by a white cop because of a false assumption. I won't delve much into the story to avoid giving away important key points, but this book deserves to read by everyone. This book is important because it speaks the ugly truth about our world and shines a light to what is happening in front of us for so long, but were afraid to look.

One of the things I honestly love about this book is that the author did not shy away from controversial topics such as racism. It doesn't just discuss racism towards black people, but racism to all people of color, too. The author had no holds barred and spoke the cold, hard truth in this book. It can be uncomfortable at times, but isn't that what truth is? Uncomfortable, but it is necessary.

I also love the different dynamics in this book that played a huge role throughout the story. One of that is the in-depth and realistic portrayal about a lot of modern issues that black communities are facing today that we are unaware of or turning a blind eye on. Another dynamic that I personally love in this book is the dynamic of Starr's family throughout the book. The love and support that Starr's family has been giving her are prevalent throughout the entire book that you can personally feel it yourself and it's so beautiful and so heartwarming to witness how supportive they are of Starr throughout the whole fight to give Khalil the justice he deserves. I also love how Starr's character improved throughout the whole book. After witnessing her friend's brutal murder on the first several chapters, she struggles with dealing with the trauma of witnessing Khalil's murder as well as trying to go back to the way her life was and conforming with the expectations of her friends in her predominantly white school. But despite what happened, she still managed to do what's right and stand up and let her voice be heard.