I tried really hard with this one, I picked it up, put it down, took a break in the hope I was just in a reading slump and then proceeded to make easy work of other books. I then tried again, but ultimately, although not badly written, it just couldn’t hold my attention for long periods so it took quite some time.

I must admit the first few chapters were great, the opening grabbed my attention, however as it progressed it just couldn’t hold me there.

I am sure this book will be really popular for book clubs as it should attract lots of discussion with its themes.

Unfortunately I could not get into this book and ultimately did not finish it. Other readers may like this more.

Riley and Jen have been friends since childhood, friends who were more like sisters. The fact Jen is white and Riley is black has never been an issue until Jen's husband, a police officer, shoots and kills and unarmed black teenager.

The main storyline in this book is heart breaking, however it got a little lost in amongst too many other storylines. Riley's flourishing career as a news reporter, her grandmother's illness, her brother struggles, the history of lynching in her family, her parents financial worries and her struggling relationship. Jen's fertility issues, her husbands difficult family, her tough relationship with her mother and the impending arrival of her first child. I think if the focus of this book remained on the shooting and the strain this event alone took on the pairs friendship this book would have been much more enjoyable.

Having said that, I really loved that each character had their own author. It somehow made the text feel more believable and authentic, despite at times feeling quite laboured and forced.

Overall I did enjoy this book however I didn't love it.

I love being given the opportunity to update our school library which is a unique space for both senior students and staff to access high quality literature. This is definitely a must-buy. It kept me absolutely gripped from cover to cover and is exactly the kind of read that just flies off the shelves. It has exactly the right combination of credible characters and a compelling plot thatI just could not put down. This is a great read that I couldn't stop thinking about and it made for a hugely satisfying read. I'm definitely going to order a copy and think it will immediately become a popular addition to our fiction shelves. 10/10 would absolutely recommend.

This is such a good read. The right style really puts you in the pages. It may be feel like I was a character. This is a character driven book that will tug at your heartstrings. I loved rhis

I found this to be so thought provoking, I think this book will stay with anyone who reads it a lot longer than they anticipate, I know I’ve been thinking about it long after I finished reading it. This is wonderfully written and so emotional to read, it’s an eye-opening read, I unfortunately can’t do this novel full justice in this review, I don’t have the words other than you need to go and read this, this is not just a must read it’s an essential read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

We Are Not Like Them deals with current issues surrounding race and friendships in a powerful book. It may be thought-provoking for many and certainly good for book clubs.. Thanks to HQ for gifting me the book

We Are Not Like Them is set in the USA. It is incredibly current and reflects what is still part of USA domestic affairs reported across the main news channels worldwide.
The main protagonists are Riley - a black woman who is a reporter and Jen - a white woman who is the wife of a police officer who just happens to pull a gun on a black unarmed teenager.

Riley and Jen have been friends for many years, but this incident causes much heightened tension in the community in-which they live and between each other as they need to pick sides to be on. Their bonds that seemed so strong, strong enough to last a lifetime are put to the test in a way neither had ever imagined. What ensues is even more complex, hence the by-line highlighting that not everything is black and white. There are nuances as well as different perspectives on this one incident, which demonstrates just how involving such a matter can become and the explosive effects it can have on those not directly involved and directly involved. It shows how not everything is as clear-cut as first assumed.

It’s one I’m sure will have many people discussing and would be suitable for book clubs as well as of course reading it alone.

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A very thought provoking and emotional read. Told from two perspectives. A little long winded but worth persevering with.

Reading the blurb I knew this book would definitely make me think, and wow did it do its job! Not only did it really make me stop and think but it also created some very interesting discussions around the dinner table. Explaining this book, prompted chats with friends that made us all look at our own beliefs and how we would behave in this situation created in this book ( of course I don’t think you ever really know until you are in it yourself)
This book is very relevant story that is both heartbreaking and honest. It deals with racism, and very relevant in the world we live today. The story is told by two best friends and there switching POV cleverly illustrates how society sees the same incident from two very different perspectives
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A white police officer is involved in a shooting of an unarmed black teenager. The book tells this story from the white wife of the police officer and a black journalist. Two childhood friends, which gives this story a different layer. There were times I didn’t like each of the characters and this showed a realness to the story , that we don’t all behave correctly when we passionately believe something to be true.
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This is an incredible book, not only for its storytelling but for the fact it started so many discussions and any book that does that is an immediate 5star for me

It is an important book that everyone should read, We Are Not Like Them is a powerful and eye-opening story about racial injustice and friendship.

A thoughtful look at racial injustice and police brutality and their far reaching impacts. A important conversation starter I just found it hard to connect with due to some of the character depictions at times.

Full review to come.

A thought-provoking and emotional read. Tackling a highly relevant and difficult subject, the book explores raises important issues around race and leaves you uncomfortable at moments as it challenges your own perceptions. An excellent read.

Set in the USA this story focuses on the friendship of a black woman Riley, and a white woman Jen. They’ve been friends since childhood but their friendship come under pressure when Jen’s husband, a police officer, shoots an unarmed black teenager - a story that Riley, a tv journalist, is reporting on.
An intense and thought provoking look at racism in modern America..
My only problem was I didn’t like the Jen character and I struggled to see why Riley would still be her friend.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for a fair review.
3.5 stars ⭐️

Unfortunately I have tried multiple times to complete this book but have just not been able to get into it. I dont think there is a particular reason, it's just not for me.

A very important and topical read, that at times was so raw it almost hurt. Definitely one I would recommend as it covers such an important topic in a tactful and interesting way.

An INCREDIBLE read.

I can't overstate how important this book is.

It's a wonderful exploration of friendships, families, fertility and race. There's no way that I can do this novel justice with a review. All I can say is: read it immediately.

We Are Not Like Them is an explosive novel depicting he rawness of racial injustice, friendship, love, family and the consequences of your actions.
The addictive nature of the story goes a long way in taking you through the journey of these characters, Jen and Riley and at times can be quite uncomfortable.
I would recommend this and could be a great book for a club to discuss.

A great story which I enjoyed reading. I was intrigued to find out what would happen between the two main characters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 ok stars. I admit I was disappointed having read so many amazing reviews. The story and it’s theme we’re good but the relationship between the friends didn’t quite click for me, it seemed a bit one way and directive.

It was more of a light touch approach to the issues but ok if you are looking for an entry level book on racism.

This book showed promise and tackled a tricky subject in a well-thought-out way.
I didn't find it held my attention as much as I'd have liked.