Brief synopsis: When Starr's childhood friend is murdered right in front of her by a police officer, her world is turned upside down. It's already enough that Starr leads two lives - one at home in her own neighborhood, and another at her private school. As she learns more about being true to herself, she also has to figure out how to stand up for what is right and what she believes in.

Wow.

What can I say about The Hate U Give? It is heart-wrenching, with some real laugh-out-loud moments. This book is written so real and so honestly. I could feel the emotions as I read, and the character development was incredibly deep. By the last line, I was overcome by emotion - sobbing.

This book is incredibly relevant and timely. In a time where there is a clear racial divide and a more open platform for people to share their ideas, Angie Thomas uses her's in a totally open and vulnerable way.

While this novel is certainly an honest representation of what is true life, Thomas also does a wonderful job of incorporating pop culture with references to Harry Potter, Tupac, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Friday.

A clearly emotion read, this is hands down one of the best and most important books I've read this year. I cannot recommend reading it enough.