Diverse Readers Book Club

February Book - We are Not Like Them by Christine Pride & Jo Piazza

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.

"Coauthors Pride and Piazza explore how the sanctity of childhood friendship can be questioned and corrupted well into adulthood, and how violent racial injustice is ubiquitous in American life. We Are Not Like Them is spellbinding from cover to cover."
—Booklist (starred)

“Blistering and incisive. . . This character-driven novel ought to spark much discussion.”
—Publishers Weekly

“With its timely premise, clear-cut messages, and appealing female characters, this novel is bound for book-club glory.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“We Are Not Like Them is ultimately about the inherently hopeful act of having grace when the people we love make mistakes—even terrible ones. This is an excellent book club selection or a starting point for interracial friend groups or families to talk candidly about race.”
—BookPage (starred)

s of the book are available at the library. Please stop by the circulation desk to check out a copy or follow the link to grab your copy today! https://garybyker.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S147C4182356