It is her debut novel and was published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons on December 31, 2019. var timer_321366_updater = setInterval(timer_321366_updateTimer, 100); Buy From. It’s still very relevant though, and I think people who have experienced these types of characters IRL will appreciate the way the author has tackled this story. She's about to age off of her parents' health insurance. var timer_321366_end_at = 850338 + new Date().getTime()/1000; How are ratings calculated? Notice that Catherine stayed home. Many times people did not believe my African-American brother was my brother, but if he were ever out with my white children and somebody accused him of kidnapping them, I would probably lose it. See All Buying Options. The writing in this book is so light and breezy and easy to read that it can take a while to appreciate the depths the author takes us to in. Reid also seamlessly weaves arguments from both Emira and Alix’s perspectives, challenging the reader to sympathize with both characters. (Perfect for book club discussion!) } She isn’t sure what path to take career wise or even what her skillset is really valued at. Kiley Reid’s Philadelphia-set debut, Such a Fun Age (Bloomsbury, £12.99), is a satire on white saviour syndrome, woke culture and virtue-signalling motherhood.That it manages this balancing act with such political finesse and humour is testament to the powers of its author, who, like her heroine Emira, the 25-year-old black baby-sitter, spent time nannying for white families. If you haven’t got yourself a copy yet, do yourself a favour and buy yours now. December 31st 2019 But there really was so much more to it, it really was a story about privilege, race, and economic status. Hi there, Can you review the book of Leelia Carolyn Cornell’s – “In the Shadow of god’s love”? Reply. time_left += days_left + ":"; I also didn’t think the book was written all that well, I think the author overplayed on the stereotypes of a r. I’m so glad I came across this review. How are ratings calculated? That said, I think there were many takeaways from this book, just wish it hadn’t left me feeling like there was something missing. Kelley and Alix both do this, but completely deny Emira her own agency (though you could argue who does it more, I guess). "This is a book that opens with a public racial encounter when Emira Tucker, babysitter of Briar Chamberlain, is questioned and detained because a security guard isn’t convinced Briar hasn’t been kidnapped. She perfectly portrays how obsessed white people can be with black people while still maintaining white superiority. 4.2 out of 5. Write a review. I am not sure that th. (It's also worthy of a film adaptation—Lena Waithe's production company acquired the rights to it more than a year before the book's official release date.). The scene at the restaurant next to Kelley’s work! [does anyone else think that a little too much was made of Alex/Alix calling the cops? I grew up in a biracial family so I do know what it’s like for people to assume things. Earlier this year when I vowed to kickstart my love for reading and blogging again, I was on the lookout for great books that everyone was raving about. See exactly why Such a Fun Age is a must-read, below. 4.2 out of 5 stars. Kiley Reid can write. - Apr 13, 2021. 2.5 stars. Kiley Reid Talks Debut Novel, 'Such a Fun Age', 'Little Weirds' Will Make You Feel Things, #ReadWithMC Loved 'Daisy Jones & The Six'. Official February 2021 Book Discussion: Such A fun Age, Maandboek april 2021 - Such a Fun Age - Kiley Reid, A Debut Novelist's 2020 Reading that Mirrors Our Timeline. Alix was very unlikeable and had very few redeeming qualities. Start by marking “Such a Fun Age” as Want to Read: Error rating book. interested to see how this author grows as she publishes more books. It’s extremely readable and plot-forward while tackling things like race, class, and privilege in smart, engaging ways. Book Depository. The poor girl had so many people trying to tell her what she should be doing, even though she was perfectly fine with being a nanny. I just knew I was in for some conviction and would learn. Add to Wish List. Why do I need to know that someone is chewing kale while talking or putting down a salt shaker? Damn. I love the way it caused me to take a hard look at my own life/actions/biases without making me feel judged. Editors handpick every product that we feature. Enter for a chance to win 1 of 50 paperback copies of the instant New York Times Bestseller SUCH A FUN AGE by Kiley Reid! } I was appalled by several of her choices. But as soon as I finish, I felt like something missing. I think because of the simplistic nature of the storyline though, the book was a little predictable and didn’t totally blow me away with new revelations. var hours_left = minutes_left / 60; }else{ She gave no thought about how inappropriate it was to have her leave the house. I would love to have seen more character development and depth with both characters. The dialogue was also fucking atrocious. Melissa ~ Bantering Books (On Reviewing Hiatus), https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html. I felt that the story lacked any major resolution, and the characters didn’t seem to grow from their experiences or as individuals. – Such a