Book Club Discussion Questions and Guide for Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

1. "Emira," he said. "Don't tell me she makes you wear a uniform." "Well, she doesn't make me do anything." What does the novel have to say about the transactional nature of domestic work? Why do you think Emira and Kelley disagree on the significance of the polo shirt?
2. After the revelation at the Thanksgiving dinner, Kelley wants Emira to stop working for Alix. Do you think there was a right way for Emira, Kelley and Alix to react to their discovery? Is there always a right way to respond?
3. Over the course of the novel, we learn about events in Alix's adolescence, including her encounter with Kelley. How does Alix's adolescence continue to shape her as an adult? Why do you think she changed the spelling of her name from Alex to Alix?
4. Much of the plot is facilitated by technology and the hyper-connected nature of modern society: Emira's encounter at the supermarket was filmed and could be shared, and Alix is able to leave New York and work remotely. Discuss the effect of modern technology in the novel. Does it cause more problems than it solves?
5. How does Shaunie's new job effect Emira's concerns about her own career? Do you think it is fair to say that Emira suffers from a lack of ambition? What other factors are holding her back?
6. Emira continues to work for the Chamberlains through difficult circumstances, largely because of her attachment to Briar. How does their relationship compare to Alix's relationship with Briar? Why do you think Briar means so much to Emira?
7. Towards the end of the novel, Alix tells Emira: "We're so impressed with how you reacted that evening, and so grateful that you came into our lives". How does this square with Alix's treatment of Emira? What, if anything, have Alix and Emira learned from each other?
8. 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions'. Discuss this proverb in light of Alix's decision to share the video. Can her good intentions excuse the damage done? Do you believe her intentions really were good?
9. White privilege is a recurrent theme in the novel, especially where it goes unrecognised. Do you think fiction is a useful medium for raising awareness of this issue? In what ways might fiction be more successful than non-fiction at starting thee conversations?
10. Such A Fun Age tackles very serious themes, and throws its characters into some incredibly stressful moral dilemmas. In light of this, what do you make of the word 'fun' in the title?

Unless otherwise stated, this discussion guide is reprinted with the permission of G.P. Putnam's Sons. Any page references refer to a USA edition of the book, usually the trade paperback version, and may vary in other editions.