Movie Mondays: On the occasional Monday, I will review a book series or novel that has been made into a movie. I will then answer the question that everyone asks: which is better, the movie or the book? Here is this edition’s offering:
Book Cover | Movie Poster
Book: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017) | Movie: The Hate U Give (2018)
Which did I read/see first? the BOOK
Author: Angie Thomas
Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary
Heat Rating: cool
Point of View: First Person, Single
Publication Date: February 28, 2017
Source & Format: Public Library–Audiobook
You couldn’t escape this book in 2017…and for good reason. It’s a strong story in so many ways that you can’t help but praise it.
The characters are great; the message is strong and the emotions are high.
My only criticism is that the pacing was a little off for me. I thought some things were drawn out longer than they needed to be, while others weren’t.
The audiobook is also fabulous! I highly recommend!
This book definitely deserves all the praise it gets! It’s a well crafted story that is so relevant to society right now. My only criticism is the pacing of the plot at times.
Rating: 4/5
Full Review: Full standalone review here!
- Dear Martin by Nic Stone
Were My Expectations Met?
For sure! They did a great job capturing the essence of the novel and bringing Starr’s story to life.
How Close is it to the Book?
It’s been a while since I read the book so I don’t remember the finer details but I think the major moments are there.
One thing I will say is that I thought the movie focused more on the social justice of the situation than on Starr’s life. And that’s not a bad thing–I think this movie is powerful and much needed with that message. I just think that novel does a good job of highlighting the everyday life of a young black girl in America today while these things are happening and not just as a vehicle for social change as these events happen. (I hope that makes sense).
Did I Like the Cast?
Definitely! They were great! Amandla Stenberg is great in all the book adaption movies she does and her portrayal as Starr is no exception. But everyone was great so props to the casting department!
I think both versions have their own strengths and weaknesses. I really like the movie because the pacing is much stronger and the message delivery is one that appeals to a wider audience range. However, I like how the novel delves deeper into the everyday life of Starr and not just her struggle to find justice for Khalil.
Do you agree? Leave a comment below!
Synopsis for The Hate U Give (from Goodreads):
Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.
Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
But what Starr does or does not say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.
Trailer:
