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Our Gen
Residents of an active-living retirement community revert to lives of youthful indulgence, even as time-bomb secrets of their pasts tick toward explosion.
The Gen--short for Sexagenarian--is an upscale fifty-five-plus community located in the bucolic suburbs of Philadelphia. Main character Cynthia befriends the Gen's two other Black residents, Bloc and Tish, as well as Lavia, who everyone assumes is from India. They regularly convene to smoke weed, line dance, and debate politics and philosophy as the wine goes down like silk. Their camaraderie is exhilarating.
But beneath the fun and froth, storms gather. With its walls of windows gushing light and air, the Gen becomes the catalyst for secrets to be exposed.
Shifting the narrative between the characters' pasts and the present day, Diane McKinney-Whetstone deftly builds suspense as she captures with insight, poignancy, and humor, the scars, tenderness, and swagger of those not yet old, but no longer young, coming to the mean acceptance that life is finite after all, who knew.
The Gen--short for Sexagenarian--is an upscale fifty-five-plus community located in the bucolic suburbs of Philadelphia. Main character Cynthia befriends the Gen's two other Black residents, Bloc and Tish, as well as Lavia, who everyone assumes is from India. They regularly convene to smoke weed, line dance, and debate politics and philosophy as the wine goes down like silk. Their camaraderie is exhilarating.
But beneath the fun and froth, storms gather. With its walls of windows gushing light and air, the Gen becomes the catalyst for secrets to be exposed.
Shifting the narrative between the characters' pasts and the present day, Diane McKinney-Whetstone deftly builds suspense as she captures with insight, poignancy, and humor, the scars, tenderness, and swagger of those not yet old, but no longer young, coming to the mean acceptance that life is finite after all, who knew.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2022
68 people are currently reading
1112 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
June 27, 2022
“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.
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.
July 1, 2022
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.
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.
July 30, 2022
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.
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.
September 24, 2023
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 connected 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!
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 connected 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!
August 1, 2022
A little disappointing in comparison to her other books
June 27, 2022
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!
Thank you NetGalley and Amistad Books for providing me with an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Amistad Books for providing me with an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2022
This was a quick and interesting read. This author is one of my favorites, i think I've read all of her books. This one seems more current in terms of era its based in. It's about residents at a senior living community, and their pasts catching up to them. It was interesting getting to know each one, and their pasts were unfolded gradually over the course of the book, with one twist in particular that was pretty juicy. It made me think about the lives of our seniors and how they still have passions, fears, hopes and regrets and how that interplays with their age. Not really sure i know the moral of this story, but i can say i enjoyed it.
June 25, 2022
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.
July 31, 2022
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.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.
October 20, 2022
Even though I'm nowhere near the 55 and older crowd, I picked this novel up in a bookstore because of the cover art and the first few words in the blurb in the inside cover which was "Sexagenarian". The way these four people (Cynthia, Bloc, Tish, and Lavia) gave me some serious belly laughs is definitely worth mentioning.. In their native way to say it, "they were something else" because even though they are in their silver years, they all acted like they were college students living their best life. The serious moments were executed very well and really endeared those four to my heart. Like, they were like how I would've wanted my grandparents to be. I would have loved sitting at their feet hearing them tell me about their lives and the lessons they learned. Although this was such a fun read, I have to say that Mckinney-Whetstone had lots of sentences that were too wordy and it caused me to re-read sentences at least twice in order to understand how it was supposed to be spoken. Other than that, I would highly recommend this!
August 20, 2023
I wouldn’t say this was hard to follow, but it was not what I expected, and this made it hard for me to keep my interest in this one. The interspersed story lines never fully took off for me, and I found myself struggling to figure out who I was supposed to be connecting with at what specific time.
I think if I went in understanding that there wouldn’t be a single main character, I might have enjoyed it more. I certainly enjoyed the concept, and would be interested to reading a more focused and fleshed out book in a similar setting in the future. However, based on my experience with Our Gen, I don’t think I’ll be rushing to pick up any of this author’s other work.
I think if I went in understanding that there wouldn’t be a single main character, I might have enjoyed it more. I certainly enjoyed the concept, and would be interested to reading a more focused and fleshed out book in a similar setting in the future. However, based on my experience with Our Gen, I don’t think I’ll be rushing to pick up any of this author’s other work.
