We Are Not Like Them: A Novel

Written by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza

Narrated by Marin Ireland, Shayna Small, Kevin R. Free and Chanté McCormick

A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK

Named a Best Book Pick of 2021 by Harper’s Bazaar and Real Simple

Named a Most Anticipated Book of Fall by People, Essence, New York Post, PopSugar, New York Newsday, Entertainment Weekly, Town & Country, Bustle, Fortune, and Book Riot

Told from alternating perspectives, this “propulsive, deeply felt tale of race and friendship” (People) follows two women, one Black and one white, whose friendship is indelibly altered by a tragic event.

Jen and Riley have been best friends since kindergarten. As adults, they remain as close as sisters, though their lives have taken different directions. Jen married young, and after years of trying, is finally pregnant. Riley pursued her childhood dream of becoming a television journalist and is poised to become one of the first Black female anchors of the top news channel in their hometown of Philadelphia.

But the deep bond they share is severely tested when Jen’s husband, a city police officer, is involved in the shooting of an unarmed Black teenager. Six months pregnant, Jen is in freefall as her future, her husband’s freedom, and her friendship with Riley are thrown into uncertainty. Covering this career-making story, Riley wrestles with the implications of this tragic incident for her Black community, her ambitions, and her relationship with her lifelong friend.

Like Tayari Jones’s An American Marriage and Jodi Picoult’s Small Great Things, We Are Not Like Them takes “us to uncomfortable places—in the best possible way—while capturing so much of what we are all thinking and feeling about race. A sharp, timely, and soul-satisfying novel” (Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author) that is both a powerful conversation starter and a celebration of the enduring power of friendship.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Oct 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781797131092

Christine Pride

Christine Pride is a writer, editor, and longtime publishing veteran. She’s held editorial posts at many different trade imprints, including Doubleday, Broadway, Crown, Hyperion, and Simon & Schuster. As an editor, Christine has published a range of books, with a special emphasis on inspirational stories and memoirs, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. As a freelance editorial consultant, she does select editing and proposal/content development, as well as teaching and coaching, and pens a regular column—“Race Matters”—for Cup of Jo. She lives in New York City.

Reviews for We Are Not Like Them

[Malea Rhodes · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book could not have been more timely. I believe the author does a great job telling all sides of this painful, and all too real story about Black Lives, Blue Lives and all the people in their orbit as their lives are torn apart.

[Rosie John-Baptiste · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I wanted to like this book.

It was promising at first, but as it progressed it seemed to lose the power and momentum of the opening event. It was centered on the least interesting character, Jen, and her scenes were drawn out. The ‘going into labor’ section was quite frustrating. Jen seemed not to even know what came next! Here’s a clue Jen: waters break, painful labor, baby is born. And, it hurts.

The author could have given more presence and voice to Jen’s husband and to the victim’s mother. Thankfully, Riley’s chapters were more engaging, but the author seemed to be on a whistlestop tour to use Riley’s sections to highlight a checklist of important issues by the end of the book. Handled correctly, this would have been commendable, but in this book it felt rushed. I found myself listening intently to Riley’s chapters and then getting frustrated by Jen’s inability to cope with any and everything, and she came across as quite whiny.

This book highlights an injustice that continues to disproportionately affecting young black men and the families they leave behind. Hearing more about the police officer’s perspective would have added more depth. Sadly, the killing of yet another block boy was really just the hook to allow readers to listen to Jen drone on and on. Hence my two star rating.

[Seema Sura · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

It started out good but then it seemed to drag on and on. I even fast forwarded parts. The premise is good and liked the narrators, but it wasn’t well executed.

[Tracey K · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Book clearly written to spark discussion- perfect candidate for book clubs. Relevant issues.

[cinda brea · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is very well written. The narrators' performed so well that it was easy to visualize the characters. Each of the two main characters' flaws made me feel as if I had true insight into their humanity. Such a despairing story dealing with very relevant events. Still, I enjoyed this book!

[Brandeis · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

All consuming. Wonderfully written. Too close to home to ignore.

[Miss J · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Heartbreaking, with characters that feel genuine and layered. I was hesitant to read because the topic is a painful one, but the author and narrators did a beautiful job with a heart wrenching topic.

[Jordan Etters · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very well written. I loved the alternating perspectives and the depth of the story line. I didn’t think I would finish it so quickly. I couldn’t stop listening to it.

Riley (LaRoya) and Jenny’s stories are so well put together. This story is about something we’ve all seen in the news so many times, and it really make you think about both sides of the story. How everyone’s life gets impacted by a 5 second decision.

[Kisha West · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Both main characters are soo well done I find it hard to believe they are fiction. The thought processes are honest and insightful. The black side of my family is in the PA hill country. Riley's family could have easily been a cousin or auntie of mine. Very well done!
The story is told on the platform of police brutality against minorities but there is soo much more here. Extremely well written.

[JanetR539 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Overall, I thought the book was ok but lacked real depth.

[rmhaynes8 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is well written, riveting from the very beginning. Although guy wrenching, it kept me captivated and fully engaged.

A must read…

[Cozette · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was so good. Testing the friendship m and love bonds.

[Keyoka · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a very powerful and emotional read, very good book.

[Chanelle IsMyName · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It is a poignant and timely piece. The flow of the writing was phenomenal and the audiobook version was a great way to experience this book. As someone who grew up in predominately white spaces, this narrative was so familiar. I think it's a great read for high school students and adults alike. A must read right now for sure.

[Victoria Edelsbrunner · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Really excellent. The characters seemed real. The conflict so skillfully managed. A real tragedy but one that brings hope for the future. Great narration!

[seonaid · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book however the audio was interrupted multiple times throughout the listening making it frustrating to fill in the missing pieces.

[Rochelle Perkins · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great novel! I enjoyed listening and understanding the perspective from the other side.

[Alikah Adair · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very well narrated. Brought the story to life. Thoroughly enjoyed!

[Tamara Lyons · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was a hard read as a black to two black young men. I don’t know if I would recommend this book. It could be traumatic at times. It was a little slow. I do get why it’s unnecessary read and why it makes so much sense when you have friends of the opposite race. They will never understand!

[Keli G · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Well written, and kept me interested. I appreciate that the authors shared both sides of the story it gave me the opportunity to understand the entire scenario and all perspectives.

[Sheryl Morgan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Phenomenal! Hearing from the different perspectives made it so real. And the afterword brings such closure at least for me as a reader. As a DEI advisor this was a worthwhile read and great book club discussion book.

[James · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Honest, complicated and compellingly told. Definitely worth a read. Y

[Aminata Miller · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is really good. It gives perspective on both sides of the issue. It really makes you think about how the situation makes you feel. Which side do you emphasize with?

[Alexandre Bellemare · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It’s ok. The performance is great. Started off string but kind of started to drag halfway through. I think it could have been more compelling.

[kiday83 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This. Book. Was. Everything!!!! So well written, so well narrated (I listened to the audio book). The writing was so detailed that it provided a level of humanity for each character that left me empathizing in a way that I likely wouldn’t have in very similar real life situations without knowing as much of the undercurrent of their very challenging circumstances.

I really, really want a sequel, but even if we don’t get one, this story was amazingly impactful.

[Christina Campbell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed the alternating of voices between Riley and Jen, the book does a great job of giving both points of view with thoughtful depth, even if you as the reader may gravitate towards one and not like the other, you can’t say you don’t understand. The unraveling of the story paces well, I guess I still wanted more from it? I both do and don’t see how the title fits, but it never really hits as fully as I think it could.

[Danice Stone · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Good book, worth listening too, entertaining, may purchase the book.

[Hessah · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The premise of an event that can wreck a friendship is interesting, but what make the premise unique is the polarizing event that divide communities; no it’s not Donald Trump but a shooting of black teenager kid.
The author wanted to focus on the breakdown of the friendship with the police shooting as backdrop. I personally wasn’t sold in this so called best of the bestest friendship. It appeared forced, but I loved the quotes used along the text. Also, I found the author a bit anti cops which is something I despise. There are good cops and bad cops but the good cops far outweigh the bad apples. Also, it is ridiculous to assume that every shooting that involve blacks is based on racism.

[Cathryn Harris · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is so relevant to where we are and where we want to be in the world. People of every skin color should be reading this book and having conversations about the destruction of of white supremacy and the oppression done by the patriarchy. Know better and do better!

[Marty Humphreys · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Insights,perspectives,education delivered in a heartfelt story both sides can relate to for further understanding. A good read.