Sunday, August 16, 2020

Review: "Such A Fun Age," by Kiley Reid


One of the perks to being a Little Free Library steward is getting first dibs at reading books that are
donated. I really enjoyed Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid. The story draws you in and is a quick read. It's told in alternating perspectives of the two main characters. There is Emira, a young Black college grad that holds down two jobs. One of her jobs is babysitting for the Chamberlain's, a White upper-income family. Alix, the Mom of the family, is the second narrator. The story, set in Philadelphia in 2015, starts off when Emira is confronted at a grocery store because she is out late at night with the White child in her care. As the novel unfolds and their lives intertwine, the story explores race, class, privilege, dating outside your race, and what it means to be a White Savior. Another underlying theme is that there is always more to a person's story, and it's not always a good idea to assume another person's intentions.
 

"Vladimir," by Julia May Jonas

With this cover, how can you not pick up Julia May Jonas's "Vladimir?" It is, however, not the steamy romance novel that you t...