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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
I give it 4 stars for its unique and intriguing plotline and good writing, but only 2 for the likeability (or lack thereof) of most of the characters. I felt kind of tainted while reading it and eager to read something more positive.
I enjoyed this book. Emira is an interesting character. However, I feel like there is a big undercurrent of things that were happening throughout the book, some related to race, some related to privilege, some just pure, I don't know, immaturity or self-absorbed"ness."
This book could have gone for the easy discussion on race since in the opening scene Emira is almost arrested on suspicion of kidnapping her employers daughter. But it doesn't. Instead it is a more nuanced look at privilege and racism (and also motherhood and a possibly neurodivergent child and friendship and relationships and...).
It has been interesting reading other reviews that talk about rooting for Alix and Emira and then being disappointed in the end because it ruined their idea of Alix. But....I don't think we are supposed to like her. She is deeply problematic in her views and actions. The ending is absolutely in line with her character.
There are a lot of moments that should make you cringe. A lot of Alix's thoughts and actions do not align with her self-perceived "woke-ness." And Kelly, the boyfriend, is problematic as well. They are supposed to be. They are supposed to make readers think and reflect and, hopefully, do better.
I basically read this in one day. I just didn't want to stop. It is a fast read, but one that I'll be thinking about for a while.
It has been interesting reading other reviews that talk about rooting for Alix and Emira and then being disappointed in the end because it ruined their idea of Alix. But....I don't think we are supposed to like her. She is deeply problematic in her views and actions. The ending is absolutely in line with her character.
There are a lot of moments that should make you cringe. A lot of Alix's thoughts and actions do not align with her self-perceived "woke-ness." And Kelly, the boyfriend, is problematic as well. They are supposed to be. They are supposed to make readers think and reflect and, hopefully, do better.
I basically read this in one day. I just didn't want to stop. It is a fast read, but one that I'll be thinking about for a while.
I liked this more than I expected. It's very stereotypical and satirical, but I think that's why I liked it. I liked this more than Big Little Lies because it felt more realistic and had more substance, but it has the same "I need to see how this ends" pull.
I think this was the first book I ever read where I wasn’t disappointed when the leading lady didn’t end up with the charming lad. Was this the most important part of the book? Not at all. But it leads to a point that I think is important to make: there are so many different ways white folks (including the bf) can be racist and act and behave within racialized systems and institutions. This book beautifully addressed this in a way I don’t think I’ve ever quite read before.
But that’s not the only reason this book deserves 5 stars and more. Also, it’s just a delightfully fun book to read. I read 30% in maybe a day? Then I had school & life, but read the last 70% in two days maybe? Point is, time flew when I got into this story.
The characters were engaging and intriguing. Until the mega rich white woman went especially bonkers, then she wasn’t fun. But still, good messages throughout. I especially appreciated how the leading white women were liberal Democrats & that excused them of nothing. We may vote for the correct party (the Democrats ☺️) *and* there’s a lot we all still need to learn and unlearn. White women are very much implicated in white supremacy regardless of our political affiliation & I adored that this book didn’t shy away from the topic.
Well it appears I can go on and on. But I shall stop. In summary, read the book. It’s fun, delicious (is it weird to say that for a book?), and also important. Sooo read it :)
But that’s not the only reason this book deserves 5 stars and more. Also, it’s just a delightfully fun book to read. I read 30% in maybe a day? Then I had school & life, but read the last 70% in two days maybe? Point is, time flew when I got into this story.
The characters were engaging and intriguing. Until the mega rich white woman went especially bonkers, then she wasn’t fun. But still, good messages throughout. I especially appreciated how the leading white women were liberal Democrats & that excused them of nothing. We may vote for the correct party (the Democrats ☺️) *and* there’s a lot we all still need to learn and unlearn. White women are very much implicated in white supremacy regardless of our political affiliation & I adored that this book didn’t shy away from the topic.
Well it appears I can go on and on. But I shall stop. In summary, read the book. It’s fun, delicious (is it weird to say that for a book?), and also important. Sooo read it :)
3.5 great beginning and great ending, the middle was meh
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
I wasn’t sure how to feel about this book and the characters really until the end of the book and the fullness of who everyone was and the choices they made was explained. I found the intertwining narratives of Alix & Emira engaging and I found myself very thoughtful about how race and privilege were explored in each scenario. I look forward to reading more of Kiley Reid in the future.
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated