By Book Club Members 
Welcome to our collection of the Top 15 Quotes from Angie Thomas’s “The Hate U Give.” This book is a game-changer, diving deep into issues of race, identity, and justice that hit close to home for many of us. Through Starr Carter’s eyes, we experience her world as she deals with the heartbreaking loss of her friend Khalil and the huge ripple effects of his death.
These quotes capture the raw emotions, powerful messages, and unforgettable moments from the book. Whether you’ve read it a dozen times or are just picking it up for the first time, these quotes will definitely strike a chord.
Let’s dive into some of the most impactful lines from this incredible novel. Each quote not only reflects the core of the story but also challenges us to think deeply about the world we live in. Get ready to be inspired, moved, and maybe even a little bit shaken. Let’s go!
“Sometimes you can do everything right and things will still go wrong. The key is to never stop doing right.”
This quote encapsulates the resilience and determination needed to keep fighting for justice, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
“Being two different people is so exhausting. I’ve taught myself to speak with two different voices and only say certain things around certain people.”
It’s spoken by the protagonist, Starr Carter, as she grapples with the challenges of living between two worlds: her predominantly Black neighborhood and her predominantly white private school.
“Intentions always look better on paper than in reality.”
It’s spoken by Starr Carter as she reflects on the discrepancy between people’s stated intentions and their actual actions.
“My voice is changing already. It always happens around ‘other’ people, whether I’m at Williamson or not. I don’t talk like me or sound like me.”
It’s spoken by Starr Carter as she reflects on how she adapts her speech and behavior depending on her surroundings, a common experience for many people navigating different social circles.
“People like us in situations like this become hashtags, but they rarely get justice.”
This highlights the tragic reality of how often victims of police brutality are reduced to social media hashtags without receiving true justice.
“Brave doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It means you go on even though you’re scared.”
A reminder that courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the willingness to act despite it.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about survival, y’know?”
This quote reflects the harsh reality faced by many characters in the novel, where surviving day-to-day is a constant struggle.
“I can’t change where I come from or what I’ve been through, so why should I be ashamed of what makes me, me?”
Starr’s journey toward self-acceptance and pride in her identity is a crucial aspect of her character development.
“That’s the hate they’re giving us, baby, a system designed against us. That’s Thug Life.”
This reference to Tupac’s “Thug Life” philosophy explains the systemic oppression faced by the black community.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., this quote emphasizes the importance of speaking out against injustice.
“The truth casts a shadow over the kitchen—people like us in situations like this become hashtags, but they rarely get justice.”
Starr’s reflection on how often victims of police violence are remembered as social media hashtags rather than being given justice.
“You can destroy wood and brick, but you can’t destroy a movement.”
This powerful statement underlines the resilience and enduring spirit of social movements fighting for justice and equality.
“I would have the loudest voice, making sure the world knew what went down.”
Starr’s determination to make her voice heard and to ensure that the truth about Khalil’s death is known.