This was a disappointment for me. Since Nicola Yoon’s The Sun is Also a Star is one of my favorite YA books and this is her first adult book, I was thrilled to receive an advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and read it with great anticipation. Unfortunately, I found this to be an interesting idea that didn’t deliver.

The book explores different experiences and definitions of Blackness and freedom, freedom from racism and how to get there. Complex and important themes, for sure. And sometimes the writing lands:

“This, Jasmyn thinks, is the thing about being Black in America. Any conversation with a non-Black person could take a turn at any time. You think you’re talking about one thing, but the other person is always somehow talking about your Blackness.”

“Inside her chest, her heart beats a familiar rhythm. Fear and anger. Anger and fear. She closes her eyes and wishes, just for a moment, she could teach her heart a different song and, too, some other history.”

“My Blackness is not a problem. Racism is the problem.”

For most of the story, you can feel the book building to something ominous, which kept me turning pages to see what it is. Along the way, though, the characters are flat and don't develop and the dialogue is unnatural and heavy-handed, cringily unsubtle - like a primer on how systemic racism affects Black people, written for non-Black people for whom this is a new concept.

“I was in our pharmacy the other day and the security guard didn’t follow me around.” Tricia laughs and shakes her head. “I hate how they do that. Like, what? I’m going to shoplift some cough syrup or some crappy lipstick?” “Right? It’s ridiculous,” says Jasmyn. “Know what else? I haven’t been mistaken for an employee in any place there yet, either.” Tricia slaps the table. “Listen. That. Shit. Is. Not. Funny,” she says, punctuating each word with a clap. “I could be wearing a damn wedding dress and some somebody is going to come up to me and ask what aisle they can find the tampons in.”

“That right there is another reason to get a Black doctor. You know white doctors prescribe less pain medicine for Black patients than for white ones?” “I’d heard something like that,” Tricia says. “These people, I tell you.” Jasmyn shakes her head. “Remember the Tuskegee syphilis thing? They let those poor men suffer—” “Ease up, baby,” King says, finally. “We celebrating right now.” Jasmyn looks at Tricia and Dwight and realizes they’re frowning down into their drinks. “Shit, my bad,” she says. “I’m sorry. I got carried away. Sometimes the world gets to be a lot. There’s just so much injustice, you know?”

If the premise of the book intrigues you, by all means,give it a try. It just wasn't for me.

Very appropriately described as a mixture of Stepford Wives and Get Out. I was hooked from the very start and ended up reading this in one day. We follow Jasmyn and her family as they settle in to their new home in Liberty, an all Black community near LA that was founded by Jasmyn’s husband’s boss. From the start, things feel off. As we meet more and more residents of Liberty, the eerie feeling only continues to grow, especially as we learn more about the mysterious Wellness Center.
Overall, I think this did exactly what Nicola Yoon mentions in her ackknowledgements which is that it sparks converstation. Lots of dicussions in this story are nuanced and heavy so I am very excited to hear reviews and thoughts from Black book reviewers because I know I will learn even more.
I definitely recommend this book!

#NetgalleyARC Oooh this was good. It’s not at all like Yoon’s YA titles and I’m onboard with it. This was an intriguing and attention keeping read. It really makes you think “what if?” and really makes the reader think how our world could be different and what it would be like. A great read!

Pitched as The Stepford Wives meets Get Out, this psychological thriller will spark a lot of conversations, though I don't know if all of them will be good.

In ONE OF OUR KIND, Jasmyn Williams has made it. She and her husband, Kingston "King" Williams, have a wonderful boy, Kamau, and another child shortly on the way. They're making a healthy income, they donate to charities, and, as the cherry on top, they're gearing up to move to Liberty, California's first luxury, all-Black community/Utopia.

But the citizens of Liberty act strangely. They're all obsessed with the local wellness spa and show an alarming disregard for social justice causes-- including Black Lives Matter. Feeling increasingly isolated in what was supposed to be a dream community, Jasmyn becomes determined to figure out what is going on in Liberty, all while making the reader question how deeply rooted racism is.

And while this book had a highly intriguing premise, the ending shocked me... and not, upon reflection, in a good way.

First, I should mention that this book had some good things going for it. The writing and pacing hooked me, and I thoroughly enjoyed the little news excerpts between chapters that did a wonderful job of heightening the story. I thought the characters were well fleshed out, and you could tell that the author put a lot of thought and dedication into constructing this "utopia"/plot.

And, above all, it is a layered psychological thriller that will truly stop and make you think about its contents. If Get Out/Don't Worry Darling lingered with you, this book will undoubtedly do the same.

However, there were a couple of things that raised red flags.

