Kiley Reid's debut novel, Such a Fun Age, has received praise for its exploration of racial dynamics and social class through a gripping narrative. Critics highlighted Reid's skillful character development and engaging dialogue. However, some felt the plot's resolution lacked depth. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and timely read, albeit with some narrative shortcomings.

Readers who cherish introspective, socially-conscious narratives like Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng or An American Marriage by Tayari Jones will enjoy Such a Fun Age. These individuals appreciate nuanced explorations of race, privilege, and coming-of-age themes through relatable, well-drawn characters.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid centers on Emira Tucker, a young Black woman who babysits for Alix Chamberlain, a white woman with a successful career. Emira is accused of kidnapping Alix's daughter, Briar. This incident sparks profound changes in their relationship, involving issues of privilege, race, and identity, as Emira navigates her job, financial struggles, and a challenging relationship with Kelley Copeland, the man who filmed her encounter. The novel addresses racial profiling and systemic injustice.

Challenging / Informative / Humorous / Emotional / Heartwarming

- Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid was a 2019 debut novel that quickly became a bestseller and was longlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize.
- Kiley Reid's novel was chosen as a pick for Reese Witherspoon's book club, Hello Sunshine, which helped increase its popularity.
- The television rights for Such a Fun Age were optioned by a production company soon after the book's release, highlighting its potential for adaptation into a series or film.

**Emira Tucker**  
A 25-year-old Black woman balancing part-time work as a typist and a babysitter for the Chamberlain family, navigating her personal and professional identity amidst significant relationships and societal expectations.

**Alix Chamberlain (Alex Murphy)**  
A wealthy white woman in her 30s, Alix is a mother of two and a successful brand creator with a complex relationship with her babysitter, Emira, revealing her controlling nature.

**Kelley T. Copeland**  
A white man in his 30s who has a past connection with Alix and is romantically involved with Emira, displaying a mix of endearing quirks and underlying controlling tendencies.

**Briar Chamberlain**  
Alix's inquisitive toddler, who often displays a serious demeanor and intense emotions, navigating her relationship with her surroundings and her mother’s attention.

**Zara**  
Emira's supportive and outspoken friend, who encourages Emira to assert herself and stand up for her beliefs.

Kiley Reid

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Follow Emira’s journey as a young Black woman navigating privilege, identity, and race in a charged encounter. Read more here with this Such a Fun Age summary.

Such a Fun Age Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: Chapters 1-3

Get ready to explore Such a Fun Age and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Such a Fun Age Part 1: Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1: Chapters 4-5

Such a Fun Age Part 1: Chapters 4-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: Chapters 6-7

Such a Fun Age Part 2: Chapters 6-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: Chapters 8-10

Such a Fun Age Part 2: Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: Chapters 11-12

Such a Fun Age Part 2: Chapters 11-12 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: Chapters 13-18

Such a Fun Age Part 3: Chapters 13-18 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: Chapters 19-20

Such a Fun Age Part 3: Chapters 19-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: Chapters 21-22

Such a Fun Age Part 4: Chapters 21-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: Chapters 23-24

Such a Fun Age Part 4: Chapters 23-24 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: Chapters 25-28

Such a Fun Age Part 4: Chapters 25-28 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Such a Fun Age Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Such a Fun Age Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Such a Fun Age Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Such a Fun Age Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Such a Fun Age Essay Topics

Such a Fun Age

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Such a Fun Age?

Reading Age

Book Details