Hate List

By Jennifer Brown

Summary: Val is returning to school to finish her senior year after being gone for a while, the catch not very many people like her. She can thank her boyfriend who opened fire in the cafeteria the previous year killing many including himself for the mess she is now in. Val is not completely innocent thought, her boyfriend chose his targets from a list of people they hated, a list she helped him make. Now she has to face her demons and try to figure out how she can fix the mess she started. Can she rekindle former friendships, and family while navigating the relationship with the girls whose life she saved? Val must come to grips with the tragedy and her role in it to be able to move on with her life.

Book Review: This book was startling and powerful. From the first page until the end you are engaged and wondering what will happen with Valerie. This book does cover a sensitive topic which is the school shooting, however, it is more about Valerie’s story and growth more than it is about the shooting. Jennifer Brown took a different approach at what life can be like for someone who was a victim, and accomplice all at the same time. I loved watching Valerie’s growth throughout the book. I think anyone who has struggled with feeling lost and confused could really resignate with Val in this book. This is a great read and can really put a lot of insight into what high school can actually be like for many kids.