Riley and Jen have been best friends since childhood. Jen had a difficult upbringing with her unconventional mother and she felt lucky to find the love she craved with Riley and her family. Neither of them cared that Riley was black and Jen was white.
Now in their 30s, their lives have gone in different directions but the two friends are still close. Riley is an up-and-coming tv journalist with her eye on becoming a news anchor. Jen lives a quieter life with her police officer husband, Kevin, and is looking forward to welcoming a baby. After years of disappointments and failed IVFs, Jen is excited to have the family she always dreamed of.
However, everything is about to change. When Kevin fatally shoots an unarmed black teenager, Jen and Riley’s friendship is pushed to the limit. As their community takes sides, so must Jen and Riley, and for the first time they find themselves on opposing sides.
We Are Not Like Them Book Review
It’s hard to know where to start when it comes to reviewing this book. Firstly, let me say this – it was brilliant. It’s timely, powerful and so brutally honest.
As a mum of a teenage boy, I found it really harrowing. I couldn’t even imagine what it must be like to lose your son, especially in such circumstances.
I thought it was so clever to have two different authors writing from the two main characters’ perspectives. Each character had their own unique voice. The characters were flawed, especially Jen who was self-involved and irritating at times, but I admired how she fought for her friendship and acknowledged her own failings.
This book is so much more than just a story. It challenged everything I thought I knew about racism. It encourages conversation and anyone who has ever said “all lives matter” needs to read this book. It brutally highlights the prejudice and racial injustice faced by so many in the black community. Not being racist isn’t enough. We need to challenge it constantly and consistently. Silence is compliance.
It’s a hard-hitting, thought-provoking book and I’m so glad I read it.
