Angie Thomas (1) (1988–)

Talia Mbuya
To start off, this was so PERFECTLY WRITTEN! I don't know how Angie Thomas was able to make all of the characters so relatable and ensure that it empowers you to the very last word at the end of those 26 chapters!
First, it starts off with Starr Carter split in her two worlds of her neighborhood in Garden Heights and school at Williamson Prep. Then, it introduces Khalil with an extremely controversial backstory shot by a policeman that sets the plot soaring into interesting territory!
At first, like any other kid, I was apprehensive about reading this book because it discussed such foreign ideas that I didn't want to expose myself to. But finally convinced me was the reality that this book has on some modern-day concepts such as the tragedy that happened with George Floyd. We need to know these conflicts just to make us wiser about how we can go about our everyday life. Hopefully, reading this you won't feel apprehension to go for books that talk about huge, towering concepts that make you feel a bit uneasy. Go for it and please read "The Hate U Give", it's an extremely good read that I wouldn't want to ever deprive you of. :)… (mer)

Writing in the voice of a teen can be super difficult, but some of the dialogue here was seriously cheesy. But these authors have written teen characters before that sounded/felt more natural.

Despite that, good inclusion of diversity, love, and different cultures. I found Stevie to be really annoying and pretentious though the grand gesture at the end was sweet. You can't hinge the story on the most unlikable character.

I don’t think I cared for any of the couples here unlike Blackout though it was nice that most of the misunderstandings/miscommunications were lighthearted.

Blackout: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3663456371

2.5… (mer)

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (444 pages) was good. It took a long time for me to finish it because I just didn’t have the mental energy to read about something that happens constantly.

Anyway, The Hate U Give reads like a dummy’s guide to police brutality, but I understand I’m not really the intended audience. I'm sure it opened the eyes of others.

I absolutely LOVED learning about Starr’s family. Seven was my favorite, I liked Kenya, and even DeVante was cool. I didn’t care too much for Starr’s school life and school friends. And I found Chris to be too cringe-worthy at times (Ex: Why is Chris saying, "Bye Felicia"?). The book could be a little cringy at times itself. Still, I enjoyed most of the characters, and the book remained very realistic even throughout the trauma Starr and others faced. It's long but worth a read.… (mer)

They'll never truly understand because they don't wanna understand someone like me (pg 282)."

Respectability politics aside, I really liked this story. It's refreshing to read about a black girl and even more so one that is an awesome MC/rapper but still a prideful, funny, and vulnerable little girl. Also, thank you for acknowledging that police brutality happens to black women too and the snapshot of the sexism in hip-hop.

Also, I like the subversion of the MAJOR SPOILER: childhood lover. I thought Curtis would turn out to be a butthole and use Bri for clout. That's the cliche way things usually end, so I'm glad it did not. He traded her timbs for Nikes like a Cinderella. AWW. I enjoyed that conversation they had after the 5-O booked Aunt Pooh. AND I called it! I knew Miles was Sonny's internet bf. It all just fit too perfectly. :D

I absolutely loved Bri's grandaddy. Her grandparents, shady grandmom and all, are a gem. Honestly, I loved all the people that were around Bri. I liked seeing a healthy brother-sister relationship because I get tired of seeing sibling at odds all the time. I liked Jayda a lot. I want to root for Jayda and her struggles, her strengths, and her love. I hadn't thought about the stigma of black people who have recovered from substance abuse. I honestly just never thought about it. I have seen my share of stories with characters starting drugs and doing them and trying to quit, but I cannot really think of one that explored the after effects when they got sober. Kudos. On the otherhand, Malik was on the weaker side. Did he ever come clean to Shana?

For nitpicks, I feel like there are too many Wakanda Forever references haha. Bri, Sonny, and Malik will throw that into a conversation whenever possible.
they allow.

Rant over. But this is good. This book made me feel things.

Anyway, I guess the takeaway from On the Come Up is to try to present yourself in the best light possible. Fair. But my above point still stands. I don't have to prove myself to anyone. Bri knew she wasn't being true to herself; she didn't like this false character she was playing/being misconstrued. It's easy to get roped into playing the part someone else or society wants you to play.

Overall, read this. The narrative is crisp and relatable with loveable, realistic characters. The rhymes are nice too. AND Bri likes Lauryn Hill too? Girrrrllll. "That thing, that thing, that thing"

Yoooo, that epilogue! THAT AIN'T NO STUDYING hahaha.… (mer)