Wacky Wednesday - Come and Get It by Kiley Reid

 Come and Get It by Kiley Reid is a very current, sharp novel that explores the choices we make, particularly for the things that can and cannot be paid for. (cover blurb)

2017  University of Arkansas.  Millie Cousins is 24, an RA at Belgrade dorm.  She's saving money, wants a house, and planning to graduate. (Yes, she is black)

Agatha Paul (white/lesbian)  is a writer/visiting prof who sees potential with Millie for her next current topic.  But the side hustle by Millie (letting Agatha listen to the dorm young ladies) ends up problematic.  A lonely transfer student, unruly residents, and illicit intrigue.  Oops.  How much trade off is warranted?  cover blurb

Potential suicide?  Gay exploration or exploitation?  Racism?  

A lot of current issues are explored in this extremely well written book. It's subtle. It's interesting. 

I enjoyed the characters, the college. the story lines.   Give it a chance. Go and get it (I got it from the library)   

Book Review - Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid proved to be a very good read. I liked the characters and wanted to know what would happen. It's very current considering life and headlines these days,

Alix Chamberlain is a confident businesswoman and married mother of a toddler. She depends on her babysitter, Emira, and when a family crisis occurred one night, she calls Emira to come get Briar out of the house. Emira takes Briar to the local grocery store and is confronted by a woman who questions why Emira (black) has Briar (white).  Cover blurb - A small crowd gathers, a bystander films everything, and Emira is furious and humiliated. Peter Chamberlain shows up, vouches for his babysitter, and Alix resolves to make things right. 

Here's where the book really gets interesting. It delves into Emira's life (she's mid-twenties, college grad) and her goals and how she doesn't plan to sue, doesn't plan to change jobs. She loves Briar, loves caring for this little girl, and wants her life back to "normal". Alix is now very self aware and tries to befriend Emira - be "cool."
And there's social media. What happens and why and how does the video get uploaded and goes viral?

The author does an excellent job of exploring the stickiness  of  transactional relationships, what it means to make someone "family", and the complicated reality of being a grownup. (cover blurb). 

Such a Fun Age made me think a bit. (Always a good thing).