Hate List by Jennifer Brown

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. - book jacket

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Hate List is probably one of the most complex and compelling stories ever written about pain and how simple words, thoughts, or gestures can turn into a unthinkable disaster. There's not many books that explore the power of hate and what it can do if you don't understand what you're dealing with. Take a disaster event for example. People become inhuman, and sadly, we test that everyday. If something terrible were to happen in your community, people start to blame. Blame turns into anger, anger turns into hate, etc.

This is perfect example of that, and cuts even deeper with a message not only of consequences, but how family life can also shape a situation, or a persons thoughts and decisions.

I can't say Hate List was an enjoyable book to read since it was about a shooting and other gloomy topics, but I definitely think teens should give it a try. This book contains a valuable message to teens about knowing what the difference between hating someone or thinking they hate someone. Things like that are dangerous, as Valerie learns the hard way. Don't let yourself use words like hate in a jk manner. Read Hate List and you'll see why.

Overall, Brown did a stunning job on presenting an tough topic and following the main character through her family drama, pain, and extraordinary recovery.

Hat List is now available in bookstores near you!

Pages: 405 Year Published: Sept. 2009 Publisher: Little Brown

Genre: Contemporary, tragedy, family drama

Age Group: YA, ages 14+

Content: Graphic descriptions of shooting, some language,

and other depressing situations

Enjoyed It: 4/5 Rating: (based on content)

Special thanks to Jennifer and Little Brown for sending me this book.