NHS Book Club discusses “The Hate U Give”
By Sarah Hawks, Staff Writer
March 9, 2021
This week the Book Club virtually came together to discuss Angie Thomas’s novel “The Hate U Give.” The book follows Starr, a young black student, who is trying to navigate her way through high school. At the beginning of the novel, Starr is driving alongside her childhood friend Khalil. The two are pulled over by police officer 115. Khalil reaches inside his car to grab his hairbrush when 115 shoots and murders him. Starr, now a murder witness, experiences months of hardship and trauma.
The Book Club discussed a variety of topics including white privilege and the flawed judicial system, along with interpersonal growth and important character relationships.
The symbolism of the novel was a topic that was elaborated on for a while. Ms. Thomas based her writing upon a Tupac Shakur poem called “The Rose That Grew From Concrete. ”The rose growing from concrete symbolizes Starr’s father, Maverick’s, life, growing up in Garden Heights, and the struggles he faced.
New members are always welcome. “We try to really look for different subject matter as well as different genres, so there is something there for everybody” Mrs. Bradley explained.
According to Mrs. Bradley, “The Hate U Give” was chosen because “In the past year the subject matter has really, unfortunately, come to light. Not that it hasn't been in years past, but I think it’s really important to read it and get the perspective of people living differently than us.”
Book Club is a positive experience, where book lovers can freely discuss their ideas. Please contact Mrs. Bradley or Mrs. Mannering if you have any questions about joining.