Such a Fun Age

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

This book is really well done. It deals with tough issues of racial inequality, ignorance of that inequality, and how that has big effects on individual lives, while being a great fictional read. The characters are excellent, some are terribly flawed, but still manage to be relatable enough that you don't forget they're human. They're complex, the way that real people are.

It reminds us that good people can do bad things, insensitive things, hurtful things while thinking they're doing the right thing. It reminds us that interpersional situations are multi-faceted, intersectional and complicated.

Emira and Bri definitely take the spotlight. They are both fantastic, Bri is a 3 year old who says exactly the thing that is on her mind. Emira is her 25-year-old baby-sitter who gives her room to interact with the world, pays attention to her thoughts and questions and loves her for exactly who she is. Their relationship is just beautiful. Emira is also great in the way she deals with most other characters in the book - her employer Alix, her friend group, her love interest - she always knows who she is even if she's not always sure where her life is headed, and she never really lets anyone yank her around once they show her who they are.

I had seen a lot of buzz about this book; it was Reese's Book Club pick, and has a gorgeous cover so it was popping up all over the place on bookstagram. This is one book that lived up to it's hype.

“I don't need you to be mad that it happened. I need you to be mad that it just like... happens.”  

"She'd also leave the joy of having somewhere to be, the satisfaction of understanding the rules, the comfort of knowing what's coming next, and the privilege of finding a home within yourself.”