This incredible novel is on the top of everyone's lists for a reason. Its not only that Starr Carter is a highly relatable heroine or that the plot is so timely or that debut author Angie Thomas brings an entire neighborhood to life and gives even minor characters incredible depth and warmth. Its that all of these things together are combined with powerful emotional intimacy and anger and that the novel also highlights so many other cultural and economic issues, from the systemic racism of gentrification and the projects to Starr's adept "code switching" to interracial dating. Yet Thomas manages to weave these elements together so seamlessly and with such ease that you almost don't notice it. I'll be recommending this one for a long time to come.