How Long Did It Take To Write The Hate You Give Books?

I remember stumbling upon 'The Hate U Give' when it first hit the shelves, and it felt like a lightning bolt to the heart. The book was originally published by Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins, back in 2017. They’ve got this knack for picking stories that punch you right in the gut, and Angie Thomas’ debut was no exception. What’s wild is how this imprint consistently champions voices that mainstream publishers might shy away from—raw, unfiltered, and screaming with truth. The way they handled Starr’s story, from the cover design to the marketing, made it clear they weren’t just selling a book; they were amplifying a movement. Balzer + Bray’s decision to back 'The Hate U Give' was a game-changer. It wasn’t just another YA novel—it became a cultural touchstone, especially with the Black Lives Matter protests gaining momentum around the same time. The imprint’s commitment to diverse storytelling shines through in how they let Thomas’ voice stay jagged and real, no polish needed. I’ve followed their releases ever since, and they keep proving that stories like this aren’t just important—they’re necessary. The book’s success paved the way for so many other marginalized authors, and it’s cool to see how one imprint’s gamble can shift an entire industry.

I’ve been obsessed with 'The Hate U Give' since it came out, and honestly, it’s no surprise it racked up awards. This book hit hard with its raw take on social issues, and the recognition followed. It won the William C. Morris Award for best debut by a young adult author, which is huge. Also snagged the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award and the Coretta Scott King Book Award, proving its impact across different audiences. Even made it to the National Book Award longlist. The way Angie Thomas blends real-world tension with Starr’s personal journey is just award-worthy storytelling.

The main character in 'The Hate U Give' is Starr Carter, and her story hits hard because she's living in two worlds that couldn't be more different. I feel like her struggle is something so many teens can relate to—code-switching between her predominantly Black neighborhood and her fancy, mostly white prep school. It's exhausting just reading about it, but Starr handles it with this raw honesty that makes you root for her from page one. The way she evolves after witnessing her childhood friend Khalil's murder by police is heartbreaking yet empowering. She starts off scared, trying to keep her head down, but that fire inside her just won't stay quiet. What really gets me is how real Starr feels. She isn't some perfect activist from the jump—she's messy, she doubts herself, and she just wants to protect her family. But when she finally finds her voice? Chills. The scene where she testifies before the grand jury had me holding my breath. And her relationships—with her parents, her white boyfriend Chris, her uncle Carlos—add so many layers to her character. They show how love and loyalty can both anchor you and push you to grow. Starr isn't just a protagonist; she's a mirror held up to society, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about race, justice, and finding the courage to speak up.

I recently checked out 'The Hate U Give' by Angie Thomas and was thrilled to find it has an audiobook version narrated by Bahni Turpin. Turpin's performance is phenomenal—she captures Starr's voice with such raw emotion that it feels like you're right there in the story. The audiobook adds a whole new layer to the experience, especially with the way Turpin handles the dialogue and accents. If you're into audiobooks, this one is a must-listen. It's available on platforms like Audible, and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in Starr's world.

I've been obsessed with tracking book sales since 'The Hate U Give' exploded, and let me tell you, those numbers are WILD. As of 2023, Angie Thomas’s powerhouse novel has sold over 2 million copies worldwide. It hit the New York Times bestseller list for like 50+ weeks straight after its 2017 debut, which is crazy for a YA book tackling heavy themes. The film adaptation definitely gave sales another bump—bookstores couldn’t keep it on shelves during the BLM protests in 2020. What’s fascinating is how its success proved audiences crave raw, socially relevant stories. It outsold plenty of fluffy YA contemporaries because it resonated across age groups, not just teens. Libraries reported insane waitlists, and schools kept ordering class sets despite bans in some districts. The paperback edition alone moves thousands of copies yearly now. Thomas basically rewrote the rulebook for how “issue-driven” YA can dominate the market. Fun fact: The book’s longevity comes from its evergreen relevance. Every new police brutality headline sends another wave of readers to it. The audiobook narrated by Bahni Turpin also racked up major awards, pulling in listeners who might not typically read YA. Independent bookstores championed it hard too—it’s one of those rare titles that became a cultural touchstone beyond just publishing circles. You’ll still see it featured in “Essential Social Justice Reads” lists years later, which keeps sales churning.

I totally get wanting to read 'The Hate U Give' for free—it's such a powerful book, and not everyone can afford new copies. Libraries are your best bet, honestly. Most public libraries offer digital lending through apps like Libby or OverDrive, where you can borrow the ebook or audiobook for free with a library card. Some libraries even let you sign up online if you don’t have one yet. Another option is Project Gutenberg or Open Library, though they usually focus on older, public-domain works. For newer books like this, you might have less luck, but it’s worth checking. Just be cautious with random sites claiming to offer free downloads; a lot of them are sketchy or illegal. Supporting the author is ideal, but if money’s tight, libraries are the way to go.

I've read 'The Hate U Give' multiple times and discussed it with friends across different age groups. This book hits hard for teens and young adults, especially those around 14 to 21. The raw, honest portrayal of Starr’s struggle between her two worlds—her Black identity in a poor neighborhood and her mostly white private school—creates a bridge for younger readers to understand systemic injustice. Angie Thomas doesn’t sugarcoat police brutality or racial tension, but she balances it with humor, family bonds, and first love, making heavy themes digestible. My little cousin, who’s 13, found some scenes intense but couldn’t put it down because Starr feels so real. Older readers appreciate it too, though. The parental dynamics—like Maverick’s activism and Lisa’s protective rage—resonate with adults navigating similar conversations with their kids. The book’s language is contemporary but not overly simplistic; slang and cultural references keep it fresh without alienating older teens. Schools often teach it in grades 9–12 because it sparks critical discussions about privilege and allyship. It’s one of those rare books that doesn’t 'talk down' to teens while still being accessible. Even my 22-year-old sister re-read it last year and caught new layers about community resilience.

I've been obsessed with 'The Hate U Give' universe since the first book dropped, and let me tell you, the emotional rollercoaster doesn’t stop there. Angie Thomas expanded the world with 'Concrete Rose,' a prequel that digs into Maverick Carter’s past—Starr’s dad—and it’s just as raw and real. Seeing young Maverick navigate gang life, fatherhood, and redemption adds so much depth to his character in the original. The way Thomas weaves his story makes you understand why he parents Starr the way he does. It’s not a direct sequel, but it’s a masterclass in backstory done right. There’s also 'On the Come Up,' set in the same neighborhood but focusing on Bri, a rapper fighting for her voice. While it’s not a spin-off per se, the shared setting and themes—police brutality, systemic racism—create a connective tissue that feels intentional. Garden Heights becomes this living, breathing entity across both books. I low-key wish we’d get a crossover someday, but for now, these standalone stories pack enough punch on their own. Thomas has a way of making every character’s struggle feel urgent and personal, whether it’s Starr’s activism or Bri’s artistic battle.