The powerful and timely contemporary classic by Jennifer Brown — now including the bonus Hate List novella Say Something!

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.

Jennifer Brown’s critically acclaimed novel now features a bandrand-new cover and the bonus novella Say Something, another arresting story that digs deeper into the powerful themes of Hate List.

Even though this is a book of fiction, The Hate List really lets you see into the multiple different sides and emotions that those who face this horrible tragedy in the real world. School shootings are tragically all too frequent today. The Hate List, in my opinion having never been involved (thank goodness) in such an event, shows a more honest and difficult result of the mixed feelings in the aftermath.

Val is trying to come to terms with the boy she loved and the one who did this unspeakable thing on top of all the other pieces, like her blame in it and how she missed all the signs. It also shows several other feelings, anger even with adults against students associated with the shooter, the pain of having been a target in the first place, and the loss of friends and family.

The Hate List is a powerful book about pain, recovery, and forgiveness in the aftermath of horrible events. I think The Hate List is so beautiful written and a great read for all teens. It may help look at things from all views and see things you may have missed or see how your actions may be perceived by those around you.

Jennifer Brown’s book also encouraged me to pick up a book I have had on my shelf for some time. So my current read is A Mother’s Reckoning by Sue Klebold.

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