Hate List

Reader: Elise S
Age: 14
Title: Hate List
Author: Jennifer Brown
Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company
Pub Date: Sept. 2009
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: This book shows you all sides of a really hard issue, a Columbine-esque shooting. There are no clear-cut answers saying the shooter is terrible, or the victims are the only people to blame. Because the protagonist is the girlfriend of the shooter, you see both the good side and the bad side of her boyfriend. Valerie's struggles and feelings are relatable, and you can't put it down.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: Watching her relationships change with the people around her and those who had been killed/maimed and their families was amazing. I couldn't stop reading. The plot is carried through the entire story, and it comes to a great conclusion.
Comments: Just, wow.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: The only thing I was disappointed in was that there wasn't a bigger part for Bea, the crazy, purple-obsessed, art teacher. I felt like there was a wealth of things to put in about her, and her great character wasn't used to her full potential.
Did you finish: Yes
Did the cover tempt you and/or reflect the contents: The cover was very clever, the different shades of black and gray making her face, but with very minimal detail. I loved how the title was in a teardrop, and the font that the letters were really looked like the title was moving. The blue was beautifully accented. Not to mention the fact that it completely conveys the heavy feel of the book.
Age Range: 14-17
Quality: 5Q Hard to imagine a better book
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal