Like the novel it's based on, the film version of The Hate U Give (THUG) received rave reviews.  I knew exactly what to expect, but out of curiosity, I recently read THUG.  It didn't disappoint.  At every turn, there's an extra helping of dangerous false narrative. It's a quick and easy read.  The pacing is taut, the characters well formed (except the white ones...I'll get to that).  All the right lingo is present: basic, fresh, a'ight, ratchet, nae nae, and so on.  Verb conjugation dutifully follows AAVE syntax. THUG is chock-full of black culture – Malcolm X, Black Jesus, Nation of Islam.  Basketball, hip-hop, an obsession with sneakers.  The Black Power fist makes many appearances, hero-worship of Tupac even more.  There are plenty of baby-daddies and lots of gangland lore.  All very authentic.  We're obviously getting...(Read Full Article)