WOW. Just wow! I knew I would love this book, I just didn't realize that I would love it so much! SO MUCH.
Angie Thomas was able to put up a story that tackles not just racism and police brutality (which is very timely), but also family, friendship, self-identify, love, unity in the community, and learning how to speak up and use our voices for good.

The book is already good as it talked about the obvious unfairness that is being given to black people and other minorities. And I believe the book also consists of little things that adds more beauty and impact to this wonderful story.
Family is an important aspect to this book. The Carter family's situation with Kenya and Seven is complicated, but that doesn't stop them from looking out for them and protecting them from possible harm. Throughout this book, I realize that these people really love each other through hell and back.
Friendship is also an aspect in this. And I loved how it conveys the message that we have to let go of people that are only bringing negativity to our lives.

"People make mistakes, and you have to decide if their mistakes are bigger than your love for them."

Self-identity is also prominent as Starr struggles to separate her true self from the the personality she has built for herself in her fancy prep school. And I love how Starr accepted the ugly truth that Kenya pointed out.

"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?"

Love is also a theme all throughout this book, and I love it! There was love in Starr's family, love in her friendship with Maya, love in her friendship with Khalil, and love with Chris, of course! Unity is also a theme as this book showed unity within the community and within families.

Another thing I also love from this book? The humor! I cried in a lot of parts of the book, yes, but there were moments when I was legit cracking up! The author knew just how to diffuse a suspenseful moment with good, wholesome humor.
Another thing? BIG MAV. I really, really loved his character in this book! He was funny, he was tough, but he was also wholesome and very protective of his family.
Nana was also a favorite of mine! She's a firecracker, that one.

"Tell me the truth, boy. Did you kill somebody? What, I better ask before y'all have me sleeping in the house with a murderer, waking up dead!"

I was also inspired by a line from this book:

"...that lady said our voices are weapons. I should use mine, right?"

We, the youth, have so much power in our hands. We scroll and look and post through various social medias not realizing that these can be used as weapons, and that we should learn how to use them and fight for what we believe in.

All in all, this was such a great book! Another five-star read from me.
I can't wait for the movie! I have a feeling it's going to be amazing!