Hate List

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009

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Study Guide

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

In Jennifer Brown's debut novel Hate List, Valerie Leftman struggles with grief and guilt as she returns to Garvin High School months after her boyfriend, Nick Levil, committed a tragic school shooting, using their shared "hate list" to target classmates; the story unfolds through Valerie's flashbacks, exploring bullying, trauma, and the complexities of recovery. This book addresses themes such as gun violence, mental health, bullying, and trauma.

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Jennifer Brown's Hate List is a thought-provoking YA novel that delves into the aftermath of a school shooting. The story is praised for its raw and realistic portrayal of grief, guilt, and healing, with well-drawn characters and a compelling narrative. However, some readers find the pacing uneven and the secondary characters underdeveloped. Overall, it's an impactful read.

Who Should Read Hate List?

A reader who would enjoy Hate List by Jennifer Brown is typically a young adult interested in contemporary fiction that tackles serious issues such as bullying, trauma, and redemption. Fans of Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why or Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak would find this compelling narrative engaging and thought-provoking.

RecommendedReading Age

14-18years

Book Details

Theme

Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger

Genre

Realistic Fiction Modern Classic Fiction Drama / Tragedy

Topic

Bullying Mental Illness

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