September 18, 2025
I am used to Diane McKinney-Whetstone writing within the historical fiction genre, so I was surprised and a bit curious to find she'd released something contemporary.
This novel about grown-grown folks shenanigans at a ritzy senior living community dabbles a bit with historical fiction through a few flashback scenes, but the modern day story line was still pretty engaging.
I was not expecting a twist, but one came out of nowhere and caught me completely off guard. That rarely happens. I really enjoyed this one.
This novel about grown-grown folks shenanigans at a ritzy senior living community dabbles a bit with historical fiction through a few flashback scenes, but the modern day story line was still pretty engaging.
I was not expecting a twist, but one came out of nowhere and caught me completely off guard. That rarely happens. I really enjoyed this one.
October 27, 2022
I’m a fan of this author and have read all of her books. Part romance, mystery, family saga and a reminder of the power of friendship, there were times when I laughed out loud mixed with times of real surprise. As a sexagenarian myself, it’s a treat to read about characters still living their lives in their 60s and beyond. Lots of fun and also insightful.
July 19, 2025
3.5 stars. Certainly an entertaining read with surprisingly intertwined stories.
October 29, 2022
Diane McKinney-Whetstone has written some very wonderful novels. Ever since reading Tumbling, I have locked forward to get new releases. However, this one just was not for me and was disappointed compared to her other novels. Several times, I couldn't believe this book was actually written by the same author. Nonetheless, I still consider her previous writings extremely Admirable. And, would love to see what is forthcoming...
August 13, 2022
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.
July 12, 2022
A lot of purple prose, but a good story overall.
August 16, 2025
I don’t know what I was expecting when I picked up this book, but I definitely wasn’t expecting the gem that was hidden within these pages.
McKinney-Whetstone crafts a beautiful tale of four flawed characters who called themselves sexagenarians (persons between 60-69) that all live within this community for retirees known as the Gen.
With Cynthia’s move to the Gen, her newfound friendship with Lavia and Tish and not forgetting her budding romance with Bloc who had a thing for Tish before, a can of worms begin to open in this community of older persons.
Each character is able to reconcile with a past that for years they had not reconciled with. Face hard truths that they’d rather swallow than allow others to know about them. Find love, laughter and forgiveness with some lives intertwining in the most mind blowing ways.
Which really brought the forefront the importance of healing and how much pain can affect you even in your elder years if it was not been reconciled. It’s not always good to push things to the side because if it’s one thing Cynthia, Bloc, Tish and Lavia learnt was that the truth would and did set them free.
I’m still reeling over the plot twist at the end because McKinney-Whetstone did her big one with this novel. It was just enough funny, healing, raw and real.
McKinney-Whetstone crafts a beautiful tale of four flawed characters who called themselves sexagenarians (persons between 60-69) that all live within this community for retirees known as the Gen.
With Cynthia’s move to the Gen, her newfound friendship with Lavia and Tish and not forgetting her budding romance with Bloc who had a thing for Tish before, a can of worms begin to open in this community of older persons.
Each character is able to reconcile with a past that for years they had not reconciled with. Face hard truths that they’d rather swallow than allow others to know about them. Find love, laughter and forgiveness with some lives intertwining in the most mind blowing ways.
Which really brought the forefront the importance of healing and how much pain can affect you even in your elder years if it was not been reconciled. It’s not always good to push things to the side because if it’s one thing Cynthia, Bloc, Tish and Lavia learnt was that the truth would and did set them free.
I’m still reeling over the plot twist at the end because McKinney-Whetstone did her big one with this novel. It was just enough funny, healing, raw and real.
June 22, 2022
𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐧 a novel by Diane McKinney-Whetstone is a feel-good, character-driven novel that defines a great summer read!
⠀
Four friends Cynthia, Tish, Lavia and the only male Bloc, lives in the senior community Sexagenarian aka Gen. for short.
⠀
Cynthia, the last to move in, immediately forms a bond with Tish, Lavia and Bloc. The four friends get together often hosting parties and movie nights. But don’t let their age fool you. When they mingle there’s always great food, dancing, cocktails and Blac’s medical marijuara.
