The Hate U Give Reading Update #2

So this week Maria from A Night's Dream of Books and I read chapters 8-14 and the drama is definitely picking up.  I'm enjoying the book quite a bit but because I'm reading other things, I have to admit that I'm finding it easy to pick up and put down.  Once again Maria sent me some questions so continue reading if you don't mind spoilers and then hop over to her blog and see what I asked her. 

1.) How did you feel when April Ofrah, from the organization "Just Us For Justice", announced, at Khalil's funeral, that "the police department has no intentions of arresting the officer who murdered this young man?"

I can honestly say that wasn't really surprised because since I have a legal background and I'm aware most cases like this goes before a grand jury.  And if you look at the news, that's usually how it goes.  I guess I was kind of appalled that "Just Us for Justice" announced their presence at the funeral.  I kind of felt like that was inappropriate altogether but maybe it was just me.   No matter how wrong the situation, it did kind of make something sacred out to be a media circus.

2.) Starr's parents have an ongoing argument about whether or not their family should stay in Garden Heights. Which parent do you think is right, and why? Or do you think they each have a point?

So this one is kind of hard for me to answer because I go back and forth.  I understand Maverick's position of wanting to stay in his home community.  His business is there and he thinks he is doing some good and honestly, he does seem to have an important role there.  However, I can also see Lisa's POV.  They have the money to move and their children are going to school in another district and the kids would probably be safer so what's the hold up?  I guess my answer is they both have a point.

3.) Starr has started to feel guilty about the fact that she hasn't spoken out publicly about Khalil's murder. She's scared to do so, but still feels guilty. If you could speak with her, what would you advise her to do, and why?

I would tell Starr to make her own decisions and follow her heart.  She is a bright girl overall and she seems to be able to look at both the pros and cons of the situation.  She is very lucky in that she has the support of lots of family and I think they are okay with whatever she decides.  I do think she should stop letting her friends influence her so much but she is a teen and that's what they usually do.

4.) Did you find it shocking when a black police officer -- teamed with a white one, who stood by and watched the whole thing -- attempted to intimidate Maverick in front of Mav's own store, with his kids watching? Why would an African-American cop treat one of his own people like that? 

No, I wasn't surprised because we see all kinds of behaviors like that every day.  I am sure that the cop would be getting pressure from both sides.  On one side, he has to work to provide for his family and we know what happened to Uncle Carlos when he stood up to his coworkers.  But on the other hand, he knew what they were doing was wrong.  I'm sure it was a tough situation for him to be in.

So next week we'll be reading 7 more chapters and since we are already more than 50% done, I'm sure there will be lots of interesting things to discuss.