The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! đ
greenlivingaudioworm's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Torture, Gun violence, Islamophobia, Racism, Sexual content, Violence, Alcohol, Bullying, Chronic illness, Death, Pregnancy, Grief, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Slavery
martachbc's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
We Are Not Like Them tells the story of Jen and Riley, lifelong BFFs from Philadelphia. Riley is a Black, up-and-coming TV journalist. Jen is white, married to police officer Kevin, and after years of struggling, finally pregnant with their first child. Lacking a present mom, Jen grew up around Rileyâs close-knit family. When Kevin kills an innocent 14-year-old Black kid on the job, Jenâs life falls apart - but Riley has a chance to cover a story that could make her career.
I was drawn in by the timely concept of this book when it came out last year (and I love Jo Piazzaâs books) - although now, doesnât it feel beyond âtimelyâ? Aside from the fact that IRL Iâd be pretty critical of Rileyâs decision to cover the story in spite of being directly connected to it, I appreciated how this book didnât shy away from exploring the uncomfortable, gritty and devastating nuances of its subject matter.Â
The writing overall was excellent. But some elements of the friendship rang a little hollow to me - exacerbated by Jen having just a few redeeming qualities - and other elements of the story (Rileyâs brother Shaunâs own experience in the criminal justice system, and her interracial relationship) could have been fleshed out more earlier.Â
I would describe this as entry-level to the exploration of social justice - I am always happy to support books that get more people reading about important topics. But Iâll note, it was fairly easy for me, a white woman, to find some comfort with the outcome of this book, though no one was let off the hook. While things tie up somewhat neatly, the readers exist in a world where thatâs not always the case - and we know thatâs likely to be true for Jen and Riley eventually, even if we donât see it.Â
This would be a great book club read because thereâs a lot to discuss. I find I enjoy books more when they really give me something to chew on - and this certainly did. I guess in some ways I still am thinking on it! âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸
I was drawn in by the timely concept of this book when it came out last year (and I love Jo Piazzaâs books) - although now, doesnât it feel beyond âtimelyâ? Aside from the fact that IRL Iâd be pretty critical of Rileyâs decision to cover the story in spite of being directly connected to it, I appreciated how this book didnât shy away from exploring the uncomfortable, gritty and devastating nuances of its subject matter.Â
The writing overall was excellent. But some elements of the friendship rang a little hollow to me - exacerbated by Jen having just a few redeeming qualities - and other elements of the story (Rileyâs brother Shaunâs own experience in the criminal justice system, and her interracial relationship) could have been fleshed out more earlier.Â
I would describe this as entry-level to the exploration of social justice - I am always happy to support books that get more people reading about important topics. But Iâll note, it was fairly easy for me, a white woman, to find some comfort with the outcome of this book, though no one was let off the hook. While things tie up somewhat neatly, the readers exist in a world where thatâs not always the case - and we know thatâs likely to be true for Jen and Riley eventually, even if we donât see it.Â
This would be a great book club read because thereâs a lot to discuss. I find I enjoy books more when they really give me something to chew on - and this certainly did. I guess in some ways I still am thinking on it! âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸
Graphic: Police brutality
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Infertility, and Bullying
Minor: Miscarriage and Grief
More...