MALDEN — A provocative novel that depicts a tragic tale quite topical with some of today’s most pressing issues has been announced as the 2018 Malden Reads book selection.
Malden Reads is an organization of local residents, founded in 2009 in conjunction with the Malden Public Library, which for the past seven years has selected a book that it suggests to be read by all local residents. A nearly year-long list of events, including book discussions in large and small groups, as well as themed dinners and sometimes accompanying films round out the Malden Reads annual menu.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is the 2018 choice. It is the tale of a 16-year-old living in an urban black neighborhood who faces drug addiction, poverty and gang violence. The teen lives in two worlds, however, attending a private school far from her home in a primarily white community.
The story tackles present-day topics as in the first chapter, the main character Starr Carter’s male friend, Khalil, is shot and killed by police after the car he was driving the girl home in was pulled over and the situation escalated out of control.
Malden High School English and drama teacher Sean Walsh endorsed the choice as a selection committee member. “This is right now a very popular book with teen readers, but also a riveting and enriching read for adults,” Walsh said. “We need a book that can reach multiple generations. That is what this (Malden Reads) program is about.”
Linda Zalk, the leader of the Malden Reads selection committee, said the committee “wrestled with choosing a book with such sensitive and potentially divisive subject matter. “There was eventual consensus among the group that this year’s book can provide a springboard for thoughtful and civil dialogue in the community on topics that are nationally and locally important,” she said.
The Malden Reads founding member also said she and the committee consulted with Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis before making a final decision on the selection, due to the subject matter.
Zalk said Malden Reads wanted to assure the police force, a strong supporter of the One City, One Book program, that this choice was not reflective of particular concerns with Malden’s police department, but that it offered opportunities to engage in constructive dialogue on what has become a national issue. She said Chief Molis said he understood the choice and was open to participation in upcoming programming.
Programming related to The Hate U Give will begin in February 2018. Opportunities for conversation on the book and related themes will be offered through book discussions, film screenings and special presentations. Companion books for younger readers will be announced soon, sparking a range of programming for children and families.
Books will be available for purchase through The Book Oasis, an independent bookstore in Stoneham, as well as at the Malden Pops Up Gallery Gift Shop in Malden beginning November 16 at 480 Main St. The Malden Public Library will have copies for borrowing in various formats.
