As we welcome the dawn of the new year, a tangible atmosphere of excitement and eager anticipation permeates the surroundings, signaling the anticipation of undiscovered tales that await us within the realm of books.
The domain of literature persists in its transformation, with authors stretching boundaries, exploring uncharted genres, and delivering narratives that provoke contemplation.
Whether you’re a passionate bibliophile or someone embarking on the quest to cultivate a fresh reading habit, 2024 guarantees an exceptional voyage through the diverse landscapes of literature.
Today’s pick is COME AND GET IT BY KILEY REID
In Reid’s latest novel, a college dorm’s seemingly innocuous thin wall becomes the epicenter of social complications for eavesdroppers on both sides.
Following her acclaimed debut, “Such a Fun Age” (2020), Reid delivers another sharp, edgy social novel, this time unfolding at the University of Arkansas.
At the heart of the narrative are several compelling characters, each with their unique backgrounds and complexities. Agatha, a 38-year-old gay white visiting professor, takes a prominent role alongside Millie, a 24-year-old Black Resident Assistant (RA).
The spotlight also extends to five undergraduates residing in the neighboring suite, a diverse group that includes a trio of white friends (Jenna, Casey, and Tyler) and two seemingly disconnected individuals, Peyton (Black) and Kennedy (white).
Agatha, with an authorial inclination mirroring Reid’s own, develops a keen interest in the lives of the adjacent suite’s inhabitants.
During her interviews with the students for a book she’s crafting, Agatha categorizes the friends with distinctive labels like “Jenna: tall. Casey: southern. Tyler: mean.” However, it’s the loners, Peyton and Kennedy, who become the inadvertent focal point of Agatha’s curiosity.
Kennedy, having experienced a traumatic event just before college, discovers an unintended consequence of the thin wall—she can hear everything that transpires during the RAs’ meetings in Millie’s room.
In her state of ennui, Kennedy becomes a regular eavesdropper, absorbing the lives of her neighbors. Meanwhile, everything discussed in the suites resonates audibly in Millie’s room, creating a curious interplay of secrets and revelations.
Agatha, captivated by the unique speech styles, Southern accents, and relationships with money displayed by the neighboring students, approaches Millie with an unusual proposition.
She pays Millie to grant her access to the suite once a week, allowing her to clandestinely eavesdrop on the students. Reid masterfully captures the characters’ distinct speech patterns, Southern nuances, and behaviors, enhancing the narrative with a vivid portrayal of their lives.
As Agatha’s fascination deepens, she decides to monetize these covert “interviews” by selling them to Teen Vogue. Millie, caught in a web of conflicting emotions and ethical dilemmas, grapples with her own thoughts about Agatha’s voyeuristic endeavor.
The plot takes a darker turn as mean-spirited pranks escalate, fueled by Casey’s provocations and Agatha’s relentless pursuit of material for her interviews.
Reid’s genius lies in her ability to mimic speech and keenly observe social dynamics.
The guilty pleasure of the novel arises from her precise depiction of the characters’ mannerisms, accents, and the carefully chosen details that surround them.
The narrative skillfully weaves together the characters’ lives, exposing the intricacies of their relationships and the unintended consequences of their actions.
In exploring the thin wall’s impact on both sides, Reid crafts a compelling commentary on privacy, voyeurism, and the blurred boundaries of personal space.
The novel delves into the complexities of human relationships, revealing the fragility of communication and the repercussions of unchecked curiosity.
With a keen eye for detail and an ear for authentic dialogue, Reid once again establishes herself as a masterful storyteller in the realm of contemporary social fiction.
About The Author
Kiley Reid, known for her acclaimed work “Such a Fun Age,” achieved New York Times bestseller status and received longlisting for the Booker Prize.
Her literary contributions have been showcased in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Playboy, The Guardian, among others.
Currently, Reid holds the position of assistant professor at the University of Michigan.
Vincent Salera
Founder @ World's Best Story™ amplifier of creativity & fun!
