I struggled with this book. I did not like the writing style and could not connect with any of the characters. I thought it was going to be a lot better than it was.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Alix (ahhh leeeks) has turned her childhood fondness for writing letters into an empire, with an Insta following to boot. Her family has recently relocated to support her husband’s job, but her heart (and instagram) are still in NYC.

In walks Emira, Alix’s babysitter, like a breath of fresh air...and a new ‘project’ for Alix to ‘help’. Emira herself feels aimless, and at almost 26 still feels adrift. While her friends are moving up the career ladder, she hasn’t settled on what she wants to be when she grows up.

One night amid a family crisis, Emira is called upon to take Briar to a ‘very white’ grocery store, where she is accosted by the security guard, who doesn’t believe her when she says she’s the babysitter. At this point, you think you know where this one is going to go. But you’re probably wrong 😁.

I enjoyed this book. The pacing was good throughout, which made me furiously keep turning the pages to find out what happened next. The social commentary and the juxtaposition between Emira’s life and friends vs Alix and her life was on point, as was the delicate relationship between employer/employee with the added layer of race. Alix is at pains to show that she’s not a ‘regular’ frumpy mum, but it comes off as forced and just embarrassing. The book also explores issues of white privilege and saviourism, and the dynamics this places across different relationships.

The relationship between Emira and Briar brought tears to my eyes on multiple occasions. They were really the standout characters for me in this book.

And now; Alix. I really disliked Alix. Right from the start. She just grated on me on so many levels - as a woman, in her friendships, relationships, career and as a parent. I did not care for her one bit and was on tenterhooks hoping karma would come back and bite her in the ass! And maybe that’s the point! Overall, a clever and entertaining read.

Such a Fun Age is one of the most anticipated books of 2020 so I was both eager to read it and concerned, as often is the case, that it would not live up to the hype; I needn't have worried, though, as this met my expectations and then some. What it does so superbly is offer striking and profoundly perceptive social commentary on race, class, privilege, relationships, secrets and our modern societal ills and presents it all wrapped up inside a riveting and compulsively readable fictional story. There are many writers who have sought to do it before but this is undoubtedly one of the finest incarnations of it I've ever come across. Blogger Alix Chamberlain and her babysitter, Emira Tucker, would not usually be considered as two women whose paths would've crossed in life or likely to have been friends. However, when a bystander mistakenly and somewhat bizarrely accuses Emira of kidnapping Briar, Alix's toddler daughter, because of the late time of day they were out shopping and seemingly their different skin tones, it starts in motion a set of events from which neither Alix or Emira will emerge the same person and the repercussions certainly don't cease there.

This is a rarity of a novel as it manages commentary and compassion, wit and wisdom, warmth and reckoning and a set of characters who are flawed, human and relatable, especially Emira. It's refreshingly original, fun and fierce, and has a depth to it that many books lack yet it never approaches being preachy or disingenuous at any point. Although its moral messages are front and centre at all times, Ms Reid does not neglect the rest of the plot which is beautifully written and choreographed so that each of the moving parts shift in perfect unison. So often fiction is either thrilling OR thought-provoking -rarely both- but this achieves it with considerable aplomb, and I would be surprised if it didn't win some type of award for its sheer brilliance. This is a real tour de force which delicately challenges the reader to question their stance on a range of important topics. I was gobsmacked when I realised that this is Reid's debut work, and I simply cannot profess quite how excited I am to read more from her. This is a tale that I pondered long after the final page was turned. Effortless. Unforgettable. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing for an ARC.

Such a Fun Age is an incredibly engaging, entertaining and thought-provoking read. It centres around twenty-five year old Emira, who works as a sitter for two-year-old Briar, and Briar’s mother Alix. A racially charged incident at a local grocery store sets off a chain of events with profound effects for both women.

Told from both Emira and Alix’s viewpoints - often of the same events - the narrative engages with issues of race, class, the assumptions people make and how widely people’s perceptions of each other can differ and change. Indeed, the reader’s perceptions of the characters are also likely to change over the course of the story. Both characters are portrayed with complexity and sensitivity.

The dialogue is a sparkly delight, particularly that among Emira and her three friends - Zara, Shaunie and Josefa - and between toddler Briar and Emira. Little oddball Briar is a total joy and the relationship between her and Emira is incredibly sweet.

If I have any criticism to make, its that the ending felt a little rushed. But overall this was a brilliant read.

