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. How to Join Marie Claire's Virtual Book Club, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. 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. 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. This is a deft coming-of-age story for the current American moment, one written so confidently it’s hard to believe it’s a first novel. 2. Alix is obsessed with Emira, making sure she doesn’t think she’s racist, meanwhile she expects Emira to think she’s incredible just by nature being a rich white woman. I am glad I read this book, but walking away I don’t think it is one that will stick with me or one I would read again. G.P. Such A Fun Age Summary *Note that this summary contains spoilers* The plot revolves around Emira, a young black babysitter working for a privileged blogger turned entrepreneur, Alix Chamberlain, and her husband who is a news anchor. Such a Fun Age Kiley Reid, 2019 Penguin Publishing 320 pp. To make matters worse, Emira began dating Kelley, Alix’s high school boyfriend. 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. After Kelley takes the video of Emira in the grocery store, she asks him not to release it. "There aren’t words to describe how much I loved Such a Fun Age. In her debut novel, “Such a Fun Age,” Kiley Reid delves into the exploitative nature of interracial relationships. Such a Fun Age is a gripping page-turner with serious things to say about racism, class, gender, parenting, and privilege in modern America.” —Madeline Miller, author of Circe “Such a Fun Age is a startling, razor-sharp debut. Such a Fun Age Kiley Reid, 2019 Penguin Publishing 320 pp. Alix believed that Kelley had given them permission to come because he saw it as his chance to be friends with the popular kids. —@teacupbooks_, "Fantastic and thought-provoking novel about class, privilege, race, and consent. There were definitely characters I loved to hate and many cringeworthy moments, but it felt very REAL. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. 4.2 out of 5. But, ultimately, I wanted more from this book and these characters. It is so light and airy, although it touches on issues of racism and being an ally so well. I can tell you the audio was entertaining, and I can see why this has been called a 'compulsively readable' book. Kindle. 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.. —@readtotheend, "I finished Such A Fun Age days ago, and I'm still thinking about it. The strength of Such a Fun Age lies in Reid's even hand with both Emira and Alix, whose points of view switch off fairly regularly throughout the novel. Zara told Emira what had really happened, that Alix did not have Emira’s best interests in mind at all. But really, it is! I was rooting for her and her big heart. The novel is an interesting look at themes of racism, motherhood, privilege, and growth. —@allisonreadsdc. Fun is such an integral … Did that change as you read the novel? This Study Guide consists of approximately 42 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - Kiley Reid has written a book with no easy answers, instead, filling her story with delicious gray areas and flawed points of view. Alix’s sudden interest in Emira was disturbing to Emira because Emira needed to get a full-time job so she could have health benefits. While Emira is a 25-year-old college graduate who has no … Don’t get me wrong, there were parts I liked...the relationship between Emira and Briar was just about perfect. To spite Kelley, Alix called the police. The characters and friendships portrayed are so real and authentic, I felt like I was experiencing the situations first-hand. ISBN-13: 9780525541905 Summary 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. Such a great book to start the year with." —@bookcoffeeandfun. But overall it’s still a fun and enjoyable read, and one I wasn’t expecting to like so much." Alix was exiled the rest of her senior year. (Sorry!) 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. such a fun age by Kiley Reid ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 7, 2020 The relationship between a privileged White mom and her Black babysitter is strained by race-related complications. Such a Fun Age. The reader learns the relationship between Kelley and Alix went sour the night that Alix lost her virginity to Kelley. Kelley and Alix both do this, but completely deny Emira her own agency (though you could argue who does it more, I guess). It is a hard one to review, and I was left with conflicted feelings. Kiley Reid has written a book with no easy answers, instead, filling her story with delicious gray areas and flawed points of view. Such a Fun Age - Part 1: Chapters 1 - 5 Summary & Analysis Kiley Reid This Study Guide consists of approximately 42 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Such a Fun Age. Kiley Reid’s Such a Fun Age opens with Emira Tucker, a 25-year-old black woman, being called to babysit for the white Chamberlain family during a late-night crisis. It is her debut novel and was published by G. P. Putnam's Sons on December 31, 2019. Report abuse Permalink. I laughed, I got angry. The book on tap this month is Kiley Reid’s excellent debut novel, Such a Fun Age. Because she and Kelley were the only ones with access to the video, Emira believed that Kelley had posted it. Although if you are easily annoyed by children, this may not be