Multiple scenes were almost identical to key moments from The Stepford Wives. Enough so that I found it took away from the mystery and tension because I could envision exactly where the plot was going. And while it's a given that this book would commentate on racial trauma, the degree to which the trauma is dug into beyond the surface level was limited to Jasmyn's narrow viewpoints and cynicism.

While Jasmyn is a self-described cynic whose life revolves around social justice and activism, she is written as if all things in her life come second to activism, including her children and safety. Being locked into her headspace was, simply put, a lot to take in, as Jasmyn does not let the reader have a break for one paragraph without a real statistic on how poorly Black people are treated in the United States. Though I'm sure it will make White readers, like myself, really sit and stew in this discomfort and harsh reality, it also made me think back to the many op-eds written by POC/Black authors about the seemingly endless array of Black trauma in the media. While these narratives are undoubtedly needed to address the presence of racism in America, it did make me question who this book was intended for.

This was insurmountably demonstrated by the ending, which I have no doubt will be controversial upon publication. It was shocking, but I'll be curious to see what kind of conversation it creates.

All in all, I thought this book accomplished what the author intended for it to do, and it has definitely stuck with me in the days after finishing. 3.5/4 Stars.

It was pretty good although very disturbing, and a lot "scarier" than I realized it would be.. I didnt enjoy this mcuh it left a sour feeling

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Thanks for the review copy. I have always enjoyed Yoon’s young adult books. Her first adult book is very heavy and an eye opener. I learned a lot and was terrified.

Very into this premise and the characters were pretty richly drawn to me, too. Really just wished the twists were twistier and the ending made a little more sense (why did she drive to the [redacted] instead of the [redacted]?!)

Nicola needs to take this book back so that I won’t have nightmares. What did she ddddooooooooo!!

Okay, pros: really packs a punch!! And a quick read, it felt more like a long short story.

Cons: Jasmyn was so fixated 24/7 on activism that she couldn’t relax and find enjoyment in anything, it seemed, and she came across as really narrow-minded and judgmental, ie: acting like Black people had to be a certain way or they were unenlightened and naive. Not cute. It made her seem very “one note” and surface level, which goes back to my saying it felt like a short story - like in a short story you wouldn’t necessarily need as much depth to a character, you’re just trying to make a statement and get a point across. She did grow on me after a while but it was very tedious. She couldn’t even accept that people would take part in any kind of self care - how do you think you’re going to help anyone if you’re running yourself into the ground?? ALSO - for someone so focused on lifting others up, it didn’t make sense to me how she was so okay with living in this million dollar home like does that not seem wasteful and excessive? I feel like her morals were so iron tight 95% of the time and then that just didn’t add up. I understand wanting a safe community for your family and for your children where they can be treated as equals, but maybe there’s a happy medium somewhere? It also didn’t make sense to me how she was so intelligent and sharp, and yet she kept gaslighting herself and making stupid decisions when things were getting dangerous. Where did her brain go???

Also I feel like everything with the Wellness Center was kind of predictable? Like I feel like there could have been more creativity and depth in what was going on and how it was happening and instead it was more of an easy out and that was kind of boring and disappointing.

SLIGHT SPOILER DON’T READ THIS !!! - this reminded me a lot of the book Black No More. Obviously very different but had me feeling a bit like this had been done before.

But anyway the end was horrifying lol. Particularly in how their agency had been completely taken away and they couldn’t stop what was being done to them (and their children!!) by the people they trusted the most. Although, again, Jasmyn had so many opportunities to make different choices- especially at the very end when she is IN LABOR and she drives herself to the Wellness Center instead of the hospital?????????

I love Nicola Yoon and was so looking forward to reading this. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC. The reviews promised a cross between The Stepford Wives and Get Out and from the start, it was all there. Jasmyn and her husband King move into an all-Black community near Los Angeles. It's a dream because everyone there is Black - teachers, policemen, shopkeepers, everyone. No more worrying about being profiled, stopped for no reason, being seen than less than at school. A real utopia. But when King starts spending more and more time at the community's Wellness Center and he, as well as Jasmyn's friends, start to change their attitudes towards the Black community and their issues, Jasmyn gets scared and wants to get out. It was great until the last couple of chapters, then it went off the rails and I don't understand at all why Yoon did what she did. Without giving away the ending, I feel like Yoon set the Black community back ions instead of moving forward.

WOW!

Jaw is on the floor. I was not expecting it to be like Get Out in the aspect that it was so I was completely thrown for a loop. Nicola has been my favorite author since I was in highschool and seeing her explore a new genre makes me so excited to see what else she has in store!

You won’t be disappointed, the ending is NUTS!

Thank you NetGalley for a chance for me to read this early, I loved every moment of it.