I loved this, it definitely lives up to the hype! Emira is a babysitter who is accosted in a supermarket by the security guard-Emira is black and 3 year old Briar is white. She's accused of kidnapping and is filmed by a bystander who witnesses the whole thing. What follows is a searingly honest story about race, class and growing up in America. The story didn't unfold the way I thought it would which was great! The characters were really well drawn; I loved the relationship between Emira and Briar/Emira and her friends. The ending was perfect. Wouldn't be surprised if this ended up as a series. Fab.

Great writing and captivating story. I liked the characters and the conflict created as well as how each one was depicted. In part, they are reliable and interesting persons that like in real life, sometimes, at twenty-something years old you still don’t know what to do with your life and other people may want to help or maybe just pretend like helping because that’s the vibe I’ve got from the book.
I can easily see why it’s a must-read that many people will enjoy.

Such a Fun Age really made me think and reflect, long after I’d finished reading it – something I love in a book. I found it lulled me into a false sense of security – at the begninning it definitely feels like an easy, fun but not necessarily hugely deep read about teenage girls and a priveleged mother and blogger. However, as the book continues, that sense of simplicity soon disappears and the story becomes a frank and important look at relationships – both platonic and romantic – between people of different backgrounds, ages and (most importantly in this case) races.

This novel does a convincing job of making the reader consider what life must be like for a person of colour, esepcially in America. The story does of course address a lot of important issues and themes, but it’s all portrayed in a very matter-of-fact way – it never feels preachy – which I think makes it that much more effective. I’m half Iranian so I’m not white as such, but I still can’t image what it must be like to be a black female just trying to live the best life they can. Emira comes up against racism and prejudice in many forms, and in many different settings.

I personally would have preferred there to be a different ending personally, but I feel like the ‘real ending is more realistic and works better for the story anyway (I don’t want to give any spoilers so I won’t say any more here).

I hugely enjoyed Such a Fun Age, not just because the subject matter is incredibly interesting and important, but also because it’s very easy to read. I found myself racing through it and the way Kiley Reid writes means that the story flows so well – reading it doesn’t ever feel like hard work, the way that some novels can unfortuantely be. Definitely recommended!

I wasn't sure when I started reading this book if it was really for me - an older white woman from the UK. However, I soon realised the universality of the story and applaud Ms Reid's ability to combine writing a page turning story and believable characters with discussing complex emotions and views around race, class and motherhood to name a few.
I look forward to reading more of her writing.

Thank you to netgalley and Bloomsbury publishing for an advance copy of this book.

I hugely enjoyed reading Such a Fun Age - a fun, engaging which deftly covers topics of race, class and the intricacies of relationships between women from whose lives are in complete contrast.

I sped through this book pretty easily, whilst throughly enjoying it, a lot is touched on in this book, but it never felt heavy, nor heavy handed. One of the themes that really stuck out for me, is what I guess could be dubbed 'performative allyship', at both sides of the tug-of-war for main character, Emira's affection, particularly from her employer, Alix/Alex - allowing a comfortable, hands-off type of support and disavowel of the prejudice experienced by Emira, well meaning to extent, but also self-serving, self-righteous and ultimately quite superficial.

I received an advance copy of Such a Fun Age from the publisher, via Netgalley.

I enjoyed this book I thought the characters were engaging and likeable. It was an easy book to pick up and put down again and had a good plot line. I didn’t feel compelled to finish the book in a hurry but it wasn’t a bad book either.
Many thanks to both the author and net galley for me allowing to read this book.

Absolutely brilliant - couldn't put it down. Incredibly perceptive and a quite uncomfortable read in all the right ways.

Such a Fun Age might seem like a Nanny Diaries type book but it's more than that. It tackles the complexities of race and class in our every day relationships. It also includes complexity of character and motivations. I found myself trying to figure out who to trust. It's a fairly quick read but it packs a punch. The writing was a bit clunky but I had so much empathy for Emira, I couldn't wait to see how she developed.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

My thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing U.K. for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Such a Fun Age’ by Kiley Reid in exchange for an honest review.

Blogger Alix Chamberlain has created a successful brand showing women how to live their best lives. She is deeply shocked when her babysitter, Emira Tucker, is accused of kidnapping her two-year old daughter, Briar. No, this isn’t another crime thriller about an abducted child but a literary novel exploring issues of class and race in modern day USA.

When a store security guard and customers in an upmarket supermarket see a young black woman out late with a white child they assume the worst. A crowd gathers and a bystander films everything on their phone. Emira is furious and humiliated and Alix resolves to make things right.