⠀
As the group gets to know each other more, life long secrets are revealed. In time, these four friends learn they have more in common than they could have ever imagined.
⠀
I really enjoyed this novel. It was a great break from reality. With a perfect tempo the story glides along like a yacht treading a calm windless sea. It’s smooth and effortless.
⠀
The way in which McKinney-Whetstone
shifts back and forth in time adds great dimension to the story. Her description of each character’s past made me feel like I knew each one of them. No character is my favorite. Knowing their history made me like them all.
⠀
What I like most about this story is that it shows that life is not over once you become a senior citizen. Cynthia, Tish, Lavia & Bloc are lively. Their homes are modern luxury, and their sex lives are just as complicated as any 25 year old. These seniors are living it up.
⠀
The story also shows how change, even if it’s unwanted, can turn out to be satisfying. Cynthia didn’t want to sell her home and move to Gen. It was her son who pushed her to do it. However, she grew to love her new home.
⠀
𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐧 is an engaging summer read. It’s a book you want to indulge in while poolside or lounging on the beach. I know because I did both!
⠀
I’m giving this one 4/5⭐️
⠀
Thank you @amistadbooks for gifting me this advance review copy in exchange for my honest review. I enjoyed the journey.
⠀
Pub Date July 5th.
⠀
.
⠀
Four friends Cynthia, Tish, Lavia and the only male Bloc, lives in the senior community Sexagenarian aka Gen. for short.
⠀
Cynthia, the last to move in, immediately forms a bond with Tish, Lavia and Bloc. The four friends get together often hosting parties and movie nights. But don’t let their age fool you. When they mingle there’s always great food, dancing, cocktails and Blac’s medical marijuara.
⠀
As the group gets to know each other more, life long secrets are revealed. In time, these four friends learn they have more in common than they could have ever imagined.
⠀
I really enjoyed this novel. It was a great break from reality. With a perfect tempo the story glides along like a yacht treading a calm windless sea. It’s smooth and effortless.
⠀
The way in which McKinney-Whetstone
shifts back and forth in time adds great dimension to the story. Her description of each character’s past made me feel like I knew each one of them. No character is my favorite. Knowing their history made me like them all.
⠀
What I like most about this story is that it shows that life is not over once you become a senior citizen. Cynthia, Tish, Lavia & Bloc are lively. Their homes are modern luxury, and their sex lives are just as complicated as any 25 year old. These seniors are living it up.
⠀
The story also shows how change, even if it’s unwanted, can turn out to be satisfying. Cynthia didn’t want to sell her home and move to Gen. It was her son who pushed her to do it. However, she grew to love her new home.
⠀
𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐞𝐧 is an engaging summer read. It’s a book you want to indulge in while poolside or lounging on the beach. I know because I did both!
⠀
I’m giving this one 4/5⭐️
⠀
Thank you @amistadbooks for gifting me this advance review copy in exchange for my honest review. I enjoyed the journey.
⠀
Pub Date July 5th.
⠀
.
July 7, 2022
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.
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.
August 19, 2022
This is a wonderful novel about a suburban 55+ community called The Sexagenarian (or The Gen). We follow the POV of a few central characters, going from their past and present, and finding out what made them who they are. The community is a white suburb to be sure, but this book will feel like home for a lot of readers. It encompasses Black culture, and you'll find yourself smiling to yourself as you're reminded of all the older people you grew up with.
Cynthia is one of the newest members, and she's still struggling from a past trauma that happened while she was at college and also grappling with the fact that she's had to move from her beloved home of over 30 years. She soon develops friendships with Bloc, whom she has a growing attraction to, and Tish and Lavia, who become like sisters to her and begin to steady her.
It was so refreshing to see older Black folks be represented in this way. We can see how their pasts make them who they are, and how time often doesn't alleviate pain or make us forget from who we came from.
Cynthia is one of the newest members, and she's still struggling from a past trauma that happened while she was at college and also grappling with the fact that she's had to move from her beloved home of over 30 years. She soon develops friendships with Bloc, whom she has a growing attraction to, and Tish and Lavia, who become like sisters to her and begin to steady her.
It was so refreshing to see older Black folks be represented in this way. We can see how their pasts make them who they are, and how time often doesn't alleviate pain or make us forget from who we came from.
