OUR GEN is a book about four individuals who met in a swanky condominium community for seniors near Philly nicknamed “the Gen”. They have fun together and tell each other their secrets, but they also feel nostalgic for their past lives and places. The book shows how they deal with getting older, being friends, and blending their lives in a funny and touching way.

Cynthia, Tish, Bloc and Lavia hang out a lot discussing politics and gossiping about their neighbors, and they also drink and smoke and hook up with each other. They share almost everything like they're in college again. But they also reflect on the things they are not sharing.

I am a long-time fan of Diane McKenney-Whetstone and was excited to read this book. She is a great storyteller, and her writing is compelling. The best thing about this book is how it makes you care about the characters and their relationships. The characters offer hope of life in your later years. Most books don’t focus on characters of a certain age enjoying life to the fullest. As I approach this age, this book is intriguing and exciting to read.

Reading Our Gen had me feeling like I was meddling in grown folks business! Diane McKinney-Whetstone has put my mind at ease for what could be waiting for me over the hill. If this story is anything to go by, there's weed, laughter and love waiting on the other side.

Our Gen follows 4 entertaining seniors (Bloc, Cynthia, Tish and Lavina) living in the Sexagenarian. Each character's back story is unique in origin but can be connect through the readers point of view. Each character held a mystery about themselves that unraveled as the story went on. Then you add in a mystery that crosses over between characters and I was done for! At that point you could have sold me for a penny.

This book was riddled with culture, comedy and content warnings. Diane balanced the beauty of live with the pain of living it like a professional. If I had to describe it one word it would be messy but isn't that what we love about the drama genre?

I need two things from anyone reading this....1) a playlist for this book 2) more people to read it!

I really enjoyed this novel. It has a nice, feel-good story but with some layers and a secret or two thrown in to make it interesting. I liked that the author did not rely on traditional ageist tropes and gave us fully-formed characters, living their life to the fullest. I would recommend. This would definitely be a good pick for book clubs.

Diane McKinney Whetsone has been a favorite author of mine since Tumbleing and I am so glad she came out with another book. Although I'm a little ways from the characters in the story, this was such a jaw dropping read of a group of individuals living in a senior citizens over 55 community. Not only did I love most of the Characters in this story (Trish had to grow on me , and Cynthia was my absolute favorite), I especially loved the growth of the characters. I did not want this book to end nor could I put it down. I would surely want to watch this as a movie.

I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.

The Sexagenarian aka the "Gen" is an active adult community which collectively brings together members of a particular "gen"eration. This overlap yields some sexy, fun adventures, new friendships, and a few unexpected (but long overdue) reckonings. These characters are educated and accomplished having lived extraordinary lives — their backstories were well-conceived and kept me turning pages. Each has survived unimaginable hardships and situations, but a common denominator is they were all buoyed by strong, loving ties to family and friends. The beauty of the story is witnessing the birth of new friendships and the intimate bonding between the characters whenever they gather to dance to "their" music (from their era), eat good food, and imbibe in other recreational activities from their youth that often involve "herbal" medicine. The author cleverly weaves in a "six degrees of separation" angle between two unsuspecting characters for added suspense.

This was a quick, delightful read — I enjoyed my glimpse into life at the Gen!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an opportunity to review.

Yes. A truly adult novel. Diane McKinney-Whetstone has crafted a wonderful story that looks at aging but not rushing in headlong. The story has four central characters but Cynthia is the main character and when she leaves her big house In Philadelphia to move into the Gen, a 55+ senior community in the suburbs she immediately connects with the two other Black residents and an Native Australian and these four have dinner nights and just regular get togethers where the food is good, the wine is plentiful and the weed is a throwback to their younger selves.

The present situation of the central four is written very realistic and relatable, but the real strength of the novel is when Diane McKinney-Whetstone examines the past of each character in suspense filled fashion, giving us edge of seat moments with some hilarity and just a touch of incredulous coincidences. It’s all in good fun and really shows how unresolved trauma and issues can affect you into your aging years. Everyone of the four has a past they all needed to deal with in some way, and the prospect of aging out of relevance forces a reckoning.

I highly recommend. The sexagenarian crowd will definitely find appreciation here, but this novel is for anyone who has an admiration for a truly adult story absent the typical old people tropes.

OMG, the last book I read by this author was “Blues Dancing” and that has been sometime ago. I see that I have missed several of Diane’s earlier books. This is the 4th book that I read by her. I must say it is an awesome read. The Gen is a retirement community in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Bloc, Cynthia, Lavia and Tish are the characters. Cynthia moves from her home into The Gen. These ladies are awesome they enjoy fun filled days, evenings, nights with good conversation, dining, movie nights wine etc. It is so great that these four women get along so well and are able to have discussions about their lives and not passing judgement on each other. They also have a lot in common making their friendship that much more rewarding. There are secrets and mystery among and about the characters making for an interesting plot.

If you have never read a Diane McKinney-Whetstone book “Our Gen” would be a great book to start with. This is an awesome read, pick up your copy today you will not be disappointment. Hope you enjoy “Our Gen” as much as I did.

I received an ARC via NetGalley and Amistad Books, Thank You. I am leaving my review voluntarily.

Our Gen
by Diane McKinney-Whetstone
Pub Date: July 5, 2022
Amistad
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. Diane McKinney-Whetstone hasn’t disappointed me yet! This is the third novel I’ve read by this talented author, and it was just as captivating as the first two. Set in the suburbs of Philadelphia, this story is centered around the lives of four residents of a retirement community called The Gen. The narrative alternates between present-day and the younger years of Cynthia, Tish, Bloc, and Lavia, providing readers with a glimpse into past experiences and situations that have shaped them into the adults they are today. Although the novel is primarily character-driven, there are several revelations and plot reveals that add dimension and make it hard to put this book down. I appreciated the author’s approach to addressing topics such as maintaining independence as we age, ongoing issues with racial injustice and microaggressions, and the impact that childhood grief and trauma can have well into adulthood. I recommend this book to people of all ages and backgrounds!

