A review by wellreadmegs
We Are Not Like Them by Jo Piazza, Christine Pride

dark emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book was obviously a heavy but necessary read. I think this book is great for book clubs especially to have tough conversations and discuss the issues of race and police brutality in America. I thought the book started out strong and took a strong stance on the issue that unfortunately didn't carry throughout. 

I thought the ending was swift and almost made it feel swept under the rug - as most of these cases do. I appreciated the authors didn't offer forgiveness or unloading of burdens for the Murphy's but I also feel like they got off pretty easy in the grand scheme of things. 

I would have given this book 5 stars if it included the court proceedings, trial, and character witness statements. I think that would have been very impactful. Personally, I didn't think we needed a love story of any sort for Riley in this book - it felt like an afterthought until the end. 

Again I think this book is great to start a dialogue, especially for white men and women, and would recommend to any book club but left a few things to be desired from the ending. 
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