Jen and Riley have been friends since childhood, but for the first time in years, the two grown women are both living in the same city — their hometown of Philly. Riley is working her way up at the local news station and hoping to be among the first Black female anchors, and Jen is excited to welcome her first baby with her husband Kevin. However, the duo's lifelong friendship is put to the test when Kevin, who is a local cop, is involved in the shooting of a 14-year-old Black boy and Riley is tasked with covering the tragedy.

I think of course just by reading the description you realize how heavy and devastatingly familiar this scene feels. The book is told in alternating perspectives of Riley and Jen, and it makes for some absolutely heart-wrenching chunky chapters of insight into these women. I think the authors approached this subject really well and was super impressed with the novel overall. I can't imagine how hard tackling this topic was and how much pressure to do the families who have handled this IRL justice.

I really liked the audiobook narrators, who brought Jen and Riley to life for me.

This novel was fascinating. The two authors really combined forces on this to really delve into the different aspects of the death of an unarmed black man, and the implications for everyone in trying to sift through emotions and policies that stem from it. There are a lot of touchpoints here without taking any "sides" or pushing any "agendas." Just a really thoughtful look. This gave me some different fields of view for me to process for myself and my responses to such situations, especially as a white woman who is also a news producer. An incredible book.

I absolutely LOVED this book. I consider it to be one of the best told fictional narratives that tackles racial tensions and policing. I truly cared about these women - and the prologue gutted me. Such a smart way to start this story.