Reviews with content warning for Gaslighting - Such a Fun Age

One word to describe this book; underwhelming. I believe this book had the potential to really be informative and highlight performance activism but it fell flat for me.

Content Warnings

uppercasenoises's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny informative mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I really enjoyed the perspectives of both characters and liked the story overall. Something felt lacking for me plot wise, but I haven't been able to put my finger on it. Definitely would recommend this book to anyone looking to gain perspective on the experience of being a Black young women, specifically working as a

nanny

. Also deals with a romance, although it is not the primary focus. Dual POV, limited third person.

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radfordmanor's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

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crystalleighwrites's review against another edition

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reflective tense fast-paced

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

4.75

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kyrstin_p1989's review against another edition

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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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hannahbailey's review

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challenging emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

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

3.5

I really enjoyed the plot, characters and setting. It was a really thought-provoking and nuanced read. I loved the focus on this one moment in all the characters' lives that changed things forever - but in other ways changed nothing at all. It was an interesting look into how we perceive events and interact with others, and how white people can change or influence the narrative with their own bias, prejudice and systemic power.

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nenya's review

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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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basicbookstagrammer's review against another edition

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emotional funny informative lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

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