This initial scene is familiar territory from any number of viral incidents, and while it plays an important part in the later narrative, Reid uses restraint in not over emphasising it.

I am wary about saying too much about the plot, though a great deal hinges on someone from Alix’s past entering Emira’s life setting up a potential conflict. I did wonder if this strained credibility but strange coincidences do sometimes happen in life.

Both women have their strengths and weaknesses, both make mistakes. Overall, I found Emira easier to relate to than Alix and her painfully awkward desire to prove that she is not racist by seeking to befriend Emira.

Reid has said in interviews that she is perplexed that advance readers have suggested that Emira represents herself. Yet while she describes her own background as more privileged than Emira’s, she also relates that she had worked in childcare for six years, including being a nanny to rich people like Alix. I would suggest that while not autobiographical she has drawn on her life experiences and observations to create this assured debut.

While race is clearly an important aspect of the narrative, Reid also explores friendship, marriage, love, motherhood and more. It’s a character driven novel that has multiple levels. I can imagine that it will prove popular with reading groups as it is both readable and provides plenty of topics for discussion. Indeed, it has already been chosen by Reese Witherspoon as the January selection for her popular Hello Sunshine online book group.

While I wasn’t aware before reading of its prepublication buzz, I can appreciate why it is being heralded as such being a comedy-drama that examines important issues in an accessible way.

I wouldn’t be surprised if it features on the longlist for the 2020 Women’s Prize for Fiction.

I am so sorry to give a single star review as I did not enjoy this book. I found the book very difficult to read due the style of writing, the language used and a feeling as I was reading that it had been written as a young adult novel then other times as a literary fiction novel looking at race issues. Too confusing as not a clear message or style to the book. Ii felt it very chunky and disjointed ini that the story just did not flow.


I am not sharing this review far and wide due to the one-star rating I am leaving as I do not believe it would be helpful. I will share to goodreads as there are a good range of reviews on there and as a blogger I am aware that all reviews are welcomed. I am so sorry that I did not enjoy this book but this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid has been on my schedule for months, and I thought that, as such, it deserved to be my first read of 2020. Unfortunately it wasn’t quite what I was hoping for, but it had its moments.

Having graduated college with no clear idea of what she wants to do with her life, twenty-five year old Emira Tucker has since taken on a series of part time jobs, her favourite of which is babysitting Briar Chamberlain. Briar is a precocious three year old, and a little too tiring for her career focused mother, Alix, to handle while trying to build her ‘brand’ and also care for a newborn. Alix, and her husband, TV anchorman Peter, are vaguely grateful for the care Emira provides, and both are horrified when late one night they call on Emira for help and the young woman is detained by an over-reaching security guard at a local store who believes she may have kidnapped Briar, not only because Emira is dressed for the party she was attending when the Chamberlain’s called, but because Emira is black, and Briar is white.

While underscoring the major themes of race, class, and privilege, this incident is not actually the focus of the novel, but it is a catalyst for change in the relationship between Alix and Emira. Feeling vaguely guilty about the incident, and worried that Emira will leave their employ, Alix becomes fixated on befriending her. Emira would prefer to forget the whole thing, she has other things on her mind, like her lack of career, and a new beau, Kelley Copeland, whom she met the night of the confrontation in the store.

While low key conflict related to race and class simmers in the background, Reid doesn’t pit the white and black/ rich and poor characters against each other, instead she thoughtfully explores the varying experiences, understandings, and motives that affect their viewpoints about themselves and each other. As the story unfolds from the perspectives of the two women, Reid also examines additional themes such as identity, motherhood, friendship, and career.

Not being American I can’t pretend to understand the cultural dynamics which underpin Such A Fun Age, but I did find it well written, nuanced and thought provoking.

Poor Tamira.
Poor 'Aleeks'
And maybe, poor little Briar, the odd but engaging child who is looked after by Tamira while her mother Alix tries to write. Alix comes across as an 'influencer, blogger. a woman who is very much involved in herself. Tamira, a girl from 'the other side of the tracks' really doesnt know how to cope with the household and the demands made upon her., but is loving and caring with Briar, understanding her needs more than her own mother.
When Tamira is falsely accused of kidnapping the child, Alix takes over the story and seems to want to meld Tamira into something she's not. It's almost as though Alix is in love with her, needing to touch her and become girlfriends with her..
Needless to say nothing turns out as planned. I found the ending a bit hurried, a bit too obvious.
But still enjoyed reading this book. Thanks to NetGalley for a review copy.

