Book Rec. - June 20, 2020

Book Rec- Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

Emira Tucker is a 25-year-old Black woman who is employed as a babysitter for Briar Chamberlain, who is white. Right from the beginning of the novel, Emira is racially profiled when out at a grocery store late one night with Briar. Emira is accused of kidnapping Briar, and a bystander named Kelley Copeland films the racist interaction on his phone. When Emira’s employer Alix Chamberlain discovers what has happened, she expends her energy for the remainder of the novel trying to befriend Emira. She does so without seeking to truly understand the dynamics of systemic racism and classism at play in her relationship with Emira. The point of view alternates from Emira to Alix, which provides depth while breaking up the inevitable tensions that arise.

I heard about Such a Fun Age when Kiley Reid was a guest on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. As Kiley Reid explained the inspirations behind her debut novel, she referenced the history of Black women caring for white children. In addition, the struggle for Emira to obtain health insurance is highlighted as an obstacle from the past to the present for domestic labor workers. Kiley Reid also talked about her love for awkward moments, which she peppered generously throughout. I cringed during each of these interchanges, but I couldn’t put this book down. 

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