A haunting speculative domestic thriller! Jasmyn and King Williams make a big move to a planned town. Liberty, California is entirely Black owned. The pair hope to bring their children up safely and meet more like minded individuals. Right away Jasmyn is alarmed. The majority of the community members spend a lot of time at the spa on the hill, they don't seem to want to discuss politics or current events. When her husband begins to spend more time at the spa, Jasmyn knows she has to act. A very interesting take on the world. I enjoyed Jasmyn's commentary and politics but she did tend to not be able to relax (ever!) The ending, though, it will shock you!
#KnopfPantheonVintageAnchor #Knopf #oneofourkind #nicolayoon

Fresh take on the creepy utopia thriller, this book is reminiscing of Stepford Wives made topical for 2024. Just as,enjoyable as her YA fiction. .

This is my first time reading Nicola Yoon, and it did not disappoint. I see some other reviews from fans of Yoon's YA work, and perhaps it wouldn't be as well-received if you had a certain expectation based on her previous work, but to those who already know and love her, I would suggest wiping the slate clean and going in without preconceptions.

One of Our Kind is that special kind of book which is both a serious page-turner and also has something to say. Yoon manages to quickly weave together a world and characters that come alive off the page-- it's so cinematic, and the tension is so palpable, it almost felt like watching a movie rather than reading a book. While the characters are sort of archetypal, it works for the fast-paced narrative. You get exactly who each person is, their flaws and strengths, right out the gate. This isn't a slow-burn character piece; it's more about the tense atmosphere and searing cultural commentary Yoon has to offer. The central character, Jasmyn, is frustratingly judgmental-- the kind of uptight social justice warrior that is often off-putting to people regardless of race. And yet, she is fully justified. She is a Cassandra, bearing the weight of the world (or at least her peoples' struggles in the world), sounding the alarm to those who are either blind to or willfully ignorant of the societal injustices and real harm they themselves face. There's so much that can be said about what Yoon has written here, and yet, it somehow manages, even with all its critique and the horrors invovled, to be a truly fun read.

I suspect that given Yoon's track record, this will find a wide audience and be adapted to film rather quickly, and I cannot wait.

Thank you, NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for the copy of One Of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon. This was the first book I have read by Yoon but I’m going to find her other books because this is an amazing book that was enjoyable even though I wasn’t expecting to touch my emotions the way it did. I liked how we learned about Jasmyn’s work and her home life but I was conflicted about her views that sometimes felt narrow-minded, even though her heart was in the right place. I was surprised that she wasn’t more suspicious and cautious with how smart she was. We didn’t get to know the other characters well, and I would have liked to know more about King's motivations. The story was well-paced and I gasped out loud at the reveal because it was so unexpected I was shocked. After reading the epilogue, I know this is a book that I will be thinking about for a long, long time.

Psychological thriller about racism that felt a lot like Get Out, at points it lacked depth but I enjoyed it. Thanks for the arc

Yoon, best known for her commercial success with books like The Sun Is Also a Star & Everything, Everything, is now offering a provocative thriller debut for her adult readers that would yield a dynamic discussion for any summer book club.

A wealthy young family decides to relocate into a newly created utopian community designed specifically for the Black community, offering comfort and safety for its residents that they cannot achieve in the real world setting.

As Jasmyn worries for the safety of her children, especially her son, as he gets older, she is excited for the freedom from worry this will offer them. The problem is that their family’s newly earned wealth often clashes with Jasmyn feeling removed from the dialogue and conversations around social justice issues within her old stomping grounds.

As she settles into her home, she discovers that the new neighbors seem removed from real-world issues and have a bizarre fixation on self-care and wellness. The truth about the intentions of this seemingly idyllic space starts becoming more troubling as she uncovers the origin story of the neighborhood and the people in it.

This thriller is a tense page-turning story reminiscent of Get Out. The ending will evoke a response, and much like The Other Black Girl, it is already polarizing among early readers. I don't know what more to say except that I had hoped this would end on a more empowering note than it did. But the simmering rage I felt when finishing this story was likely Yoon's intention all along.

Great concept. While the execution was a bit shaky (the ending felt a rushed), it was a thought-provoking look at race and racism in a sci-fi context.

I was so looking forward to Nicola Yoon's entrance into adult fiction, but this book fell flat for me. It feels like the story got lost within all of the details and messages Nicola was trying to make. I wanted more "showing," less telling since the narrator's voice was very matter-of-fact.

Jasmyn and Kingston Williams and their young son move to the all-Black, wealthy utopia of Liberty, California, a suburb of LA. Jasmyn, a longtime community activist struggles to find her place and like-minded people there, especially in the wake of yet another brutal police shooting. And what if the mysterious spa in the hill that has so entranced Kingston?

A twisted take on The Stepford Wives. You’ll think you know where it’s going, and you do, and yet you don’t. Entertaining and so, so dark.