Books for Change discussion

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

I have a question, can we start discussing it now, or should we wait for everyone else to finish?

ForevaBookish✨ wrote: "Of course, you can!! :D"

Oh thank you!

THUG is almost equivalent to To Kill A Mockingbird for me mainly because it was these two books that told me how the world was deeply divided between race.
At 13, To Kill A Mockingbird showed me Atticus and Scott fighting for what they believed in, fighting for the right thing. At 15, I saw Starr Amara, a girl who had to watch her best friend, her childhood crush being shot by a white cop. And for what? That’s the problem, Khalid didn’t do anything!
Did I know the things blacks suffered? I did. But what I didn’t know was ‘how much’ they did.
THUG made me see it. Starr is walking a thin line between her hood and her mostly- white school. Her doubts of fitting in with the crowd, her identity as a black teen in a white school, her friends, one who’s white, and says snide remarks (although Starr doesn’t realize it at first), made me think deeply about my identity. I mean, I am an Indian, I am brown. What do I have to suffer in the future because of my skin colour?
I know I will suffer, but what can I do about it? The same thing that Starr and her parents did, raise their voice. Raise our voice.
It’s high time we did that. No matter what your identity, or gender is, I want you to speak up.
Maybe nobody hears you at first, but soon they will. Because what you say matters and you deserve to be heard.

I know this was long, and if it didn’t match your expectations I apologise. But this is what THUG taught me, and I expressed my thoughts honestly. I hope you will do that too.

If you are interested in reading my thoughts on racism more, try to read my review of Dear Justyce by Nic Stone. (This was not a fishing attempt at my part, please don’t misinterpret).

Hoping everybody read and enjoyed THUG, if you haven’t heard, THUG’s predecessor, Concrete Roses is hitting the shelves next week!! Stay tuned!

Happy Reading!

Ink &Paper

You know, you can post your thoughts on the BOTM discussion thread, that way you'll also earn points!

Anushka wrote: "You know, you can post your thoughts on the BOTM discussion thread, that way you'll also earn points!"

I didn’t know that, I will post it then..

PLEASE don’t compare THUG to TKAM. TKAM is slightly toxic (coming from a black person, here) and both of the books have a different message.

Dorian wrote: "PLEASE don’t compare THUG to TKAM. TKAM is slightly toxic (coming from a black person, here) and both of the books have a different message."

I agree both books have a different message and I didn’t compare both of them . I just said that both are really important books to me. I apologise if you felt that way.

Ink&Paper wrote: "Dorian wrote: "PLEASE don’t compare THUG to TKAM. TKAM is slightly toxic (coming from a black person, here) and both of the books have a different message."

I agree both books have a different mes..."
I meant they are equal in the sense that they taught me certain values. Also it’s only equivalent for me . I didn’t mean for others.

I haven't yet read To Kill A Mockingbird, can you tell me how it is different? I have just read the summary, and I know it deals with racism, but I don't understand what you're saying about it being toxic and having a different message...

Anushka wrote: "I haven't yet read To Kill A Mockingbird, can you tell me how it is different? I have just read the summary, and I know it deals with racism, but I don't understand what you're saying about it bein..."
I don’t think it’s toxic, but it’s actually different from THUG. Also saying how it’s different might spoil the book. I don’t wanna spoil the book for you. But TKAM definitely not toxic. I read it when I was 13. So yeah, it’s not even toxic for a 13 year old.

Ink&Paper wrote: "Anushka wrote: "I haven't yet read To Kill A Mockingbird, can you tell me how it is different? I have just read the summary, and I know it deals with racism, but I don't understand what you're sayi..."

Oh... I will read the book very soon! We can share our opinions then!

I just finished this book last week!

I have to say, it was truly amazing. I think that everyone who isn't aware of how serious racism, police brutality, and other issues surrounding this are needs to read this.

Starr Carter is a girl, with her life divided in half. It's heartwarming but heartbreaking at the same time, about a black teenager learning to find her voice and speak up for what's right. What happened to her friend, everything that happened to her, was not right. But what's worse is that this happens in real life. This is a real issue, and many people aren't taking the action to stop it.

This is why this book is necessary.

This is why people need to read it.

It's because this happens often. Way, way too often. And it's not okay. Innocent black people are shot and killed because of the color of their skin. This book will open your eyes if they aren't already, and empower you if they are.

The most inspiring thing is Starr. She's such a relatable character, yet so strong. She has been through so much in her life, but she's still fighting. At first, she's scared - and she has every right to be. Who wouldn't, if they witnessed two of their best friends killed right before their eyes, in only 16 years of living? And when they're innocent, even more so?

But she learns. And she grows. And eventually, she finds the power to speak up. Speak out. She understands the effect that one single voice has, and she uses it.

There are also themes of family, friendship, and doing what's right.

Starr's 'friend,' Hailey. When you read this book, you're bound to hate Hailey. She was a terrible person throughout this book, but what makes her important in this story is that many people, without knowing it, make racist remarks. Even if they don't intend to. If you read this, you'll understand that you have to be careful of what you say. If you're oblivious, it can be dangerous.

All in all, it was a great book. Inspiring, powerful, and a must-read for sure.

(I will be posting this in the BOTM thread as well)

Ayla wrote: "I just finished this book last week!

I have to say, it was truly amazing. I think that everyone who isn't aware of how serious racism, police brutality, and other issues surrounding this are need..."
A very great overview. Good job 👏

Ayla wrote: "I just finished this book last week!

I have to say, it was truly amazing. I think that everyone who isn't aware of how serious racism, police brutality, and other issues surrounding this are need..."

After reading this, I can't wait to complete the book! I am not a fast reader, so I've only read like 100 pages, but I am going to finish it soon!

I read it this year that was after I had watched the movie,as usual the book was more detailed and I loved how various issues such as interracial relationships,friendships and racism was addressed,It was simply a good read