the book for you. Such a Fun Age is about two very different women, Emira Tucker—a babysitter—and her boss, Alix Chamberlain. "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. Alix invited Emira and her boyfriend to her family’s Thanksgiving with the intention of making Emira feel like a member of the family. This study guide contains the following sections: This detailed literature summary also contains Quotes and a Free Quiz on I would love to have seen more character development and depth with both characters. I loved how Emira, the main character, is figuring out life as many 25 year olds do. Book Club Questions for Such a Fun Age. Damn. —@paperbacksandpeonies. I recommend you read it without knowing much about it, but if you want my thoughts/have already read it, here goes: Kiley Reid is telling liberal white people about ourselves. But, in the end, I found this book to be more about gossip and revenge than about addressing real racial issues that we face daily whether my white eyes see it or not. The cover is gorgeous and hard to miss, so I was immediately interested in seeing what this book is all about. 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. Such a Fun Age Summary & Study Guide includes comprehensive information and analysis to This is the kind of story that really forces you to reflect and think about your own actions and how they can affect others." In February, we'll be reading Megan Angelo's debut novel, Followers. Desperate, Emira agreed. help you understand the book. I liked how it wasn’t overly serious, but the themes were handled well and integrated into the story for us to realize rather than be forced upon us. SUCH A FUN AGE is a story that will stay with you long after you finish the book. I also loved the portrayal of the early/mid-twenties, and Emira’s friend group felt so authentic and lovely. Alix did not want her daughter there when the police arrived. I was immediately sucked into this story. Emira is horrified and embarrassed but eventually she thinks if she had a “real job” that it never would have happened. Neither character is archetypal: Emira is levelheaded but frustratingly aimless, and Alix is entitled without being risible—well, until the book's end. On the day of the interview, Emira’s friend Zara went with Emira to the Chamberlains’ house where the clip would be filmed. 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. And that's the point. 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 … Reid presents a worst-case scenario of political correctness as Kelley and Alix, who have a history, try to present the other as racist and evil. 4.2 out of 5 stars. G.P. Overall, the #ReadWithMC community was obsessed with the book, including the smaller plot points Reid brilliantly weaved throughout the novel, though there was a bit of disappointment with the ending—a clear sign that the book warranted a thorough analysis all the way through the last page. --NPR 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 … See exactly why Such a Fun Age is a must-read, below. 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. Such a Fun Age. The story starts off on that fateful night where Emira is accused of kidnapping two-year-old Briar. Kiley Reid Talks Debut Novel, 'Such a Fun Age', 'Little Weirds' Will Make You Feel Things, #ReadWithMC Loved 'Daisy Jones & The Six'. It was also fun to #readwithmc and read with #reesesbookclub this month!" For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter. Product Details. Emira turned down Alix’s job offer during the interview. Despite the interference, Emira comes out on top as she focuses on her own best interests and desire to be her own person. reviewed by Chelsea Bingham. —@jaylamm.reads. Reid also seamlessly weaves arguments from both Emira and Alix’s perspectives, challenging the reader to sympathize with both characters. I just wanted MORE. The encounter between Emira and the security officer was filmed by Kelley, who suggested that Emira might need it if she wanted to sue. Wonderful debut by Kiley Reid. This is a fun yet thought-provoking read that I recommend you pick up sometime soon!⁣" —@sfbookgirl. I think this book tries hard to shed light on issues such as class, race, and white saviorism. It shows how sometimes when we overstep and the more we try to help, the worse we make things. Emira came out the winner as she went on to impress a regional representative with the U.S. Census Bureau who hired Emira as an administrative assistant and gave her the freedom to be herself. The two main characters are in direct tension with each other: Emira is in her mid-20s, black, and has little idea what she wants to do with her life, while Alix is in her 30s, is white, and has an established family life and career. My emotions were taken on a journey from the start until the end. "I have seen a lot of buzz about this book, and I was intrigued. I think Emira’s growth and arc deserved a better conclusion and the ending just completely ruined Alix’s character for me. —@jennyhollander, "Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid is Such A Fun Read! 