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We Are Not Like Them
We Are Not Like Them
Jo Piazza, Christine Pride | 2022 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
We Are Not Like Them is a really timely novel about racism in America.

Jen (white) and Riley (black) have grown up together, and are like sisters. Colour has never been an issue between the two of them. But when Jen’s Police Officer husband is involved in the shooting of a black teenaged boy, and Riley is given the job of covering the story as a TV reporter, things become difficult and strained between them. Is their past enough to keep the friendship going? I did wonder on many occasions throughout the book.

Themes include racism, prejudice, white privilege and police brutality. It’s a pretty hard-hitting book, and could be set anywhere in the US at the moment. We have our own issues and institutional racism to deal with in the UK, and it was interesting to see how this panned out. I did think that Riley worried more about Jen. Jen was completely wrapped up in her own problems, using Riley as someone to lean on, whilst not being at all curious about Riley’s feelings on what had happened to the boy. But then, Jen has some pretty huge things going on in her life, too.

I can see this being an ideal book for a book club - so much is going on, there’s so much to unpick.

It’s a powerful novel. Recommended.
  
As The Secrets Turn (My Darkest Secret #3)
As The Secrets Turn (My Darkest Secret #3)
B. Truly | 2023 | Romance, Thriller, Young Adult (YA)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
AS THE SECRETS TURN is the third and final book in this trilogy although there are spin-offs in the making. We start with Madi and Justin on their way to be married. One thing after another makes Madi doubt if it is the right time.

The story is woven nicely from beginning to end, although I did find certain phrases repeated throughout - for example, the colour of her skin against his. Some of the events also seemed a little hard to swallow but they fitted in with the rest of the book. Other happenings were very true to life and made me smile.

I found this book to be a fitting conclusion to Madi and Justin's story, showcasing the hardships and trials Madi has been through and showing her strength and durability, her willingness to fight for those who can't, and how, above all, she is a survivor.

Although you don't have to have read books 1 and 2, I do think it worthwhile to do so, just so you get the full benefit of the complete story arc. Recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!