I really loved this author’s first book, but I could not get into this one. It felt monotonous and draining to read as the characters were all tolerable at best. I was so disappointed and hope her next book delivers the same relatable consideration and levity in challenge that Such a Fun Age tackled.

I loved the authors first book so much, and wanted to like this book too but it was a miss for me. I didn’t really understand what the point of the book was. There was also a lot of character backstory (for multiple characters) that didn’t really seem to have anything to do with anything. So it felt like we were learning about these characters to just say “end scene”. Like so what? What’s the point? Disappointed considered how much I loved such a fun age.

I am going to preface this review with the comment that I am not the correct age range or life experience for this book. It has been 15 years or so since I was a undergrad and I never lived on campus nor had a close connection to non-class elements of college. That out of the way.

Come and Get It is the story of fall semester at the Belgrade dorm on the University of Arkansas's campus. The story is told by Kennedy (a transfer student from Iowa), Millie (a Belgrade RA), and Agatha (an author in her thirties who is teaching at UA that year). One evening Agatha comes to Belgrade to interview three girls (Tyler, Jenna, and Casey) about weddings for an upcoming book as Agatha is a non-fiction writer who focuses on money in various ways. During the interview the conversation morphs from weddings to more about money & privilege. This makes Agatha change her focus. Agatha gets a deal writing profiles for Teen Vogue using the information she initially gets from this interview session but then she needs more.

Millie suggests Agatha come to her room every week where she can over hear the girls in the next room for more content. They listen to Tyler, Jenna, and Casey talk about money, boys, and even twin birth as it gives so much interesting content that people can either relate to or poke fun at. While they are engaged listening to the girls, they are missing the issues that are developing with others around them.

Kennedy is having a hard time making friends and becoming involved in school life. Her roommates, Tyler and Peyton, do not talk with her and only interact in order ask her to cleanup her dishes. Kennedy is concerned about running to Agatha but we do not know why.

Everything comes to a head one night when an accident reveals some of what others were hiding. Shouldn't those in a position of "responsibility" for others notice when those are not thriving in their new environment and not about their future (which relies on paying attention to these girls).

I think this book had a lot of potential even though I did not connect with it but I found myself continually going back rereading sections because the description of crucial moments was glossed over. This occurs in at least two instances with Kennedy's story that are integral to her character. The other major instance where this occurred was with the description of what Agatha looks like. The way the beginning of the book is written you think the Agatha looks a certain way because of a thought she has, but in the sentence right before it describes her as very different. This actually causes an entirely different reading of the book. There were so many ways this book could have gone that would have been more interesting and POV characters that would he provided a more important view at certain points.

In general I try to think of who this book would be best for and I think that would be college aged girls but my plot and structure issues keep me from actually recommending it.

Over halfway through and yet to figure out what the plot is . Too many characters and lacking any depth .

a character based novel that's not really "about" anything but examines the lives of a few women who live and/or work in a college dorm

After reading and absolutely loving Reid's first book, and hearing about how amazing this book was, I jumped at the chance to get an early copy. I have tried on multiple occasions to get into this and I just can't. I'm not sure what it is, but I have struggled to connect. Unfortunately, I DNF'd this one around the 30% mark.

Thank you to Kiley Reid, Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for an advance digital copy for an honest review.

I was only mildly invested in this until Kennedy’s backstory and then the Event at around 75% (IYKYK) and my jaw dropped. Reid continues to examine human nature and make you wonder why people do what they do.

This is a character drives novel set in the dorms of an Arkansas university in 2017 surrounding a journalist, Agatha, interviewing a few female students for a story. These female students are obnoxiously over the top drawing the reader in like onlookers to a train wreck. This book though is not to be written off a fluff piece about college antics, it is filled with deep, complex topics like competitiveness, racism, classism, and overall cultural commentary. And the ending

This book is an iron hand in a silk glove. I highly recommend this thought-provoking book.

Thank you for access to this ARC. Unfortunately I will not be able to read this and give it a proper review. I apologize, and if I have time to properly review it I will return to it.

I gave this author another chance but alas her writing is just not for me. The pacing seemed off and the characters fell flat.

Come and Get It is a compelling novel set in 2017 at the University of Arkansas, focusing on Millie Cousins, a 24-year-old senior and resident assistant. Millie is determined to graduate, secure a job, and buy a house. Her life takes an unexpected turn when Agatha Paul, a visiting professor and writer, offers her an unusual opportunity. As Millie becomes entangled with Agatha and a group of unruly students, she navigates complex social dynamics, desire, and the consequences of indiscretion.