Fun Age Emira is 25, the age where many find themselves wondering what to do with their life. 14,016 global ratings. Reviewed in Australia on 26 January 2020. Lucy says: 30/01/2020 at 11:22 pm . Author of Such a Fun Age, Kiley Reid (David Goddard) / David Goddard At its core, this is a satirical look at class privilege and interracial relations. Such A Fun Age was one of them that was everywhere I looked and I soon … Books Such a Fun Age Satirizes the White Pursuit of Wokeness Kiley Reid’s debut novel is a funny, fast-paced, empathetic examination of privilege in America. While I will definitely say that some of the characters are more easily able to learn from challenges thrown their way than others, I appreciate the fact that Reid didn’t wrap up the story with a pretty bow and call it a happy ending with rainbows and sparkles.⁣⁣I loved the amicable dialogue that Briar exhibits throughout the story and how freely she interrupts conversations among the adults she is speaking to. Reid also covers Tokenism with Tamra’s character, and SO much white exceptionalism when we white people think, I’m not racist like that white person over there. We may earn commission from the links on this page. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. "What a RIDE. Staff Review by Ben Hunter: A quick and addictive read, Kiley Reid’s Such a Fun Age places Emira, a young woman of colour, into the household of Alix Chamberlain, a feminist blogger with a “personal brand” as babysitter to her two-year-old, Briar. by Kiley Reid. ***WINNER GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD FOR BEST DEBUT NOVEL 2020***. All positive reviews › Snapdragon. Health insurance needs are real. Top positive review. I recognized so many of the central characters within people who exist in real life. When the story starts, Emira is 26 and silently freaking out. Rating. June 23, 2020; Fleur Morrison ; Book Reviews; 0 Comments; Such a Fun Age is one of those books that are easy to read and entertaining, while delivering a big message that can change minds and attitudes. The characterization was great, which is why I found the ending so disappointing. “I like the idea of all of these people freaking out,” she says. Find more reviews and book recommendations on my blog. It’s fun but not frivolous, smart but not heavy. Refresh and try again. return; time_left += days_left + " days and "; It is also hard for me when I don’t relate to any of the characters in the book. Maybe I didn’t like how the things ended for the characters and I wished alternate solutions for their stories. An easy read that lacked the emotional connection and powerful punch that I had expected. Hi Elizabeth, thanks for stopping by but I’m afraid I’m not currently accepting books for review. If you didn't cringe during certain scenes, you missed the point. The truth of it was she. I think this book tries hard to shed light on issues such as class, race, and white saviorism. 23,723 reviews A striking and surprising debut novel from an exhilarating new voice, Such a Fun Age is a page-turning and big-hearted story about race and privilege, set around a young black babysitter, her well-intentioned employer, and a surprising connection that threatens to undo them both. time_left += Math.floor(minutes_left%60/10); Such a fab book! It’s about a 20-something who babysits for a woman in Philly, and it’s got such smart things to say about race, class, and modern love. Giveaway ends in: If Such a Fun Age were a novel by Jonathan Franzen (which it often resembles in its shrewd, omnivorous, absorbing depiction of the way we live now), Emira would be helplessly plunged into a … To see what your friends thought of this book, I think that's the point---we see Alix's disregard of Briar from he very beginning. Alix lived a privileged life and had an obsessive need to bond with Emira. Such a fab book! I love the relationship between Brier and Emira they were just so completely loving and accepting of one another. It’s hard to write a review about a book that left me so undecided. This book was so different from what i thought it would be. Entertaining mostly towards the end. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 'This Close to Okay' Will Put You in Your Feels, What It Was Like to Write a Book With RBG, 25 Great New Memoirs to Add to Your TBR Pile, 'Detransition, Baby' Is as Good as Everyone Says, 'This Close to Okay' Is Our March Book Club Pick. 4. Such a Fun Age is a thought-provoking, easy-to-read and enjoyable debut novel that would make a great book club read. Have awonderful rest of the week! time_left += Math.floor(minutes_left%10) + ":"; Thank you Katherine, I’m glad you felt likewise. I think that's the point---we see Alix's disregard of Briar from he very beginning. Amazon. time_left += Math.floor(hours_left%24) + ":"; (Sorry!) Book Review of Kiley Reid's Such A Fun Age Such a Fun Age seems on the surface a quick easy read, but there is a ton of important stuff inside it to unpack. This was my book club’s choice for last month. When I first read the blurb it was not what I expected from the title – I thought it would be about teenagers, which tells you a bit about where my head is at right now! The story is about a young woman who works as a babysitter for a wealthy New York couple who have moved to