The Hate U Give, written by Angie Thomas, was published on Feb. 28, 2017, and has sold more than 1.5 million copies in North America. This novel has touched the lives of people who read it, by sharing a reality or by opening the eyes of those far from the situation.

This book tackles an issue prevalent in the country from a first hand perspective. Starr Carter, a 16-year-old African-American girl, lives in a low income area, and goes to school at a wealthy predominately white prep school on the other side of town. Her two worlds collide when she witnesses her childhood friend shot to death by a white police officer, sparking a national outcry. Starr battles between speaking out on the events of that night, and staying anonymous to keep her from being ostracized and labeled by her community, her school, and the nation.

Thomas’s fictional characters reflect an all too real narrative in this country, and in the story she conveys the struggle and emotion these characters face. This novel is representation of a story we see repeated, each time with a different name.

The film adaptation of the book released on Oct. 5 takes this story and brings it to life under director George Tillman Jr. Following Starr through her life after the incident, the movie provides a look into how her friends, community, family and nation all react to this tragedy.Starr’s friendships are tested, as well as her morals as she struggles to find her voice.

The film takes you through many perspectives of many different people such as the community, the people who know this story far too well, the police, who are surrounded by controversy, and Starr (Amandla Stenberg), the first hand witness.

The movie does not stray from the book, and keeps all main points and characters consistent. Nothing felt rushed, and no important scene from the novel was tossed aside. The actors fit their characters, not straying from the written characterization. Stenberg plays a near perfect Starr, capturing the emotional internal battle of speaking out and being the voice that was taken from her friend.

This story is powerful thought provoking, and keeps you captivated throughout. It makes you question our society, and forces you to see this issue of police brutality through more than the painted picture the media gives. It personalizes controversial issues plaguing communities today. The Hate U Give lets you see through the lives of real people, and the real situation for how it was. This movie gives an opportunity to start a conversation.