Author: Kiley Reid
Title: Such a Fun Age
Publisher: Penguin Audio
Release Date: December 31, 2019
Narration: Nicole Lewis
Ratings:
Story: 4 Stars (I loved it!!!)
Narration: 5 Stars (Fascinating to listen to!)
Publisher’s Description:
Alix Chamberlain is a woman who gets what she wants and has made a living with her confidence-driven brand, showing other women how to do the same. So she is shocked when her babysitter, Emira Tucker, is confronted while watching the Chamberlains’ toddler one night, walking the aisles of their local high-end supermarket. The store’s security guard, seeing a young Black woman out late with a White child, accuses Emira of kidnapping two-year-old Briar. A small crowd gathers, a bystander films everything, and Emira is furious and humiliated. Alix resolves to make things right.
But Emira herself is aimless, broke, and wary of Alix’s desire to help. At 25, she is about to lose her health insurance and has no idea what to do with her life. When the video of Emira unearths someone from Alix’s past, both women find themselves on a crash course that will upend everything they think they know about themselves and each other.
With empathy and piercing social commentary, Such a Fun Age explores the stickiness of transactional relationships, what it means to make someone “family”, and the complicated reality of being a grown up. It is a searing debut for our times.
©2019 Kiley Reid (P)2019 Penguin Audio
My Review:
Such a Fun Age, written by Kiley Reid and narrated by Nicole Lewis, is a captivating and thought-provoking audiobook that tackles complex issues of race, privilege, and social dynamics. With its engaging storytelling and nuanced characters, Reid’s debut novel offers a compelling exploration of identity and the intricacies of interpersonal relationships.
Set in the contemporary world, the book follows the lives of Emira, a young Black woman, and Alix, a well-intentioned white woman who employs Emira as a babysitter. Through their intersecting lives, Reid delves into the themes of racial bias, class dynamics, and the complexities of allyship. The story deftly navigates the gray areas of privilege, highlighting the subtle forms of discrimination and microaggressions that exist within seemingly progressive circles.
Lewis brings each character to life with remarkable skill and authenticity. Her voice captures the nuances of emotion, lending depth and credibility to the story. Lewis’s delivery is engaging, and her ability to differentiate between characters adds to the immersive experience. Her portrayal of Emira’s perspective, in particular, conveys the character’s vulnerability, strength, and resilience with remarkable clarity.
Such a Fun Age is a thought-provoking exploration of race, privilege, and the complexities of human connection. Reid’s storytelling is nuanced and perceptive, offering readers a window into the lived experiences of the characters. The book challenges readers to confront their own biases and assumptions, prompting reflection on the systemic issues that underlie everyday interactions.
In conclusion, Such a Fun Age, with its exceptional narration and thought-provoking story, is an audiobook that provokes important conversations about race, privilege, and identity. It challenges listeners to examine their own biases while delivering a compelling and engaging narrative. Such a Fun Age is a must-listen for those seeking a book that tackles pressing social issues with sensitivity and nuance.