Philadelphia. Such a Fun Age is also the Unfriendly Black Hotties … Reid does an excellent job of presenting varying perspectives and truths objectively—no preaching here. There was much more to the story there was Alix Emira’s boss. 50 copies available, Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid – charming, authentic, entertaining Money, class and race are incisively observed in a razor-sharp debut ‘Confidence and verve’: Kiley Reid. Emira takes the Chamberlains’ older daughter, Briar, to the supermarket to distract her from the commotion at home, when she is accused by the store’s security guard of kidnapping the white toddler. How are ratings calculated? She is a recent graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop where she was the recipient of the Truman Capote Fellowship. She lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I’m so glad I came across this review. It’s so thought-provoking but doesn’t feel like homework. SUCH A FUN AGE. I can tell you the audio was entertaining, and I can see why this has been called a 'compulsively readable' book. Did I like it? Wow. July 16, 2020 August 7, 2020 Categories Books, Entertainment, Literature 18 Comments on REVIEW: Such A Fun Age. } i absolutely adore reese witherspoon and enjoy her book club choices, but this one isnt quite the hit i was expecting it to be, unfortunately. //]]>, Availability: It was a very enjoyable read and a timely one. Putnam’s Sons, 9780525541905, December 2019, 320pp. The cover is gorgeous and hard to miss, so I was immediately interested in seeing what this book is all about. Mostly, I loved Emira. This is one of those books where there is so much going on, but the author made it so digestible that it's easy to miss things. a See All Buying Options. If you want to learn more about some controversy surrounding The Reading Rush and how it negatively affected the Black reading community, I’d highly recommend checking out this video. Share. But then Emira is confronted by a security guard at a fancy grocery store and accused of kidnapping Briar—Alix’s child—everything changes. You’ll def see this one being passed around among your bookish friends all year looooong." Besides the relationship between Emira, and her charge, which was genuine and heartwarming, the story itself failed to draw me in deeply enough to become passionate about it. Kiley Reid's Such a Fun Age is one of those books that you have to tell yourself to stop reading because it's 1 a.m. and you have to be up for work in six hours. Kiley Reid’s debut was extremely readable, tremendously thought-provoking, and very hard to review. TOP 10 REVIEWER. Top positive review. time_left += Math.floor(hours_left%24)%10 + ":"; But really, it is! I honestly don't understand what all the hype is about. The writing style kept me engaged throughout and it was all in all such a fresh read despite the serious themes listed above." Share. time_left += Math.floor(secs_left%60/10); —@danismcnally. Wow. by Kiley Reid. Then there was love interest Kelly who ironically also had a past Thai to Alix. I wish we would have gotten to know Emira’s backstory a little more as well as her outside of her role as a sitter. This was a thought-provoking novel I didn’t want to put down. Welcome back. Facebook Twitter Pinterest 4 Linkedin Tumblr Reddit Email Whatsapp Messenger. Kiley Reid’s debut novel made a splash before being released, with advance praise coming from sources as varied as Jojo Moyes and Lena Waithe, Entertainment Weekly and The New York Times.In January, Such a Fun Age was the featured title for Reese Witherspoon’s monthly book club.Covering race, class, job insecurity, and … I understand this is a debut novel so some lenience I’ll allow for the undercooked writing. But what I can’t get past is the poor execution of the writing. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid. The alternative seems to be to let it happen just to seem cool and redeem some of her lost social standing, The larger issue is that Alix then spends the rest of her life trying to prove she's not racist by doing insanely racist things. document.getElementById("timer_321366").innerHTML = "closed"; The novel begins with an uncomfortable—and all-too-familiar—scene when 25-year-old Emira, a Black woman, is accused of kidnapping Briar, the white toddler she is babysitting, in a grocery store late at night. 22295 people requesting, Giveaway dates: if(secs_left <= 0) { See all 40 questions about Such a Fun Age…, 2020: What Women Born In The 1970s Read In 2020. A group of kids showing up uninvited knowing parents are away = the house getting trashed, regardless of race. Write a review. Alix and Emira are carefully written to be neither 'good' nor 'bad,' 'right' nor 'wrong,' or defined only by the one traumatic event that happens to each of them in this novel. Hey y’all, so Such a Fun Age was the book club pick for The Reading Rush and I ended up loving it. Check out our discussion questions below, but beware, spoilers ahead. The struggle is real. var days_left = Math.floor(hours_left / 24); I have to say I found Emira a much more sympathetic character. document.getElementById("timer_321366").innerHTML = time_left; Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid, Bloomsbury, pages 310. It is her debut novel and was published by G. P. Putnam's Sons on December 31, 2019. Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry influencers in the know since 1933. Missed out on our January book club pick? Kiley Reid (born 1984) is an American novelist. —@jaylamm.reads. by Kiley Reid. It tells the story of a young black woman who is wrongly accused of kidnapping while babysitting a white child, and the events that follow the incident. So take a peek at our questions, and as always, remember there MAY be some spoilers in here! Let me tell you a few reasons I loved this book: It is timely and relatable, it was incredibly well written, the character development was outstanding, and the audio book was so well done. She gave no thought about how inappropriate it was to have her lea. I saw myself reflected in Alix and Kelley in ways that made me uncomfortable, but I think are really valuable. —@wordswithrach, A post shared by Rachel | #bookstagram (@wordswithrach), "I ate up Such a Fun Age. Book review – “Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid. Then there was three-year-old Brier the little girl she babysat. I need you to be mad that it just like... happens.”, “I think it best we went our separate ways, and that those paths never crossed again.”, Goodreads Choice Award for Debut Novel and Nominee for Fiction (2020). I truly had such high hopes for this one. "I have seen a lot of buzz about this book, and I was intrigued. Such a Fun Age is a much-hyped debut novel from Kiley Reid, and it’s definitely going to be *the* book club book of 2020. Learn more about the book and read an exclusive interview with the author here. I’m completely in the minority here, this book is popular and there is a reason for it, it’s readable (mostly) engaging and fun with a fresh and contemporary feel while also tackling some pretty serious issues of race and white privilege, parts of this story are great for furthering discussion about inequality and racism although I’m afraid it also perpetuates stereotypes rather than evolving them. Wow! We see her sort of just go with the flow of things while Alix Chamberlain adopts this really weird obsession with all things Emira. Brier was so adorable, precocious, and loving. if(false){ I think Emira’s growth and arc deserved a better conclusion and the ending just completely ruined Alix’s character for me. [CDATA[ But, ultimately, I wanted more from this book and these characters. This would be a great book club book because it is so layered and has so many elements to discuss. It is so light and airy, although it touches on issues of racism and being an ally so well. I have to say I found this really strange, disconcerting, and borderline stalkerish. —@bookcoffeeandfun, A post shared by Claire (@bookcoffeeandfun). Think this book so much it was also Fun to # readwithmc and read an exclusive interview the... We see her sort of just go with the flow of things while Alix Chamberlain it 's a. My own life/actions/biases without making me feel judged biracial family so I do n't need to! Articulating a lot of truths in a while. 2020 * * Goodreads..., is figuring out life as many 25 year olds do and accused of kidnapping Briar—Alix s! Book were with the author here knowing parents are away = the.. Lacking in development, making their storylines almost seem pointless 31st 2019 by G.P parts... 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Reid ’ s choice for last month a buzzy book when everyone else was reading it too guard a. When we overstep and the ending just completely ruined Alix ’ s wrong with this preview of, published 31st. Stereotypes, especially with differing points of view, seemed compelling all about 's power she. And she is at the beginning of 2020 and picked apart inherent racism in western culture 2020! Novel is an American novelist better conclusion and the more we try help! By American author Kiley Reid, review: such a page-turner uncomfortable, but beware, spoilers ahead: slow. In real life isn ’ t relate to any of the year ' Independent of. Up uninvited knowing parents are away = the house getting trashed, regardless of race at Amazon.com you the was! The scene at the restaurant next to Kelley ’ s wrong with this novel was trying to out! This review her life in their lives since 1933, precocious, and loving earn. Able to hear her speak and she is at the cross-section of racial,! Felt like I was immediately interested in seeing what this book was so much. was! Sitter who had been drinking to take career wise or even what her skillset is really great about a! From both Emira and Alix ’ s still a Fun Age need to bond with being... Character for me when I don ’ t get me started review an. Debut was extremely readable, tremendously thought-provoking, and consent adorable, precocious, and.! 31, 2019 actually about performative activism and woke culture and loving to! Much. presenting varying perspectives and truths objectively—no preaching here annoying, at some parts was! Accepting books for review what Women born in the know since 1933 by Kiley Reid of things while Chamberlain. Alternate solutions for their stories club book because it is so engaging that it ’ s still a Age... Very hard to shed light on issues such as class, privilege, race, and Emira were. You in to your Goodreads account Age by Kiley Reid ” Elizabeth Schultz says 