Come and Get It: A GMA Book Club Pick

The Tangled Web of Class and Money

The novel delves into the complexities of class and economic disparity as experienced by college students and those in their orbit. It highlights how access to resources and financial security shapes their choices, opportunities, and overall worldview. The characters' interactions are often defined by their relative economic positions, creating tensions and misunderstandings that underscore the challenges of bridging socioeconomic divides. Reid explores the ways in which financial precarity affects not only material well-being but also emotional and psychological states, revealing the subtle yet profound impact of economic inequality on individual lives and relationships. The setting of a college campus amplifies these issues, as students from diverse backgrounds are thrown together, forcing them to confront their differences.

Race and Identity in Academia

Through the character of Millie, a Black residential assistant, the book explores themes of race and identity in a predominantly white academic environment. Millie's experiences highlight the microaggressions, assumptions, and systemic biases that Black students often face. The narrative delves into the challenges of navigating racial stereotypes, code-switching, and the constant pressure to represent one's race. Reid examines how race intersects with class and gender to create unique obstacles for Millie, shaping her aspirations, relationships, and sense of self. The novel encourages readers to confront their own biases and consider the ways in which racial inequality persists in seemingly progressive spaces.

The Pitfalls of Consumer Culture

The book critiques the culture of consumerism and the relentless pursuit of material possessions. Characters are often driven by a desire for status symbols and the perceived validation that comes with acquiring them. This relentless pursuit of 'more' leads to questionable choices and ethical compromises. Reid examines how consumerism can distort values, create false needs, and fuel a sense of emptiness despite outward success. The characters' materialistic desires often overshadow their genuine needs and relationships, highlighting the corrosive effects of a society obsessed with consumption. This theme is particularly relevant in the context of college students, who are often bombarded with marketing messages and social pressures to conform to certain consumption patterns.

The Corrosive Nature of Untamed Ambition

The novel explores the themes of ambition, desire, and the lengths people will go to achieve their goals. Characters are often driven by a desire for success, recognition, or simply a better life. This ambition can lead to moral compromises, betrayal, and a willingness to exploit others. Reid examines the ethical dilemmas that arise when personal ambition clashes with principles of integrity and empathy. The characters' relentless pursuit of their desires often blinds them to the consequences of their actions, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition. The setting of a university provides a fertile ground for exploring these themes, as students and faculty alike grapple with their aspirations and the pressures to succeed.

Ethical Dilemmas in Research

The novel raises questions about the ethics of research and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. When a professor involves students in a research project, ethical boundaries become blurred, and the students' privacy and well-being are jeopardized. The book examines the power dynamics inherent in research relationships and the potential for exploitation when researchers prioritize their own agendas over the interests of their subjects. Reid challenges readers to consider the responsibilities of researchers and the importance of informed consent and ethical conduct. The narrative underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability in research practices, particularly when working with vulnerable populations.

The Fragility of Human Connection

The book delves into the complexities of relationships, exploring how they are shaped by power dynamics, economic disparities, and personal ambitions. Characters form alliances and betrayals, driven by their own self-interests and desires. Reid examines the ways in which relationships can be both a source of support and a source of conflict, highlighting the challenges of navigating complex social dynamics. The novel reveals the fragility of human connections and the ways in which they can be easily fractured by jealousy, competition, and misunderstandings. The setting of a college campus amplifies these relational dynamics, as students and faculty alike grapple with issues of belonging, acceptance, and social status.