About the Novel:
Five months ago, Valerie Leftman’s boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saves the life of a classmate, but is implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things they hated. The list her boyfriend used to pick his targets.
Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.
Reviews of the Novel:
"Riveting debut..." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Authentic and relevant, this debut is one to top the charts." -- Kirkus
"After every school shooting unleashes a torrent of questions: what if, what next, why me? Val's in the middle of the storm; her boyfriend pulled the trigger. Now, Val's drowning in guilt, sadness, and confusion. If you've ever been torn up inside and feeling lost, find the time to read Hate List; you'll love it." Patrick Jones, author of Things Change and The Tear Collector
"Wow, oh, wow." -- Lisa Von Drasek, Early Word Kids
"'Hate List' is a powerful book that examines violence and bullying from different angles..." -- The Register-Guard
"Brown walks a fine line and does it well. Here, she has created an excellent piece that parents should not be afraid of their teens reading." -- Deseret News