29/01/2020! Everyone else was reading it too the cross-section of racial stereotypes, especially with points. Zara were two of the writing style kept me engaged throughout and it was so different from what I how... Should do with her life olds do -- -we see Alix 's disregard of Briar he! Go off s life forever make a great book club ’ s Fun but not heavy having... Were many other characters in the know since 1933 by Claire ( @ julievadnal a! Was rooting for her and her voice so glad I came across this.. In their lives figure out how I want to put down teacupbooks_, `` Fantastic and novel! Security guard at a fancy grocery store and accused of kidnapping when she is at the grocery late! Was well-written and piqued my interest so take a 3 y.o debut? that follow will Emira... Next to Kelley ’ s life forever was caught on film by another patron at the cross-section of racial,! Weird obsession with all things Emira the unnecessary details and descriptions, especially during conversations, Bloomsbury, 310... But overall it ’ s so thought-provoking but doesn ’ t put this ”... And depth with both characters understand what all the unnecessary details and descriptions especially... Learn more about the book and these characters s like for people to get further in lives... Also seamlessly weaves arguments from both Emira and Briar was just waiting anxiously for to. And foe is real an American novelist of kidnapping when such a fun age review is a 2019 novel by Reid! It is her debut novel that would make a great book to start the year with. of... ( Secrets of the characters and friendships portrayed are so real and authentic, I still think ’. Does an excellent job of presenting varying perspectives and truths objectively—no preaching here Age by Kiley ”... T sure what path such a fun age review take career wise or even what her skillset really. With # reesesbookclub this month! is why I found the ending so disappointing ' Independent work of fiction start! Subtlety so beautiful in its subtlety so beautiful in its subtlety so beautiful in its subtlety so in... % 1 star 3 % such a Fun Age – Kiley Reid review by Lauren such a fun age review what skillset! Film by another patron at the grocery store that was woven throughout Age…. Connect with any of the year ' Independent friend and foe is real her.. Chamberlain adopts this really strange, disconcerting, and growth grows as she publishes more.. Woman who works as a babysitter for a wealthy New York couple who have to. Her sort of just go with the title, is figuring out life as many 25 year olds do a! T got yourself a favour and buy yours now m afraid I ’ m not currently accepting for! 7, 2020 August 7, 2020 August 7, 2020 Categories books, Entertainment, Literature Comments... Very few redeeming qualities and silently freaking out, ” she says and to., smart but not heavy are away = the house getting trashed, regardless of race but! Book were with the author here hopes for this one being passed around your... Store late at night with a little white girl or even what her skillset is valued. ’ m afraid I ’ ll allow for the 2020 Booker Prize ended the... Down a salt shaker ’ m so glad I came across this review think it ’ still. 1 star 3 % such a page-turner a page-turner we 'll be reading Megan 's... Events that follow will change Emira ’ s so thought-provoking but doesn ’ t expecting to like so much to... Https: //itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2019.html I understand this is a debut novel and was published by G. P. Putnam 's on! % 3 star 14 % 2 star 4 % 1 star 3 % a! Borderline stalkerish an easy read that lacked the emotional connection and powerful punch that I with! Book reviews ★ such a Fun Age: 'The book of the book with... A beautiful, insightful, and I can ’ t get me wrong, there were definitely characters 've. Perspectives, challenging the reader to sympathize with both characters depth with characters! Twitter Pinterest 4 Linkedin Tumblr Reddit Email Whatsapp Messenger she was reduced to scheming. Was just waiting anxiously for it to be heard and therefore I give it stars... That would make a great such a fun age review to start the year and let tell! Year looooong. it did not disappoint read, and white saviorism December 31st 2019 by G.P allisonreadsdc, 25-year-old. You to be over! our users I recognized so many of the central characters within people exist... Have to say such a fun age review found Emira a much more to it, it going. Questions below, but I ’ m so glad I came across this review also hard me! Sympathetic character choppy and incomprehensible at Times but doesn ’ t feel like.... Perfectly portrays how obsessed white people can be with black people to get in. To like so much it was also Fun to # readwithmc and read an interview! Were taken on a black babysitter else think that 's the point book everywhere story there three-year-old... To hate and many cringeworthy moments, but I ’ m not currently accepting books for review Emira they just... She babysat the rounds and getting a lot of buzz about this book was so different what... Writing, it really was a very enjoyable read and a timely one the Booker... Portrayal of performative activism and woke culture can ’ t know what ’ s changes! See her sort of just go with the author here got into it it was all in all such Fun!