Printable Book Club Questions for We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza

What is the title of the novel addressing?
Why was it important for the authors to start the book from Justin’s perspective after he got shot?
Did you like that we read both of Riley and Jen’s viewpoints? How did it help shape your perspective of key events that took place in the novel?
What’s your impression of Riley and Jen’s friendship? How has this friendship change as adults? Do you have a friendship like that in your life?
The shooting of Justin changes everything. Let’s first talk about how it impacted Riley and Jen separately.
Why was Riley compelled to cover the story? Should she have mentioned her relationship with Jen?
The shooting forces Riley to realize that she hasn’t always been honest to herself and especially to Jen about the struggles she goes through. How did this put a crack in Riley’s perfection veneer?
Why did Riley change her name?
When Riley confronts Jen about past comments and actions, Jen remarks that she doesn’t see race when it comes to Riley. Let’s talk about why that is a problematic viewpoint.
Let’s discuss Jen’s journey to becoming a mother. How did everything change for her after Chase was born?
Riley broke up with Corey, her white boyfriend, because of race and their different backgrounds. She eventually realizes that she’s closed herself off to love because of what she feels is expected of her. Let’s discuss the pressure Riley was under (both from others and herself). Do you think her and Corey will last?
Kevin shot Justin after his partner did and realized right away the tragic mistake he made. However, he’s at first hesitant to testify against his partner because of the ‘police code.’ What are your thoughts on this? What made him change his mind in the end?
Jen and Kevin decide to leave Philadelphia and move to Florida with their son. In many ways, it seems the friendship between her and Riley works better when it’s long distance. Will they remain friends?
The book starts with Justin’s shooting and ends with his mother, Tamara, as she tries to learn to live with grief. What did you feel as you read the story from Tamara’s perspective in the end?
There is so much covered in this novel about racial injustice. What have you learned about society and your own perspective since 2020 and the murder of George Floyd?