Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - Such a Fun Age

Uh, wow. My tastes don't usually fall in line with the bestseller lists and celebrity book clubs, but for once, yeah, I can see why this one is on them. If genres were more niche I would file this under "interpersonal psychological thriller." Reid is a master of building tension, and of balancing the multiple perspectives of what each character knows and what the reader knows. I found this to be an extremely sharp character study with such a strong sense of nuance and a highly satisfying ending. Probably not for readers who need a rapid plot or can't stand to read unlikeable characters.

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shoohoob's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This book was SO interesting to read and not at all what I was expecting. So many moments where I felt actually uncomfortable with the actions taken by each character. I think this book featured really strong commentary on race, class, and white allyship. Definitely one of the best books I’ve read this year.

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kyrstin_p1989's review

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challenging emotional funny informative reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A brilliant story that on the surface is about two people who can’t let go of the past but when you dig deeper is about their need to not be racist, no matter the cost. This book outlines the way that well-meaning white liberals (especially the women) make choices for and about the Black women in their lives, instead of treating those women like true equals and giving them the space to make their own choices. Reid highlights the way white people often think they know what is best or just for Black people without asking or trying to understand a different perspective while also telling a complex coming of age story filled with love and loss.

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sib_reads's review against another edition

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challenging reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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marisa_n's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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nenya's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book was simply amazing. As a white person, I think it’s so important to read it and to reflect upon yourself. It’s got several very important lessons about casual as well as explicit racism and what it means to actually be anti-racist. One of the biggest topics is the fetishization of POC which is an equally disturbing and important element of the plot. What I also love is the relationship between the protagonist Emira and the child she‘s babysitting, Briar. It’s so heartwarming and yet cruel because their relationship is based on a transaction making it difficult to define the difference of professionalism/a job well done and family love. Over all, this book will leave you with so many wow moments and opportunities to rethink your views on race. It’s an easy five stars.

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