The Gray Area with Sean Illing

Author Kiley Reid on why we read novels

Mar 10, 2022

Kiley Reid, acclaimed author of "Such a Fun Age," dives into the power of novels and their role in exploring race, class, and friendship. She discusses the delicate balance between playful storytelling and serious themes, while emphasizing the need for introspection in understanding social dynamics. The conversation highlights the complexities of relationships shaped by socioeconomic differences, revealing how character portrayals reflect broader societal challenges. Reid advocates for engaging with literature to foster meaningful dialogues about identity and privilege.

47:58

Episode guests

Kiley Reid

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Episode notes

Intro

4min

Exploring Social Dynamics in Fiction

14min

Exploring Race and Class in Contemporary Narratives

2min

Class, Identity, and Relationships

5min

The Complexity of Playful Storytelling

8min

Exploring Literature and the Impact of Female Friendships

3min

Friendship and Class Dynamics

10min

Vox's Constance Grady talks with Kiley Reid, author of the critically-acclaimed novel Such a Fun Age. In this episode, which is a recording of a live Vox Book Club event, they discuss what novels are really for, the ways that we all craft stories in our relationships and personal lives, and the nuanced ways in which Reid takes on race, class, and friendship in her engaging, fast-paced literary debut.

Host: Constance Grady (@constancegrady), staff writer, Vox

Guests: Kiley Reid (@kileyreid), author

References:

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid (G.P. Putnam's Sons; 2019)
"The smart political argument behind the satire Such a Fun Age" by Constance Grady (Vox; Nov. 19, 2021)

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This episode was made by:

Producer: Erikk Geannikis
Editor: Amy Drozdowska
Engineer: Paul Robert Mounsey
Deputy Editorial Director, Vox Talk: Amber Hall

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