Before I get into the book, I just want to say what an amazing experience it was to buddy-read with Kitty. She brings so many good thoughts to the discussions and is totally flexible if I’m running late or need a day longer. You should really check her blog out. She’s exteremly active and she is so, so kind. This was first buddy-reading experience and I’m very glad it was with her. We will also be buddy-reading Girl Made of Stars together! Okay! Now into the book!
Bought, borrowed or ARC: I borrowed this from my local library! I get most of my books from here!
Published: February 28th 2017 by Balzer + Bray
Pages: The copy I read had 444 pages.
Where can you get it? Here are some links to brand new, physical copies of this book.*
I do not make any money off of these links. This is simply to make it easier for you to find the book and compare prices. I normally buy my books at Books-A-Million since I have a membership with them.
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.
I don’t know what to say. Actually, I have so much to say!!! This book was amazing. I am so glad I finally checked it out. It focuses on real life issues but gives you time to breath and laugh while reading. There were times I was crying and times I was covering my mouth so I didn’t laugh.
Some things I want to really focus on that this book did well are…
- YA parents who stay active and are loveable.
- Bringing in social issues without being overwhelming. (Racism, violent cops, guns and drugs)
- Minority friendships. (Also just really strong friendships)
- Shared/ Blended families.
- The characters in general, I felt so attached to each and everyone!
- Interracial relationships.
- Community and what that means.
- The book never felt like it dragged on. I was sad when I finished, not relieved.
- This book also talks about grief in a very realistic and relatable way.
So I literally have nothing to add here other than I was sad that it ended. I had no issues with this book and loved every second.
Five teacups out of five! If you can’t tell, I absolutely adored this book. I will looking to add it to my own personal library and will be checking out the author to see what else she has wrote.
Just a YA book reader sharing her thoughts with the world 
I love this review! It makes me want to do a reread and even watch the movie since I missed out on it. I keep feeling like I need to be in the right emotional mindset to read or watch it though because it stirred up a lot of emotions in me. Great review and I’m so glad that you and Kitty got to buddy read this one!
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I’ve never seen the movie!! I wish we could watch it together!! Buddy reading with Kitty was amazing!!
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Aww thanks for the mention it put a total smile on my face lol, I had so much fun reading this book with you!! Nice review- I realize now that I’d forgotten to mention the minority friendship rep in this book. Maya and Starr were wonderful! I also agree with there being no bad elements, we were pretty much on the same page with our thoughts throughout. Such a great book.
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We really were on the same page which felt great. I’m glad we read it together!
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Loved this book when I read it a year or two ago. Great review!
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I loved it honestly. It was so real and honest but it didn’t feel so overwhelming!
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This was one of my favorite reads last year. It’s such a relevant and important read, but also done in a way that makes it relatable. I loved Starr’s family. Her relationship with her father was so touching and I love how supportive both her parents were! I haven’t seen the movie, but tbh I don’t know if I want to either lol Great review! 😊
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Yes!!! Starr’s family was one of our favorite parts! I didn’t even know there was a movie but I think I will watch it!
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Ooh, hope you enjoy it if you do watch it 🙂
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