Beth F
Sandy
Michelle
Nicole
S. Krishna
Hate List – Mini Review
Hate List by Jennifer Brown
From the publisher:
Five months ago, Valerie Leftman’s boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets.
Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.
Oh my gosh, this book was so intense! The pain of Val going back to the scene of the tragedy, the way her family fell apart – and trying to figure out if that was a cause or result of what happened at the high school. For me, the hardest part of the whole story was not Val reliving what happened the day Nick came to school with a gun, it was her relationship with her father. He just could not believe anything but the worst of Val, and would not hear otherwise. It was extremely painful and, I would like to think, unrealistic. Sadly, it may not be completely unrealistic, as it almost seemed that he was using it as part of his excuse to pull away from his family.
This book was tough to read, but it was very good. While it is classified as a young adult book, I think it is one that many adults will find value in as well, seeing how a young girl could get caught up in something that ends in a school shooting, and also how she could be rehabilitated.
Buy this book from:
Powells.*
A local independent bookstore via Indiebound.*
Amazon.*
This review was done with a book I purchased.
* These links are all affiliate links. If you buy your book here I’ll make a very small amount of money that goes towards hosting, giveaways, etc.
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Please leave some comment love! 15 comments
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I loved this book. Like you mentioned, Val’s dad was unbelievable–he mad me want to tear my hair out!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..East of Eden–part 1 =-.
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I keep reading great reviews for this book but I’m just not sure I can handle the subject matter.
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Kellen Reply:
February 17th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
The author’s description is not that graphic. Her approach to the subject matter is mild enough for teens and sensitive adults.
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Like Kathy, I’ve read nothing but good reviews of this book. I’m planning on picking it up at some point just because it seems like everyone is enjoying it. Great review!
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I felt like Kathy – wasn’t sure I wanted to read it because of the subject matter, but it was SO good!! Like you I found Val’s father to be the most difficult character.
It’s another one of those that while classified as YA is worthy of reading by adults (particularly parents).
.-= SuziQoregon´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday #17 =-.
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This is in line with our conversation last night on how some YA doesn’t seem very YA at all. I would recommend that anyone read Hate List. We can all get something out of it. It was so compassionately written.
.-= Nicole´s last blog ..Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel, by Eoin Colfer & Andrew Donkin =-.
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I have read a few reviews on this one, and I think I would like it. I like intense. It keeps me from falling asleep when I am reading at night!
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Christmas in Indiana #4 =-.
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This does sound like an intense read. I read Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult, which had similar subject matter, and it was very well done as well.
.-= Carrie K.´s last blog ..Book Review: North River by Pete Hamill =-.
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Definitely. I feel like adults can easily read this book and find value for it. A great way to dip their toes into YA.
.-= Katie´s last blog ..in my mailbox (32). =-.
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I agree with you that adults could read and enjoy this one. I think when they release it in PB that it should have a discussion guide in the back…maybe that would spark some great talking between teachers/counselors/parents/and students!!
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I’ve been hearing about this book a lot lately! And am definitely interested to read this. I agree, it sounds to me like a very intense read.
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I have heard nothing but wonderful things about this book. I’m not sure it’s for me — very tough subject matter.
.-= Beth F´s last blog ..Review: The Book of Fires by Jane Borodale =-.
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I still haven’t decided if reading this is something I want to do. Your review makes it more probable that I will.
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I have this on hold at the library. Just waiting for my turn
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This sounds like a great read. I’m putting it on hold at the library. Great review.
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