I received this book for free from the publisher (egalley) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid Published by Penguin on December 31,2019
Genres: Coming of Age, Fiction, Literary, Racial Issues, Women
Pages: 320
Format: eARC
Source: the publisher (egalley)
Goodreads
Alix Chamberlain has made a name for herself by blogging about products she's tried. Early on, she'd write a company asking for something she wants, and they'd sent it to her, no charge. She quickly learned that she can get anything she wants, just by asking. She grew up in an affluent family and never really had to do without. She's shocked when Emira, her daughter's babysitter, is confronted by a security guard one night. She'd rushed to the Chamberlain's aid while she was out with her friends, so her attire and her skin color instantly led the guard believe she was up to no good. Everything is caught on camera by a bystander. Outraged by the incident, Alix is determined to make it up to Emira.
At twenty-five, Emira has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She's about to age-out of her parent's health insurance. Working as a sitter barely sustains her; daily she's forced to confront her status in life compared to that of her employer. After the incident, she's well aware of Mrs. Chamberlain's attempts to take her on as her newest project. Deep down, she knows this isn't the life for her, but what alternatives does she have?
When the video of the incident is released, both women are forced to come to terms with their own realities. The result of this confrontation will impact one more than the other in this dual "coming of age."
In looking for my first book to read of 2020, I found many examples of praise and acclaim for this title. The premise is certainly timely and I found myself quickly immersed in Emira’s story. For all of her life, she’s struggled to succeed and to find a true purpose in life. It’s not ironic that she finds herself working for a women who can literally get anything she wants.
To the Chamberlains, Emira is a project. Their treatment of her is a direct reaction to the incident that caused Emira to be at a corner grocery store with a toddler: a rock being thrown through their front window in reaction to a racist comment made by Mr. Chamberlain, a news anchor. Emira reluctantly agrees, knowing that she doesn’t have many options. It sickened me to see how Emira was treated, like a wound that could be fixed by applying a few bandages. The end result was ultimately worse than the original incident. Emira must awaken and embrace her own self worth before she realizes that one shouldn’t sacrifice their own value in order to succeed in a society that is truly based on the survival of the fittest.
Racial issues is just one of the many issues addressed in this book, and clearly the one that stood out for me the most. It certainly has a vast array of themes that make this a novel filled to the brim with discussion worthy topics. You better believe it will become one of my book club’s selections when it releases in paperback! I can’t wait to read more from Reid; she clearly has a fresh voice who needs to be heard!
