Racism

The theme of racism is at the heart of We Are Not Like Them. The novel explores how racial issues affect friendships, relationships, and families. Race gets in the way of Riley’s friendship with Jen as well as her romance with Corey. Systemic racism in the police force destroys Justin’s family as Justin falls victim to racial profiling.

Race infiltrates nearly every sphere of Riley’s life—especially in her friendships and romantic relationships. She realizes this once she gets back together with Corey: “On paper, I don’t end up with the white guy, especially considering how consumed I’ve been these last few months (or a lifetime, really) with all the ways race oozes its sticky tentacles into every relationship, every interaction, every intention… But here I am, my cheek on this pale chest, realizing that Corey may well be a white...