“The tress gave the development a timeless feel, as if they’d always been there and always would be. And timelessness suited the Gen’s target market, who thought themselves like the trees: heirlooms still looking good; still sporting their own curves and swagger: still budding and unfurling and rocking steady supported by massive roots that they hoped would hide their pasts, their secrets”.

Confession: I have a fear that involves the elderly that is not consistent. I often find the elderly either “cute” or fearful. There is nothing wrong with what they’re doing, but it is uncharted territory. I do not have many elderly people in my life, and I do not have tradition or history passed down from my bloodline, but Our Gen is a ball of relief. It is a feel-good book that deep dives into the past but reassures you that the tea is still hot no matter what your age.

Cynthia, Bloc, Tish, and Lavia are four characters who have retired and now live at the Sexagenarian or Gen for short. We get a chance to see each character shed their armor because ageing does not mean secrets are no longer being kept, or healing does not need to be done.

Bloc is a man who’s been through 3 marriages but still craves the love of a woman, and yet, he feels the urge to push them away before they can see his vulnerability. As a boy, Bloc was misjudged as his knowledge did not become present to others until he received glasses. A momma’s boy, whose routine was to pick her up at the same time each day, was changed when a man took something from him. Bloc is a depiction of how a mother’s love can hold her child together. Of how the right woman can make him feel loved and give love in return. On the plus side, Bloc always gets good weed too lol.

Even in old age, Cynthia cannot see her beauty as she has given herself the label of ugly since childhood. Between having a bipolar mother who has gone untreated and being an outcast in school due to her mother’s sexual advances, Cynthia had no friends and often found stability until she met her best friend, Gabriela. She shows that family does not mean blood. Cynthia overtakes the book with her story, and it ties into another character that will leave you telling Cynthia to carry that to the grave!

Tish is high maintenance and holds on to being the center of attention as what her dad installed in her contradicts his actions. She shames her father due to the location of his death and sets forth to create a new identity and image so she can emerge as a woman who has it all put together.

Lavia is one of my favorite characters! She is a pillar of strength, a secret keeper, and an upholder of her family. Born at sea, she lived a double life, being a maid onboard and faking royalty as she wore garments left behind by passengers. Lavia’s observation and sneakiness have led to the life of a spy who accomplished all her parents sacrificed for her to find love with her mentor.

McKinney-Whetstone shows how age does not take away from living and healing has no timeline. Each character has a story of their own, but together, they form a family that is bonded by love, good food, and a good high.

Diane McKinney-Whetstone hasn’t disappointed me yet! This is the third novel I’ve read by this talented author, and it was just as captivating as the first two. Set in the suburbs of Philadelphia, this story is centered around the lives of four residents of a retirement community called The Gen. The narrative alternates between present day and the younger years of Cynthia, Tish, Bloc and Lavia, providing readers with a glimpse into past experiences and situations that have shaped them into the adults they are today. Although the novel is primarily character driven, there are several revelations and plot reveals that add dimension and make it hard to put this book down. I appreciated the author’s approach to addressing topics such as maintaining independence as we age, ongoing issues with racial injustice and microaggressions, and the impact that childhood grief and trauma can have well into adulthood. I recommend this book to people of all ages and backgrounds!

I have loved this author since I was in high school. Her books always make me feel. I kept going back and forth between a 3.5 and 4 star review because the first 20% or so dragged for me. But when it picked up, I couldn’t put it down. I felt drawn to Cynthia and her struggles, entranced by Lavia’s story and less annoyed by Bloc and Tish as the story went on. So I am landing on four stars or at least 3.75. There is a mystery that she teases throughout the book that never feels maddening. Also, she keeps that “everything is connected” vibe.

An interesting concept and engaging story.


I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

This book is phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal. I was instantly drawn into this fascinating story about four 60+ black and brown residents of a luxury seniors community. The author does an amazing job of weaving together the past and present to fully develop each of the main characters.

I really enjoyed reading about complex orders characters who lived a lot of life and still had more to look forward to. Feels like a really fresh take.

10/10 I definitely recommend.

When I saw that this author had a new book coming out, I rushed to express my interest in it. Didn’t even matter much what it was about—this author gained “read whatever she writes” status with me long ago with “Tempest Rising” and “Tumbling.” So, I was very happy to be given the opportunity to advance read “Our Gen.”

I didn’t immediately love it, like I had the others. I felt that it really could’ve been two separate stories—or three, even. It felt like a lot to be crammed into one book, and that each of the main characters could’ve almost carried a story on their own. The fact that they were all together in one facility seemed kind of rushed and definitely not as central to the story as I think might have been the intent.

As I kept reading, though, I began to see the brilliance in weaving the stories and experiences of the characters together the way that she did. The writing was, as always, extraordinary. This author definitely wields words with passion and marries them marvelously. This demographic is not one widely explored; and, if they are written about, it’s certainly not with the depth and vitality and richness and even youth that Ms. McKinney-Whetstone did in this work. By the end of the book I didn’t that to *be* the end.

While I would not rate this book as highly as the other two I’ve named—quite frankly, all of her prior works (save “Lazaretto”) are must reads for me—I will absolutely recommend this book to friends who ask “so, whatcha read good lately?”