Cover Image: Book Club Kit: Such a Fun Age

Book Club Kit: Such a Fun Age

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Member Reviews

I’m late to doing a book review but I constantly still think about this book and how I could vividly see several scenes in my head. The grocery store scene is something I think about a lot still.

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This was one of those books that just had me in my feelings. The subject matter was a little heavy for me but it kept the book interesting. Stories like this tend to bring out all kinds of emotions in me. This was a book that I had to put down and pick back up a few times but it was a good read.

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Kiley Reid’s "Such a Fun Age" is a literary journey that gently lures you in with its light and breezy narrative, only to reveal the profound depths it explores. With a deceptively cute cover and engaging writing style, the book holds a mirror to societal constructs and personal motivations, much like a modern-day reflection on themes reminiscent of "The Help" but set in the context of contemporary complexities.

At the heart of the narrative are two women, Emira Tucker and Alix Chamberlain, whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, exposing the underlying tensions of privilege, race, and social dynamics. Emira, a young black woman struggling to navigate multiple jobs and uncertain futures, finds herself entangled in a disturbing incident of racial profiling. Meanwhile, Alix, a wealthy white blogger grappling with her own insecurities, embarks on a journey of self-discovery through her interactions with Emira.

Reid masterfully crafts characters that defy stereotypes, allowing readers to delve into their complexities and contradictions. Through Emira and Alix, she illuminates the nuances of well-meaning intentions gone awry, shedding light on the pitfalls of "white saviourism" and the ways in which individuals unwittingly perpetuate systemic inequalities.

What sets "Such a Fun Age" apart is its ability to blend social commentary with compelling storytelling. Reid navigates delicate subjects with finesse, inviting readers to ponder uncomfortable truths while remaining immersed in the lives of her characters. The narrative unfolds with a sense of urgency, propelled by the desire for justice and understanding in a world fraught with misunderstanding and miscommunication.

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This was PERFECT for my little book club. We thoroughly enjoyed this book and found this book club kit to be so helpful!

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This was an easily enjoyed and fast read. This book is a page turner that takes place in Philadelphia, and it was written by a Philly author. It is a steady moving look into the ways race plays into relationships and the ways in which privilege is lived and perceived without getting heavy. It also left me contemplating times that we may think we are helpful, but if it is motivated by personal gain it is probably not helpful at all... it left impression on me regarding respect of people’s boundaries, relationship building, and also feeding into saviorism whether subconscious or intentional— particularly as a white woman. It is also a genuinely entertaining book with some endearing characters, a well paced plot, and a solid ending. Overall, I highly recommend this read because it’s a solid story but also leaves capacity for you to think about these topics on a deeper level!

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Having read and loved Such a Fun Age at our book club, it was brilliant having this tailored resource to hand, and the questions helped us shape a really interesting discussion. It would be amazing to have more books with associated book club resources, as we really got a lot out of it.

We particularly appreciated the themed branding which tied in with the cover design - something simple, but really thoughtful and clean!

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Such a great resource for when my Book Club tackles Kiley Reid's SUCH A FUN AGE! Grateful for this support.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Opinions are mine.

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Important topics need the right guide that helps them be discussed, and I can't wait to do that with my book club and our first book of the new year!

Thanks to Penguin Random House Library Resources and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

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I love this kit!! Me and the bookclub are definitely using this next month when we sit down and chat about the book. The cocktails sound delicious and I love the little interview with Kiley Reid. Definitely would recommend this kit for a bookclub sit down!

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"Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid is a thought-provoking and socially relevant novel that explores themes of race, privilege, identity, and the complexities of modern relationships. Set against the backdrop of contemporary America, this book offers a compelling narrative that shines a light on the subtle and not-so-subtle forms of racism that persist in our society.

The story primarily revolves around two women: Emira Tucker, a young African American woman, and Alix Chamberlain, a white woman who is a successful influencer and entrepreneur. When Emira, a part-time babysitter, is wrongfully accused of kidnapping the white child she is caring for, it sets in motion a series of events that challenge the characters' beliefs and perceptions.

Kiley Reid's writing is sharp and incisive, tackling complex issues with nuance and empathy. She delves deep into the minds of her characters, allowing readers to understand their motivations, flaws, and insecurities. Emira and Alix are both well-developed and multifaceted protagonists, and their alternating perspectives provide insight into their contrasting experiences of the world.

One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of privilege and performative allyship. Alix's desire to be seen as a "good" white person and her attempts to involve herself in Emira's life, often without considering Emira's agency, highlight the nuances of well-intentioned but misguided actions. Through Emira's eyes, readers witness the exhausting reality of navigating a predominantly white world as a person of color.

The plot of "Such a Fun Age" is driven by secrets, misunderstandings, and the consequences of well-intentioned actions gone awry. It keeps readers engaged as they follow the characters' journeys of self-discovery and personal growth.

