Book Review: Those People Behind Us - 3.5 Stars

This story follows 5 people, all neighbors in a well to do California neighborhood.   It is the summer of 2017 in this tiny coastal town.  All neighbors have different stories to tell, different lives they are leading.  Trump is in office and the town seems to be divided. 

Lisa, the local real estate agent:  She wants to make a difference in her community. Why don't the other neighbors seem to care? 

Ray, an older gentleman:  He cares for his mother and just wants to stay out of everyone's business. 

Keith, the ex con:  He got kicked out of his parents house, and is now living in his car.  He is trying to do the right thing, but seems to keep getting it wrong. 

Josh, a sixteen year old:  He wants to fit in but struggles with his abandonment issues from his Dad. 

Jeannette, a 40 something fitness instructor:  She is struggling to feel something in her marriage after her son tragically passed away. 

All residents of the same neighborhood, and all are going through things the others don't understand. 

This was an interesting book.  Interesting in the fact that each chapter is from a different neighbor's perspective.  They all have opinions about one another, without really knowing each other.  It is hard to know what other people are going through.  This book dives into that and how people who have different beliefs and politics, can come together to find a common ground. 

I liked this story, but I kept expecting more. What else was going to happen to bring this story home?  I was waiting for some crazy drama... but I got nothing.  There is also the political aspect of the story that I didn't care for.  Not that I don't care about politics.  I read to escape reality, not to relive it.  The writing was great and I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters, but I was a little let down, mainly from my own expectations. 

I don't regret reading this book, but I'm not sure I would choose to read it if I knew what I would be getting myself in to.