A review by olijordan
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book was a phenomenal account of the complexity between relationships, professional boundaries, race and life. I understand why this book was so highly recommended and not only for the relevancy in society.

The author wrote such an enticing and unembellished novel that dives straight into “controversial” topics on race, privilege and class. It does not shy away from anything and simply delivers the account of a 26 yr old Black woman trying to make some money and figure out what’s next for her.

Spoiler

I kept thinking as I was reading it: why is Alix literally obsessed with Emira? Wait, who is the bad guy now? Literally Emira is your babysitter why are you so desperate to get to know her - she’s doing her fucking job? Why is Kelley pushing Emira again? Is anyone actually listening to the words that come out of Emira’s mouth? It took me an embarrassing amount of time to realise that these are probably all intended decisions made by the author to get readers thinking this. As a white person, the book forces you to stop and remember if you do this, said things like that or thought like that.

This is a really good read and I highly recommend it