I’ve been reading a lot of complimentary things about Such A Fun Age and I’m pleased to say it did not disappoint at all. The story centres around a family with two young children and their babysitter. After a disturbing incident at a supermarket, things become complicated between Alix, the mother and Emira, the babysitter.

There is so much to unpack in this clever and witty book. It is an incredibly astute commentary on class, race, gender and privilege. After the incident in the supermarket Alix becomes kind of obsessed with making Emira her friend. It is a strange and fascinating relationship filled with nuance and awkwardness. There are numerous twists and turns as the story evolves which genuinely took me by surprise and threw so many issues between these two women into the mix. Emira spends all her time as a babysitter with the elder of Alix’s two children, two year old Briar, and the relationship between Emira and Briar is perhaps my favourite aspect of Such A Fun Age. It feels so completely genuine and honest. Briar is frequently ignored by her mother who favours her younger sister and the way Emira understands Briar and gives her her complete undivided attention is so heartwarming.

I was one hundred percent engaged with these characters who are all incredibly compelling – especially Emira and Alix. I also loved the way the author dealt with the ending. It was in no way melodramatic or overdone but there is a subtlety to it which is clever and effective. The whole book has a sort of bittersweet tone which feels really authentic. Such A Fun Age has already become one of my favourites of the year and I can’t wait to read whatever the talented Reid writes next. This book is the kind that will stay with you and leave you thinking about it long after you have turned the last page.

For 2020, I want to read books that make me think and feel a bit uncomfortable because I want to lear . I chose Such A Fun Age as the first book that fits this description. I really liked Emira, our main character, so it was easy to lose myself in the story.

On the surface, the book is a fun/dramatic story about 20/30 something year old women and a bit of boy drama but when you start to think about what you've just read, you realise how layered the book actually is, it explores race, gender, wealth and privilege and how these dictate everything in life, whether we believe it to be the case or not, in an interesting way. A really interesting read that kept me engaged for the entire book.

Graduate Emira is drifting in life, she has no motivation to join her friends in their corporate jobs even though the money and the benefits would help.  She works in the gig economy juggling an office role with three days baby-sitting.  Her charge Briar is a smart three-year old, daughter of a local TV news reporter and his wife Alix.  Alix has moved from New York to Philadelphia for her family but is creatively blocked.  One night Alix calls Emira to help with a family emergency but as Emira takes Briar to a local store she is accused of kidnap.  Her knight in shining armour is a preppy white man who becomes Emira's boyfriend but he also knows Alix.

This book is very hyped as one of 2020's next big things.  It's entertaining but not as clever as it thinks it is!  Reid tried to make her characters three-dimensional within the confines of the cliches she has set for them but none are particularly likeable and the story is less a commentary on society and more a series of set pieces.  I admire what Reid is trying to do, to address social concerns about race, political correctness and class politics in an amusing manner and to a certain extent it succeeds.

Such a Fun Age already has a buzz and having been unable to put it down, I can see why. We meet two narrators: Alix Chamberlain is a white woman in her 30s who is a successful blogger and founder of the #LetHerSpeak feminist campaign, and Emira Tucker is a black woman in her 20s who babysits Alix's three-year-old daughter Briar and is not quite sure what she wants to do with her life. It's a running theme amongst Emira's friends and a constant source of worry for her that, 'Emira was a bit late to adulthood.' 

Such a Fun Age has a truly gripping opening scene and from that point I was hooked: Alix asks Emira to take Briar out of the house briefly one night, while Alix deals with an issue at home. Emira takes Briar to a local store where a security guard basically accuses her of kidnapping Briar. This sets the tone for the race, white privilege and class issues that this book tackles head on.

The story follows the relationship between Alix and Emira and after the above incident, Alix decides she wants to befriend Emira. Emira is not sure about this idea. What this book does so well is skilfully showcase two complex lead characters. The way that each woman treats the other - subconsciously or not - due to their respective race and class is brilliantly explored and the anxieties and emotions that each woman goes through as an individual feels so authentic.

It's one of those books that the more you think about it, the more you appreciate how layered the narrative is. It has the above overarching commentary, but is also a story of Emira developing her own sense of self and confidence. It is also a love-letter of sorts to the amazing people that work in childcare, it talks about how babysitting is not seen as a 'real job' and yet is one of the most influential and hardest of all.

Such a Fun Age certainly gave me food for thought; it's clever, insightful and written in such a fresh, engaging tone of voice that I couldn't stop reading.