This fiction book was a great start for both goals: “Such a Fun Age” by Kiley Reid.

I’m also trying to educate myself about racism and the ways that I can be an ally and a positive voice. So, I am trying to get back into the habit of reading more, and will start posting some book reviews for accountability. This is a book of its time that will make you think about race in a way that is sometimes uncomfortable, but entirely convincing, and at the same time it’s an engrossing read that is hard to put down.I haven’t been reading as many books since having my son, Parker, and I used to have-and meet-a goal of 50 books a year.

It was far easier to admire party-going Emira than it was her successful and influential employer. It is difficult to see a time when she, a privileged white woman, could be happy or content.Įmira, in the other hand, while struggling to find a path for herself, in the face of overt and covert racism, seemed much more self-assured and, dare I say it, authentic. While she behaved badly at two particular points during the story, she seemed almost childlike in her naivety and ignorance. Strangely, despite Alix’s wealth and success, I felt sorry for her as she tried desperately to fit into her image of herself. Here, on a superficial level, the power relationship is turned on its head, while material power continues to reside with Alix. In fact, at times I felt it cut to the quick, especially when Alix tried desperately, and unsuccessfully, to befriend Emira. Both deny the charge, but are unable to adequately defend themselves.ĭon’t let the hot pink of the cover or the title deceive you – this might be an easy read but it is not without depth. While neither Alix nor Kelley are overtly racist, their behaviour suggests a certain casual racism that would horrify them if called out, and eventually it is. It is also explored through the relationship between babysitter, Emira and her boss, Alix, and through Emira’s relationship with her white boyfriend, Kelley. It is just one way within the story that race is explored – a timely theme at the moment. He wouldn’t let her leave until her white employer arrived, assuring him that all was well. One night, the mother asks the babysitter to take her daughter to a grocery store at night while she and her husband dealt with a minor emergency.Ī security guard approached the babysitter, as the sight of a black woman with a little white girl made him suspicious. 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 one of those books that are easy to read and entertaining, while delivering a big message that can change minds and attitudes.

Kiley reid such a fun age review