A refreshing outlook on race from the eyes of the millennials.
What is it about
The story begins with a simple trip to the grocery store where Emira is confronted by a security guard who thinks she has kidnapped a toddler. The toddler in question is white and Emira is her black babysitter. Another shopper comes to her defence, videoing the incidence on his mobile phone so that Emira can release it online. When her employer learns of this, she tries to overcompensate Emira by paying her more and inviting her to Thanksgiving dinner. She soon becomes obsessed with learning about Emira, wishing to be close to her. Alix (the employer) spies on her phone to learn what music she is listening to and struggles to understand why an educated young woman would be listening to profanity filled lyrics. Then there is the boyfriend, Kelley, who is white and feels Emira should have released the grocery store clip online. There is so much more to Alix and Kelley that Emira is not aware of, and as the story develops further, Emira (and the readers) uncover some unpleasant history. Emira’s bond with the toddler shows readers that while everything around her is chaotic, her relationship with the child is special, and uncomplicated. Their relationship adds a sweet touch in the story.
What I love about this book
The book explores different perspectives towards race from the point of views of Emira, her friends, her boyfriend, and her employer. It shows how Alix and Kelley seem to be more fixated on racial issues than Emira is. When Emira’s friends point out Kelley’s fetishism with dating black women, Emira disregards it.
It is an engaging and absorbing read that ask readers serious questions about race, class, white privilege, and ignorance. If you are a part of a book club, then this is a great book to suggest as your next read.