I have to warn you that We Are Not Like Them starts off in a heartbreaking place. This is not an easy read in many ways but it’s quite important. They said from the start, “we were determined that we would both be equally involved in the creation of Riley and Jen-neither of us would take on the role of the “Black” character or the “white” character, but rather our constant conversations would allow us to create both of these women together…”Īnd what they put together is an exceptional novel that covers race relations, lifelong friendships, police violence, motherhood, all wrapped together. I’m not sure if the finished copy features the note written by the authors-BTW, these are often included in advanced reader’s copies (ARCs) to provide a bit more context to the book. As such, the novel features two key characters: Riley, a Black female reporter and Jen, a white pregnant wife of a police officer. While I have read several fiction books that cover racial injustice, I’ve never read one like this before: a book written by both a Black and white author. It's about standing up for what you believe in, no matter the cost.This is one of the best books I’ve read this year. We Are Not Like Them is about friendship and love. As their community takes sides, so must Jen and Riley, and for the first time in their lives the lifelong friends find themselves on opposing sides. This one act could destroy more than just Riley and Jen's friendship.

And then Jen's husband, a Philadelphia police officer, is involved in the shooting of an unarmed black teenager and everything changes in an instant. It never mattered to them that Riley is black and Jen is white. Riley and Jen have been best friends since they were children, and they thought their bond was unbreakable. ‘Provides a starting point for conversations which are crucial, at times uncomfortable, but long overdue’ Ruth Hogan, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Keeper of Lost Things

‘A painfully amazing read teaching us that sometimes, when it comes to race, the real enemy is ignorance’ Rhys Stephenson, actor and TV presenter ‘A powerful story about friendship, race, love, forgiveness, and justice – and the stunning ways they intersect…Empathetic, riveting, and authentic’ Laura Dave, bestselling author of The Last Thing He Told Me ‘Harrowing and heartening in equal measure, this book is a breathtaking tale of racial fissures, fury and friendship’ David Lammy, MP and author of Tribes

THE MOST IMPORTANT NOVEL YOU’LL READ THIS YEAR

Christine pride we are not like them