Intriguing. Frightening. A window into a world I'll never know. Nicola Yoon has produced another keeper.

Yoon's adult debut is gripping from page one. The twists and turns and ups and downs are compelling and unputdownable. A chilling must read book for everyone.

I ended up getting a physical ARC for this one, and I read it very quickly because it was quite engaging. I do like these stories that prompt you to think about race and social status, and this one started off very strong. It seemed to be a little more sci-fi rooted than a real social commentary on being Black or a POC in our current America, so while I enjoyed the narrative and the ride of the story, I don't know that I particularly was affected by anything in a long term way, like I was with "The Other Black Girl."

Nicola Yoon creates such emotional depth in her stories, I was happy to see that translated to her thriller work as well. And while the constant struggles and tragedies where hard to read, they definitely packed a punch.

A difficult book to talk about as the topics discussed are extremely important, but the execution and intention were unclear. Whether you like the book or not, it does serve as a talking point on race and racism and what it means for someone to be comfortable and safe in their community and whether that will ever change.

This was an interesting read! King and Jasmyn buy a house in Liberty, an upscale, all black neighborhood. They liked the idea of living in a community of likeminded people and having a safe place to raise their son. From the beginning, Jasmyn is skeptical and struggles to find her place. However, King adjusts right away and becomes a member at the community wellness center which seems to be the focal point of the community. The more time King spends at the wellness center, the more suspicious Jasmyn becomes and things begin to unravel from there.
This book reminded me of the movie, Get Out and the book, When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole. This was a suspenseful, slow burn and I really enjoyed the writing. There were great descriptions and I could easily envision the community. Also, the author did a great job with Jasmyn and her characterization. I really felt for Jasmyn and struggles in Liberty. All of this kept me reading to the very end.
However, this book contained heavy topics and themes regarding race and racism. I’m not sure how I feel about how some of it was presented.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

ONE OF OUR KIND by Nicola Yoon

Not an easy book, but full of meaning and introspection on how we treat others and how we define ourselves. Fiction can provide ideas of how and why we must solve the very real problems in our society. Dismissing others’ very real fears is not the answer, nor is blaming the victims. Understanding and appreciating our differences can help, foods, art, music, hair — seems trivial, perhaps, but I didn’t know about sleep bonnets and alpha-numeric designation of types of hair.
Suspense built slowly but surely, and then became truly frightening and sad. I highly recommend this, especially for groups and discussion.
As antidote, I caught a post about LeVar Burton and the early episodes of READING RAINBOW. Opportunities to influence thinking MIGHT present a gentler answer if we make the most of them.

- - - - *** - — I’m going to mention some connections I made — skip if you want total surprise when you read, as they might be, while not spoilers, a bit spoiler-ish. —- ***

I remember a college lecture on race, and the speaker asking participants if any of them would be willing to become a Black person in the U.S. No takers, none. We have made it THAT hard. A colleague told me about having to have “the talk” with young family members, and that while I saw a police officer and thought “there’s help if I need it,” she and her family saw danger and the possibility of grave harm.
I had just read STEPFORD WIVES a week earlier, having seen the movies decades ago, and echoes made me distrustful of the Wellness Center, the gaslighting, the “for your well-being.” I found myself also thinking of the Lotus Eaters of Greek myth. I was, however, NOT prepared for the ending. Have we really made it that hard? We need to find a solution.

This was not my favorite Nicola Yoon read but I still enjoyed it. As I read through the book, it reminded me of my experiences as a Black woman AND the movie Get Out. While there are parts of the story that seemed necessarily dragged out, I still found the book easy to read and get through. Overall, I enjoyed it.

Super disappointed in this book. It was one of my most anticipated of the year. There are other reviews that say it better than I could.

Nicola Yoon's "One of Our Kind" is a true page-turner that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The suspense and intricate plot make it impossible to put down until you unravel the mystery at its core. While I don't believe the narrative reflects the author's personal beliefs, the book sparks thought-provoking debates on various themes and issues. It's a compelling read that encourages discussion long after the final page.

Nicola Yoon's One of Our Kind is a gripping exploration that left me utterly captivated from start to finish. Set in the meticulously crafted world of Liberty, California, a gated utopia for Black residents, Yoon's debut adult thriller dives headfirst into themes of identity, privilege, and the complexities of racial dynamics.

From the moment Jasmyn and King Williams relocate their family to Liberty, the narrative seizes you with its vivid portrayal of a community designed to shield its residents from the harsh realities of systemic racism. Yet, beneath the surface of this seemingly idyllic enclave lies a chilling secret that threatens to unravel everything Jasmyn holds dear.

Yoon's narrative prowess shines through in her portrayal of Jasmyn, a complex protagonist grappling with her place in a community where appearances deceive and truths are buried deep. The tension builds masterfully as Jasmyn navigates the unsettling discoveries that challenge her perception of Liberty and its inhabitants. Each revelation is expertly woven into the fabric of the story, culminating in a conclusion that is as thought-provoking as it is heart-wrenching.