At its core, this novel is a critique of the performative nature of wokeness and the ways in which individuals grapple with their own biases. It challenges readers to examine their own attitudes and actions, prompting important questions about privilege, identity, and the impact of social dynamics.

"Such a Fun Age" is a timely and compelling exploration of race and class in contemporary America. It's a novel that sparks conversations and invites introspection, making it an important addition to the literary landscape. Kiley Reid's debut novel is a powerful commentary on the complexities of human relationships and the enduring legacy of systemic racism, all wrapped up in a well-crafted narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

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I enjoyed this, it was an easy read, that addresses complicated issues like inequality and social tension in America. Topics like race and class run throughout. An interesting book.

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This book club kit is short and to the point. The questions are poignant and thoughtful, and will encourage a good discussion. The questions also provoke a good discussion on participants backgrounds, whether similar or contrasting to the experiences of the book characters. I also enjoyed reading the authors question/answers. The extra added drink recipes and coloring page are nice, but don’t add too much value overall.

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This was a nicely put together guide. It includes discussion questions, an author interview, cocktail recipes, and a coloring page. We love an adult coloring page! This guide would be good for those wanting to add a little extra to their book club meeting.

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I liked the look and feel of this book club media kit. I work with authors and like checking out how authors put together these types of materials.

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An Engaging Examination of Race, Class, and Privilege

Rating: 3 stars

Kiley Reid's "Such a Fun Age" offers a thought-provoking exploration of race, class, and privilege through a captivating narrative that delves into the complexities of relationships and identity. This novel presents book clubs with an opportunity to engage in discussions surrounding these timely and important themes.

The story revolves around the lives of Emira Tucker, a young Black woman, and Alix Chamberlain, a white woman who employs Emira as a babysitter. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a racially charged incident, setting the stage for an exploration of power dynamics, microaggressions, and the nuances of well-intentioned but misguided allyship.

Reid's writing is both witty and insightful, capturing the voices of her characters authentically. The dialogue is sharp, bringing the characters to life and allowing readers to empathize with their perspectives. The book's fast-paced nature, filled with compelling interactions and unexpected twists, keeps readers engaged and eager to uncover the outcomes of the characters' choices.

The exploration of race and privilege is a central theme in "Such a Fun Age," and Reid deftly navigates the complexities of these issues. Through Emira's experiences as a young Black woman working for a well-meaning but sometimes oblivious employer, the author highlights the subtleties of racism and the ways in which white privilege can inadvertently perpetuate inequality. This aspect of the book provides ample material for stimulating discussions within the book club, promoting introspection and a deeper understanding of systemic racism.

While the novel tackles important social issues, some readers may find that the plot occasionally veers into predictable territory or falls into clichéd characterizations. There are instances where certain characters seem to embody one-dimensional stereotypes, which can detract from the overall impact of the narrative. However, the nuanced exploration of race, privilege, and personal growth largely compensates for these shortcomings.

"Such a Fun Age" presents a compelling and timely examination of the complexities of race, class, and privilege. Kiley Reid's sharp writing and well-drawn characters make this book an engaging choice for book club discussions. Despite occasional predictability and stereotyping, the novel's exploration of power dynamics and allyship will leave readers reflecting on their own biases and the societal structures that perpetuate inequality.

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This is a REVIEW ONLY of The BOOK CLUB KIT for “Such a Fun Age,” a provocative, controversial and often humorous debut novel by Kiley Reid about racial profiling and discrimination when a young black baby sitter is accused of kidnapping her white charge. This colorful five-page e-book is with loaded with discussion questions to stimulate insightful two-way conversations among reading groups, and is full of visual appeal because of its bright art and bold, eye-catching graphics. The Q & As are excellent and will be useful for Book Club Leaders, Librarians, as well as readers themselves who want extra insight into the background of the book and author. 💕. As compelling Book Kits do by adding additional graphics and fun elements, this one offers recipes for Pina Coladas and Wine Spritzers, as well as a coloring book page of the cover for added interest. 💕

TheBookMaven graciously thanks NetGalley, Author Kiley Reid, and Publisher Penguin Random House Library Resources for this Advanced Reader’s Copy (ARC) for review.

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This is great! It has character themed cocktail recipes, Q&A with the author as well as discussion questions for your bookclub!

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I thought this was the actual book, but I do love a book club kit and this one one has come highly recommended.

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I was excited to see that there was a premade Book Club Kit for Such a Fun Age. I used this Book Club Kit with one of the groups that meets monthly at the library. It was so handy to already have it and I will also print a copy for the library's Book Club Kit for Such a Fun Age.

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Great book club questions! This is a must if you are reading this book and love discussion questions. I just love the art style and the section where you can color the cover!

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