Kevin Lis
Mr. Cohen
ENG2D
September 17, 2024
Angie Thomas: The author who went from Nothing to New York's Bestseller
“I believe in the power of books and how they shape young people for the future,”(Cachero,Author Angie Thomas on How Books Are Transforming the Next Generation: ‘They’re Realizing Their Power’) says Thomas. Angie Thomas is a New York Bestselling Author, she is best known for her book The Hate U Give, which is based on her personal experiences and experiences of her peers in the African American community. The book is based on police abuse within the African American community as well as growing up in a low-income house and what troubles you face there like drugs, death and other crimes.
Early Life
Angie Thomas was born on September 20, 1988, and was raised in a poor African American neighborhood in Jackson, Mississippi. She was exposed to drug dealing and gun violence from an early age and found comfort in books. Angie Thomas has a remarkable ability to tell stories that connect with readers, particularly young adults. Her books tackle serious social issues like racism, police abuse, and the challenges of growing up in underserved communities. She builds these connections through raw honesty, compassion, and a deep understanding of adolescent experience. She also has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in creative writing as well as an unofficial degree in Hip Hop. Her experience with violence when she was younger really shaped her writing style now focusing on the social justice issues in the world.
Writing style
Angie Thomas often writes about her personal experiences and the issues she has witnessed in her community. We can see this especially in The Hate U Give and on the come up even saying herself “When I started the book, I thought about what was the most traumatic thing in my life”.” (Lewis, Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give: 'Books play a huge part in resistance') Angie Thomas has always tried to relate her books to young adults almost as a way to teach them lessons without making them go through the pain of it. Thomas has won many awards with her writing one in specific is New York Times #1 bestseller on her book The Hate U Give that was also rejected 150 times.
Challenges
Angie Thomas has had a rough early life especially with being in the middle of a gang shootout, with just escaping without getting hit but her friend was not as lucky and got shot and killed. When asked how she is still dealing with this today she said,
I didn't get over it!” The trauma of witnessing a loved one's death is something that stays with you forever. It's a heavy burden to carry, and it can be difficult to process. However, I've found solace in expressing my feelings through writing.
Writing has been a form of therapy for me. It's allowed me to explore the emotions I've experienced and to find meaning in the pain. I've been able to use my experiences to create characters and stories that resonate with others who have gone through similar traumas.
It's important to remember that healing is a journey, not a destination. There will be good days and bad days, but with time and support, it's possible to find a way to cope with the pain. (How did you get over the traumatic death you witnessed when you were younger, Prompt)
She also has had many challenges when it came to getting her books published, even saying herself
As a Black author, I've faced several challenges that have shaped me into the person I am today. One significant challenge was navigating the predominantly white publishing industry. It was often difficult to find publishers who understood the nuances of the Black experience and were willing to champion my work. This experience has taught me the importance of self-publishing and building my own platform.
Another challenge was dealing with stereotypes and biases about Black writers and their work. Some people have questioned whether Black writers can write about universal themes or whether our stories are only relevant to our own communities. This has fueled my determination to challenge these biases and tell authentic stories that resonate with a diverse audience.
Overcoming these challenges has made me a more resilient and determined individual. It has also given me a strong sense of purpose and a desire to use my writing to promote social justice and empower marginalized communities. The experiences I've had as an author have shaped my worldview and have helped me to develop a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling.(what were some challenges you faced as an author and how do you think that shaped you into the person you are today, Prompt)
But with all these struggles that she has faced without those hard moments she would never be the person she is today. We as readers are able to understand her challenges and how they shaped her to build her own platform. Providing valuable insight into her character and motivation as an author and a leader. It allows for a deeper understanding of her journey and the factors that have influenced her growth and success over the years of her writing.
Work cited
Cachero, Paulina. “Author Angie Thomas on How Books Empower the Next Generation.” Time, 6 August 2020, https://time.com/5875827/author-angie-thomas-time-100-talks/. Accessed 12 September 2024.
Hibler, Joan, and William L. Andrews. “Angie Thomas | Biography, Books, The Hate U Give, & Facts.” Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Angie-Thomas. Accessed 12 September 2024.
Lewis, Tim. “Angie Thomas, author of The Hate U Give: 'Books play a huge part in resistance.'” The Guardian, 27 January 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/books/2019/jan/27/angie-thomas-the-hate-u-give-interview-famous-fans-readers. Accessed 12 September 2024.
“how did you feel about "the hate you give" winning best seller” Googel Gemini, 1.5 Flash, Google, September 12 2024,https://g.co/gemini/share/071582519ba7
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