What struck me most about One of Our Kind is Yoon's unflinching exploration of privilege and the stark realities faced by Black communities. Through Jasmyn's journey, Yoon deftly navigates themes of belonging, activism, and the profound impact of systemic injustices. The narrative is not just a thriller; it's a profound commentary that will linger with readers long after the final page.

As a reader, I found myself deeply moved by Yoon's storytelling prowess and her ability to provoke meaningful reflection on societal issues. One of Our Kind is a testament to Yoon's evolution as an author, seamlessly transitioning from YA to adult fiction while maintaining her signature style and narrative depth.

First off, as a white reader, I'll preface with language borrowed from another reviewer: "I can't speak on the Black experience, so I encourage you to read reviews by Black individuals."

That said, I found One of Our Kind absorbing - I couldn't put it down, which is what I want in a thriller. I also found it wildly discomfiting/infuriating, similar to The Other Black Girl, which I believe was the point. It got under my skin and stayed there! I was REALLY hoping for a different ending, but I get why Yoon chose what she did (though I found Jasmyn's continued, unwavering trust in King less and less credible as the story went on and Liberty's red flags piled up).

[SPOILER TO FOLLOW] Even though I was hoping for a different ending, I didn't take the ending as conveying that whiteness is *better* but rather that it's undeniably *easier* - I understood it as a referendum on systemic racism and the privilege / ease of whiteness. That said, I know a number of readers feel differently, and I'll continue looking out for other perspectives here!

Thanks to Knopf and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Nicola Yoon is usually a hit for me, however, diving into this one left me feeling let down. The protagonist, Jasmyn, comes across as rigid and judgmental, especially in her views on what it means to be Black. The story, while initially promising, felt rushed and didn't explore its intriguing themes deeply enough. Overall, while the premise of a gated Black community grappling with wellness and identity was fascinating, the execution left much to be desired.

One of Our Kind was an excellent reflection and commentary on what Black people can experience in their daily lives. It was an intense read from beginning to end. It gave me feelings of shock, sadness, and anger. The closer I got to the ending, the more sure I knew it wasn't going to be a "happy" ending. I'm still digesting this book.

Thank you to Knopf for letting me read ONE OF OUR KIND early. This one is out now.

I was into this book until the ending. I just have a hard time with how this one left me feeling. I'm probably just not fully grasping the intent of the story and would love to discuss this one.

“One of our kind” by Nicola Yoon


Read through the book in one fell swoop. Ah ah ahhhhhhh ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Tragedy doesn’t even begin to cover this book. So terribly good and so wonderfully terrible.

Hyped to hear the myriad of conversation that comes along from this one. So privileged I got the ARC for this one, and can’t wait to see what Nicola Yoon writes next.

Jasmyn and King Williams move their family to the planned Black utopia of Liberty, California hoping to find a community of like-minded people, a place where their growing family can thrive. King settles in at once, embracing the Liberty ethos, including the luxe wellness center at the top of the hill, which proves to be the heart of the community. But Jasmyn struggles to find her place. She expected to find liberals and social justice activists striving for racial equality, but Liberty residents seem more focused on booking spa treatments and ignoring the world’s troubles.

Jasmyn’s only friends in the community are equally perplexed and frustrated by most residents' outlook. Then Jasmyn discovers a terrible secret about Liberty and its founders. Frustration turns to dread as their loved ones start embracing the Liberty way of life.

Will the truth destroy her world in ways she never could have imagined?

Thrilling with insightful social commentary, One of Our Kind explores the ways in which freedom is complicated by the presumptions we make about ourselves and each other.

I have heard a lot about Nicola Yoon as was ecstatic to get a copy of this novel. This is the first book I've read by her.

Jasmyn and King have finally made it. They have struggled and succeeded in elevating themselves and have just moved to the exclusive town of Liberty, a Black Utopia of sorts. All the residents are black, all the store owners, the schools, the entire community. They hope their son will not have to face the racism they both did and will be able to thrive in a community where everyone is wealthy, educated and more importantly, safe from discrimination.

But Jasmyn find that things are "off" with the residents in the community. As her husband King gets more deeply rooted in the community, Jasmyn begins to sense there is danger in this community where there is no black activism or outrage for what is going on in the world outside of Liberty.

I was pretty invested in this book but the final reveal really disappointed me. I'm not sure why a black author felt this story needed to be told. By the end of the book, I felt angry with the residents of the community of Liberty.

I know this was Yoon's first adult novel. I have heard rave reviews for her YA novels and I still plan to read them. This one just didn't sit well with me.

Thank you to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for a digital review copy of this novel.

I personally did not like this book. It fell flat for me and was something that I wanted more from. I thought the concept was interesting but it didnt play out well. I got bored at times and it felt too out of this world in concept.

With so many authors making the jump from the genre that made them popular to a new genre, I was excited to see what that would look like for Nicola Yoon as her YA Contemporaries are a favorite of mine. I'm happy to say that this did not disappoint and the writing style that I so enjoyed has carried over and come into it's own in this new Adult genre.