The Hate U Give

 The Hate U Give is a book written by Angie Thomas and the key to it's success in my opinion is how relatable it comes across. This is the first book I read where I truly felt the author was in touch with the demographic they were writing for. Angie Thomas is 32 years old and it feels that way. She has a unique take on our youth and society where she isn't too young or too old. I'd say she is perfect to write this book.
  The book starts out with our main character Starr at a typical high school party. She's into things like her shoes, music, and ofcourse guys. She gets together with an old friend and later in the night they are pulled over by the police. Starr's friend ends up being unjustly shot by police and the story plays on as Starr deals with the decision to speak out as a witness or cower in fear.
  The plot seems very typical, but all the unique characters that Thomas has in the story make everything more interesting. Everyone in the book feel like real people who would totally make it in real life. Sometimes, I do admit, Starr can get boring and sort of bland but that's not very often.
  I have not finished the book yet, but I've seen the movie and man is it boring. I only really chose this book to read to see if the myth of "the books are better than the films" is really true. This book is a prime example of just that. I definitely recommend this book to read for anyone 13-19 because it really grips you into the story. The plot may not be new or very innovative, but it does a great job of telling its story. Its a rollercoaster worth the price of admission.

- Andrew Ferrer