Most of the country, and world watched the nine minute video of a white Minneapolis police officer killing an African-American man named, George Floyd. No one could turn away from this tape or hide it from the public. Protests soon broke out around the world after Floyd's murder, and a number of non-fiction books about racial injustice, the marginalization of minorities and race relations were published. Non-fiction provides numbers and statistics, but the novel, WE ARE NOT LIKE THEM (Atria) really touches our hearts and gives readers a better understanding of this injustice.
Co-authors Christine Pride is white and Jo Piazza is Black and they were able to offer different perspectives and viewpoints while writing their novel. They share the statistic at the opening of the novel that nearly ninety-percent of people say they don't have a close friend of another race or ethnicity.
Jen is the white daughter of a drug addict and Riley is black. They've both been brought up under Riley's mother's roof since pre-K. Their life-long friendship is color blind. Jen gets married to her childhood sweetheart and Riley works hard to become a television reporter in Philadelphia. Jen's husband is a cop and he's involved in a deadly shooting of an unarmed teenager, while Riley is assigned to cover the story. What happens from there is readers get to see how different races experience the world around them and are immersed into the racial divide, which continues to tear our country apart.
The book is told in alternating chapters from Jen's and Riley's perspectives. The authors hope "these types of intimate relationships fuel our empathy and understanding and add richness to our lives." WE ARE NOT LIKE THEM
is intended to "create a message of hope during these polarized times."
I liked all the fully crafted characters. Having been a television reporter for many years, I fully understood the unique situation Riley was put in. The story felt as if it was ripped from the headlines, but delved deeper into the complexities of what was happening. Jen and Riley's relationship was a beautiful example of how true friendships can be color blind and withstand tragedy. I believe WE ARE NOT LIKE THEM is the best book published this year. I encourage everyone to read it, if you haven't already.
Jennifer Bardsley believes in friendship, true love, and the everlasting power of books. A graduate of Stanford University, she lives in Edmonds, Washington with her husband and two children. Her books have been translated into Turkish, recorded as audiobooks by Blackstone Publishing and Tantor Audio, and chosen to be part of Amazon’s Prime Reading program. Jennifer’s newest book, “Sweet Bliss,” will be published by Montlake Romance in 2021. She also writes under the pen name Louise Cypress. Jennifer’s “I Brake for Moms” column has appeared in The Everett Herald for over eight years.
When she’s not writing books, or camping with her Girl Scout troop, you can find Jennifer walking from her house to the beach every chance she gets.
Jo Piazza is the national and international bestselling author of many critically acclaimed novels and nonfiction books including Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win, The Knockoff and How to Be Married. Her work has been published in ten languages in twelve countries and four of her books have been optioned for film and television. A former editor, columnist and travel writer with Yahoo, Current TV and the New York Daily News, her work has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, New York magazine, Glamour, Elle, Time, Marie Claire, the Daily Beast, and Slate. She holds an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s in journalism from Columbia University, and a master’s in religious studies from New York University.
She lives in Philly with her husband, Nick Aster and two young children.
Thanks to Atria Books we have one copy to giveaway. Just tell us what you think about our country's racial temperature. This is a question that may take some time to think about before answering. We'll announce a winner soon. Good luck.
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Wow, this book sounds like a MUST read for everybody. Unfortunately this racism is so sad and it has been going on it seems like forever, and unfortunately I don't think it is ever going to end which is so , so very sad. To me the color of a persons skin does not matter one bit, it is what is in a persons heart what really matters. Yes, we are all different , but we are also all the same. I will keep on holding on to hope and I hope that this racism will end sometime for the sake of everyone. This book sounds like a great read and I will repeat myself again I think it is MUST read for everybody. Have a Great week and stay safe. aliciabhaney(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
ReplyDeleteIn the past few years, people have felt empowered to express their dislike/hatred for others. Unfortunately, more of these incidents have turned violent. Having dealt with racism all my life, I hope it will change before more blood is shed and lives are lost.
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difficult
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I believe change begins in our own homes and backyards. We’ve made progress with awareness. I wish growth could occur without violence 😢 tysm
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I don't keep up with the drum beat of racial tension promoted by the news media. In my life & my location that I have lived in for decades, there's absolutely no racial issues whatsoever. Everyone gets along just fine & racism is only an issue for those who want to make it one.
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Racism is not simply a thing of the past, it is up close and personal in the present. (Sellhighbuylow@hotmail.com)
ReplyDeleteBeing a victim of racism, I was attacked because I was different. (Xialee1983@hotmail.com)
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult. You never know how someone will react. I treat people the way I want to be treated but there are some individuals that are so on-guard at all times.
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