Such a Fun Age was nothing like I expected- really, not having any expectations because I had heard nothing about it, but I wasn’t disappointed in the book. This book was very interesting and it is something that I have thought a lot about since I finished reading it a week ago.
The Reese’s Book Club books I have read so far have been fun and light, and just overall enjoyable reads. While this book is extremely well written, it is not on a light. It’s on racism and the role that we all play in it.
The storyline (without going into too much detail) follows a black babysitter for a white family. The start of the book focuses on a racially charged incident that flips the relationship onto its side- but it causes the babysitter to look deeper at the treatment of her employers and how society looks at their relationship.
This is a book I want to read with friends (again) to discuss the different characters and how they all react to racial tensions. As a white woman, I felt called-out (in a good way!) by how I find myself and others trying to cover the race-issue up and “not make a big deal” about it. One thing that I have learned through this past year and all the issues our country has faced is that the racial divide and the racism in this country needs to be addressed head on by all members of the community. Such a Fun Age does just this.
I encourage you to read this book because it offers a few different perspectives on race in America. Start with an open mind- it may just lead to so much more.
right turn ahead 