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 … Instead, Alix was shocked and embarrassed to see that Emira was dating Kelley. At this point, Kelley began to try to convince Emira that Alix was racist in the way she preferred hiring help who were black. Such A Fun Age is a gripping page-turner with serious things to say about racism, class, gender, parenting, and privilege in modern America. A popular boy invited himself and some friends to Alix’s house to party that same night because he knew Alix’s parents would be out of town. SUCH A FUN AGE is told from the perspectives of two highly different women: Emira and Alix. If you didn't cringe during certain scenes, you missed the point. This would be a great book club book because it is so layered and has so many elements to discuss. For Alix, the incident was a wake-up call. I’m hesitant to share too much about the plot because what I loved most about this book was the unexpected. My favorite moments of the book were with the toddler, Briar. Such a Fun Age is about two women-- Emira Tucker and Alix Chamberlain. Putnam’s Sons, December 31, 2019. Though it starts with Emira’s perspective, Such a Fun Age alternates almost evenly between Emira Tucker and Alix Chamberlain as it moves in a primarily chronological order of events. ISBN-13: 9780525541905 Summary 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. Such a Fun Age is a 2019 novel by American author Kiley Reid. The popular boy, a black athlete, was arrested and his college scholarship taken away as a result. Learn more about the book and read an exclusive interview with the author here. Such a Fun Age dissects the dynamics of white privilege with a lightness of touch as well as sharp observations, and an empathy that lends depth to all of its protagonists. 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. I knew coming from a very privileged background myself, it was going to challenge me. 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. I just knew I was in for some conviction and would learn. The situation came to a climax when Alix found the grocery store video on Emira’s phone and had it posted to the Internet. everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Such a Fun Age. Such a Fun Age is about two very different women, Emira Tucker—a babysitter—and her boss, Alix Chamberlain. Overall, I still think it’s a story that needs to be heard and therefore I give it three-a-half stars." Emira had been at a late-night birthday party with her friends when Alix called her to come get Briar, the two-year-old who Emira babysat. Reid's buzzy debut, which happened to be both Marie Claire and Reese Witherspoon's January book club pick, is a refreshing wake-up call about white privilege—one that you don't even realize you're receiving at first. Alix was very unlikeable and had very few redeeming qualities. And to think that this is only Kiley Reid’s debut?! Reid is really great about articulating a lot of truths in a very honest and relatable way. Emira is a young black babysitter for the Chamberlains' eldest daughter, Briar, and is currently juggling two jobs as she struggles to pay rent, keep her healthcare, and figure out what she wants to do with her life. It’s just like a normal book club, except we don’t shame you if you didn’t do the reading. That said, I think there were many takeaways from this book, just wish it hadn’t left me feeling like there was something missing. What were your thoughts as you read it? She broke up with him. Alix also gave Emira the opportunity to tell her side of the video in a television interview. She perfectly portrays how obsessed white people can be with black people while still maintaining white superiority. Editors handpick every product that we feature. A customer complained to security when she saw Emira dancing in the aisle with the little white girl. Such a Fun Age is also the Unfriendly Black Hotties book club pick for August. She was cute and made me laugh (her voice is a little weird on audio, but it is an adult doing a child’s voice). The incident ended when Briar’s father came to get her. 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. "#SuchAFunAge was my most anticipated book of the year and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Helpful. In the novel Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid, after a video was released showing Emira Tucker, a young black woman, being accosted in a traditionally white grocery store, Emira finds herself in an unexpected battle between her white boyfriend, Kelley Copeland, and white employer, Alix Chamberlain. Did you relate more to one woman than the other? Health insurance needs are real. At Alix’s suggestion, Emira took Briar to Market Depot, a nearby grocery store. Kindle. 24 Hours With Instagram's Favorite Makeup Artist, 5 Wellness Vacations That Aren't Wellness Retreats, The 'Younger' Cast Plays Trivia About Each Other, A Sleek Coat Is Chloe Gosselin's Power Pick. I fell in love right from the first page. It’s fun but not frivolous, smart but not heavy. Someone had broken a window at the Chamberlains’ house. Such a Fun Age is a story contrasting who we are as individuals against the role society has cast us to play. One of the two central characters of Such a Fun Age, Emira Tucker is a 25-year-old black woman struggling to figure out her place in the world. And Briar and Zara were two of the most endearing characters I've read in a while." Reid does an excellent job of presenting varying perspectives and truths objectively—no preaching here. The story begins with a racially-charged scene in a grocery store that was well-written and piqued my interest. 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