Rating: ★★★★☆
Links: Amazon • TBD • Goodreads
Publication Date: September 4, 2018
Source: Borrowed
Someone will shoot. And someone will die.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Ellen Hopkins tackles gun violence and white supremacy in this compelling and complex novel.
People kill people. Guns just make it easier.
A gun is sold in the classifieds after killing a spouse, bought by a teenager for needed protection. But which was it? Each has the incentive to pick up a gun, to fire it. Was it Rand or Cami, married teenagers with a young son? Was it Silas or Ashlyn, members of a white supremacist youth organization? Daniel, who fears retaliation because of his race, who possessively clings to Grace, the love of his life? Or Noelle, who lost everything after a devastating accident, and has sunk quietly into depression?
One tense week brings all six people into close contact in a town wrought with political and personal tensions. Someone will fire. And someone will die. But who?
I mentioned in one of my recent Weekly Updates that Daniel’s review of this book made me want to pick it up immediately. I actually wasn’t planning to literally read it immediately, but when I went to return a couple library books, there it was on the New Arrivals table and it felt like a sign. I came home and pretended I had something better to do with my time before finally giving in and reading it.
It was so good. I finished it in two sittings and my heart is completely broken.
The thing about this book is that it’s very sad, but it’s sad in a way that’s also very realistic. I don’t want to think about how real these characters are. That any kid who lives down the street from me might be in one of these situations. That some of my classmates when I was in school might have been in similar situations. The circumstances of these kids’ lives are heartbreaking and I think that was the hardest part of this book for me.
In addition to gun violence, this book tackles a lot of tough topics. I generally don’t like it when a book tries to address this many issues. When an author tries to address racism, nationalism, immigration, sexual assault, domestic violence, mental illness, teen parents, murder, homelessness, and more all in one 448-page book, it usually doesn’t work. It might feel forced or incomplete. But somehow, Hopkins did justice to every single topic. I don’t know how she did it, but she 100% succeeded with this book. I was so impressed.
It’s been at least ten years since I read anything by Ellen Hopkins, but now I want to go back and catch up on everything I’ve missed.
Have you read People Kill People? Is it on your TBR?
Let’s talk in the comments!
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Sounds intense. That’s a lot of issues to take on in one book! I like how succinct yet comprehensive your reviews are.
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Thank you! It really was a lot for one book, but she pulled it off so well!
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I was drawn to this book too, and admit the amount of issues mentioned in the summary alone made me nervous (but intrigued). I’m glad to hear Hopkins explored them well within the novel! I really will have to move this up my to-read list now. Thanks for this review 🙂
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You’re welcome and I’m glad I could help! I hope you enjoy it when you read it. 🙂
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This sounds intense, with some super powerful messages. Definitely want to read it! 😊 great review ❤️
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Thank you! ❤ I hope you like it!
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Great review 💕
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Thank you! ❤
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This book is definitely on my TBR, I can’t wait to read it! Great review 🙂
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Thank you! I hope you like it! 🙂
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I’ve seen this floating around m and wasn’t sure if I’d give it another look. But it’s definitely one of those books you should read.
Love your review 💜
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Thank you! It was such a great book. ❤️
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I need to feel this one out… I really want to read it but I know I’m just not in the right mindset. Great review as always!
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Thank you! And it’s definitely one of those books that you have to be in the right mindset to enjoy. (Well, enjoy might not be the right word, but you know what I mean.)
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This sounds powerful I’m adding to my TBR right now
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It really was! I hope you like it! ❤️
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Ellen Hopkins is by far a favorite author of mine. She never disappoints.
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What’s your favorite book of hers?
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