Kiley Reid explores themes of class, privilege, and ambition within the microcosm of a college campus. Her sharp social observations and authentic dialogue bring depth to the characters. However, I found it difficult to follow the story, characters and stay engaged.

I enjoyed Reid's debut, Such a Fun Age. I did not have the same experience with this novel.

I DNF'd this book around 30%. I was nothing like Reid's first book, Such a Fun Age, which I really enjoyed. This one was boring and disjointed. I just didn't see what it was she was trying to accomplish here.

Set on a college campus, this gripping story explores the intricate dynamics between dormmates and their RAs, delving into issues of race, class, and morality. Told through multiple perspectives, it reveals how small, morally ambiguous decisions can spiral into unexpected chaos. Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for the early copies!

Mostly read this because it had a bunch of buzz around it. It’s fine? It was well written and the characters felt fairly fleshed out. But, I really struggled to care what happened to any of them. Maybe just not in the right mood.

ARC from the publisher via NetGalley but the opinions are my own.

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid is a daring and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of desire, ambition, and the price of success. Set in 2017 at the University of Arkansas, the story follows Millie Cousins, a super-senior resident assistant who's just trying to graduate and secure a job, when an unexpected and morally murky opportunity arises. Agatha Paul, a visiting professor, offers Millie a deal that could help them both climb their respective ladders, and thus begins a compelling exploration of what happens when ambition collides with personal ethics.

Reid’s writing is sharp and unflinching, capturing the nuances of the characters' inner lives with precision. The novel is a biting commentary on the lengths people are willing to go for success, and how power dynamics shape their choices. Millie’s vulnerability and Agatha’s opportunism create an intriguing tension that drives the plot, though some readers may find the pacing slow in parts, especially as the narrative focuses on internal conflicts rather than external action.

What makes Come and Get It stand out is Reid’s ability to weave together themes of self-interest, manipulation, and the fine line between ambition and exploitation. The characters’ bad behavior is both relatable and uncomfortable, prompting readers to reflect on their own moral boundaries. However, the novel can feel a bit disjointed at times, and some plot twists may feel more contrived than earned.

Overall, Come and Get It is a bold and engaging exploration of modern desire and the price we’re willing to pay for our goals. It’s a strong 3.5-4 star read, with rich, complex characters and an underlying critique of societal expectations. Perfect for readers who enjoy morally ambiguous stories and character-driven narratives.

Come and Get It by Kiley Reid is a story of ambition, desire, and the complicated relationships that can arise in a college setting. While the story is definitely engaging with its dark humor and tension-filled moments, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The characters were interesting, but the chaotic mix of personal ambitions and entanglements left me feeling a little detached. It’s an intriguing read, but not one I’ll be rushing to revisit.

If you’re into stories that explore the complexity of desire, recklessness, and ambition with a touch of scandal, this book will probably resonate more. It was fine, but not my favorite.

I like Kiley Reid, but this one didn’t speak to me. The pacing felt of. The characters were relatable and my favorite part. It was good enough that I’m still looking forward to more of Kiley’s work.

I went into this book with high hopes. I adored "Such a Fun Age," and really wanted to love this one too. Unfortunately, I DNFed it about 60% in. I think this was meant as a lengthy character study of a number of different main characters, but it ultimately fell flat for me. I wish that Reid had had a more effective editor, as there was potential and she is clearly a talented writer. I will not give up on Reid for her future work though!

A well told story about young women in college trying to find their own path while weaving their way through complicated relationships and interactions with one another. The characters are so real and relatable. I was truly impressed with this amazing work.

Thank you to Kiley Reid, Penguin Group Putnam/G.P. Putnam's Sons, and NetGalley for an eARC of Come and Get It!

Kiley Reid's books are always a great commentary on life and racism. She creates these scenes and situations in her books and I find myself at first thinking, "Oh... this isn't so bad..." Then she delves deeper into the background of the characters, situations, and catalysts and I find myself thinking "Yikes!" Context is huge for her books and the more context we get about their lives, the worse and worse I felt for these characters.

This story was a mix of plot driven and character driven. We can see all the actions and decision of the main characters building up to a boiling point where we know something bad is going to happen, but so much of the novel is also about how these characters have grown over the past few years. Having read Kiley Reid's Such a Fun Age in the past, I knew this book would have a subtle but life changing crescendo for all the characters. I think it is helpful as a reader to go into this book knowing there isn't going to be something the characters are consciously working towards, but instead their choices will impact each other and possibly change their outlook on life.

I find Reid's novels thought provoking and they often make me reevaluate how I look at certain situations.

3.5/5 stars rounded up.