Play Book Tag discussion

This was an easy 5 star rating for me for two reasons: first, the audio is just amazing! Narrators for audio books should be eligible for Oscar nominations because it makes such a significant difference when you have compelling audio. Nicole Lewis did a wonderful job bring these characters to life. The second reason I rate this so highly is it was so entertaining. On paper it might sound mundane as this story deals with a type of casual racism perpetrated by well-meaning "woke" white liberals that is prevalent and commonplace. But the drama in this story ties the main characters together in some wildly coincidental ways that is exciting, like watching a train wreck you can't look away from.

If you want to read a drama that allows you to indulge in a bit of schadenfreude I highly recommend this book.

Many readers didn't like the ending, but I was pleased with the conclusion.

Overall I never wanted to have to stop my audio and was excited when I could pick it back up which is a successful read in my book!

Only one question remains: what age is "such a fun age"? 🤔

Great review! I really liked this one too though I read the print version. Feel like I missed out on the audio now.

The characters were great and such a fresh perspective on life these days. I feel like I know those white liberals and I love that it made me think. I enjoyed the ending as well. She did exactly what she wanted to do without being pressured but anyone else's agenda.

I was curious how this was on paper...

I was OK with the ending also because it wasn't that bad considering. Alix was a legit stalker and it really freaked me out. In the audio when she is (view spoiler)[snooping through Emira's phone and email taking her media property (the video) she seemed to feel absolutely no guilt about it. When she showed up to Kelly's work I was shocked. She made a few choices that took things too far. (hide spoiler)]

But, yeah, like you said I recognize those white liberals, and maybe saw some of her in myself sometimes. Not necessarily the classist aspects but the instinct to overcorrect for white guilt.

I hope it will generate some good discussion at book club.

This one will be great for a book club discussion! Alix really does go too far. She is just so entitled.

I definitely agree that it made me reflect on my own behavior to consider which I really appreciated. I liked being a bit uncomfortable to broaden my understanding.

Did you think Kelly (view spoiler)[fetishized Black people, as Alix accused him (hide spoiler)]?

I wasn't sure how I felt about that and I think I ultimately landed on there's just no way to know something like that for sure.

I would say probably but could also be implicit. However I also agree that there is no way that Alix would be able to judge.

I found it quite shocking that someone (view spoiler)[ could be so hung up on a high school boyfriend that long after. (hide spoiler)]

I will cringe every time I see or hear the name "Alix" because of the audiobook narrator. Lol!

Dude, that stupid fuckin name and then to find out that (view spoiler)[she had curated that name herself and it wasn't even her given name!? So fucking cringe. (hide spoiler)]

I do know someone named Alix but her name is pronounced Alex and just spelled with an "i".

On the audio, it's clear that she pronounces it "Aleeks". I agree the audio was great. I was a little annoyed with Emira that she was so passive about improving her job situation and finances. I do think the story does a good job of showing how clueless liberal white people can be in attempts to "help".

The other annoying thing I couldn't get on board with was the criticisms of Alix' parenting. Yes, Emira is a good babysitter and she really seemed to connect with Briar, but she is not the mom. I have no kids, but I know enough to know that if you are a mom your kids are "mom!" "mommy" "mamma!" over and over all day long. So if you assume they are trying to get your attention for something that isn't important (like in the Thanksgiving scene) that seems totally normal to me. You hear "mom" every 5 minutes. She also had another baby and a job and a husband and her own personal problems that it's understandable Alix would get distracted or not pay as much attention to Briar all the time.

Emira was a little too judgmental about Alix as a parent.