Kiley Reid

Kiley Reid is an American author whose debut novel, 'Such a Fun Age,' takes a deep look at the African American experience in American society. Published in 2020 and shortlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction, 'Such a Fun Age' has received universal critical acclaim. Reid’s story of inequality, racism, and the power of community is as resonant today as it was when she wrote it.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1989, Kiley Reid grew up in a home that valued books. She attended Brown University where she earned her undergraduate degree in literary arts and studied creative writing. She went on to gain her MFA from the University of Pennsylvania and became an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University.

Reid made her literary debut in 2019 with the short story “Mogul-A-Go-Go” in the literary anthology “Freehand.”​1​ Her debut novel, ‘Such a Fun Age,’ was released in 2020. The book follows Emira, a young black woman babysitting for her wealthy employer Alix as she struggles to navigate a complicated racial landscape. 'Such a Fun Age' is a deep look at inequality and race, framed through Emira's story – and it has resonated with readers.

Reid’s novel was critically acclaimed and the book was longlisted for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize.​2​ It was also shortlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction. In 2021, 'Such a Fun Age' was adapted into a movie, with Reid winning an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture.

Not only has Reid been celebrated for her writing, but she has also become a prominent public figure, talking publically about the importance of stories that allow people to recognize their own experiences. She has appeared on numerous media outlets to discuss her novel, such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Today Show, and Slate. These interviews show her commitment to both highlighting key issues and making herself accessible to readers.

In 'Such a Fun Age', Reid explores the tangled relationships between race, privilege and status. Throughout the novel, she dissects these issues and gives readers insight into the intersections between race, privilege, and the unequal power dynamics prevailing in contemporary American life.

What is perhaps most striking about Reid's novel is how accessible it is. The narrative is easy to follow, and the themes have a universal appeal. Reid is in conversation with the world around her, and her characters embody both the problems and some of the solutions. Reid is clearly pushing back against the structures that privilege some while disadvantaging others.

Reid is an important figure in contemporary literature. Her insights, her commitment to making her views accessible to different audiences, and her willingness to explore complex subject matter sets her apart from other writers. Through both her writing and her activism, Reid is engaging with some of the most pressing issues of our time – and 'Such a Fun Age' is an important reminder of why her voice matters.