December 23, 2022
Funny how this book starts with my man getting a boner from his medical mJ mix and immediately hitting on the new resident for some “healing”, starting off with a triangle.
I did appreciate active financially secure seniors of color with interesting plot twist. The characters were engaging, funny and smart.
Our Gen goes back and forth between the past and present day building a picture of how 4 individuals living in a 55 and older community outside of Philadelphia have all ended up in the same community.
Cynthia, Tish, Lavia and Bloc have all lived the majority of their lives outside of this new community. Each character has experienced hardships and losses of varying kinds, and with the past stories comes more understanding of each character.
Favorite character is Cynthia’s and her best friend personally gravitated toward Cynthia and her story, but was worried that she was going to have body issues but she was realistic and comfortable with herself. I enjoyed all of the characters overall, and I enjoyed reading about their relationships with each other.
I did appreciate active financially secure seniors of color with interesting plot twist. The characters were engaging, funny and smart.
Our Gen goes back and forth between the past and present day building a picture of how 4 individuals living in a 55 and older community outside of Philadelphia have all ended up in the same community.
Cynthia, Tish, Lavia and Bloc have all lived the majority of their lives outside of this new community. Each character has experienced hardships and losses of varying kinds, and with the past stories comes more understanding of each character.
Favorite character is Cynthia’s and her best friend personally gravitated toward Cynthia and her story, but was worried that she was going to have body issues but she was realistic and comfortable with herself. I enjoyed all of the characters overall, and I enjoyed reading about their relationships with each other.
July 7, 2022
Diane McKinney-Whetstone's latest novel breathes life into colorful characters wrestling with the joy and pain of life through the lens of upscale baby boomers in an over 55 retirement enclave. Each of the residents we encounter has a family secret. As the social set swirls, the humor and tears unfurl. The suburbs of Philly serve as the backdrop of complicated relationships between Blacks and whites, men and women, old and young and the present revisiting ghosts of the past. The protagonists and antagonists explore life, death, self-love, and redemption. Investing in friendships as one ages is no easy feat. Yet this tight nucleus, might just survive the betrayals and shocking truths depicted in this gem of a novel.
January 11, 2024
This story started off slowly but then captured my interest. I like reading about how Cynthia, the new member of an upscale senior community, becomes close friends with the only other three members of color. We gradually learn that each of the friends psychologically struggles with difficult times from his or her past life. Their past lives are intriguing, while their retired lifestyle sounds fun. There are some funny scenes and lines along the way.
On a personal note, I enjoyed the Philly connections, especially the description of the high-rise dormitory apartments, where Cynthia lived as a Penn student. I moved in (in real life) during the same year that she moved out. So I can guarantee the accuracy of the author's description!
On a personal note, I enjoyed the Philly connections, especially the description of the high-rise dormitory apartments, where Cynthia lived as a Penn student. I moved in (in real life) during the same year that she moved out. So I can guarantee the accuracy of the author's description!
June 14, 2023
different portions of exposition and dialogue were really beautifully written. the authors style was able to capture the unique feelings that are both essential to the human experience but also are hard to describe. character development was primary plot driver which was not expected but, the author directs the journey well. dialogue felt natural and characters were sympathetic. i really enjoyed this representation of found friendship among older adults. I think the perspective regarding exactly how the past can impact the present and predict the future was refreshing. I think there is something relatable in this book no after what age the reader is.
July 4, 2022
An engaging character driven novel about four residents of a 55 plus community known as the Gen. Cynthia, Bloc, Tish, and Livia gradually tell their individual stories as this moves between past and present over drinks, dinner, and other indulgences. All four of them have had vivid lives and are continuing to live large. Cynthia, new to the Gen, is the catalyst that brings them together. There are awkward moments - the dialogue can seem stilted- but it's also pleasing to read a novel of this sort with more "mature" adults in the lead. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC.
July 10, 2023
Yes, Diane McKinney-Whetsone is my absolute favorite author and can do no wrong in my humble opinion. (Inserts humble smile and keeps typing). In Our Gen, she focuses the spotlight on people "of a certain age," providing a reprieve from all things young, nimble, and high-and-lifted-pre-gravity. It's an enjoyable read providing vignettes of the lives of 4 very grown adults, each with a past to tell. If you want high drama, pearl-clutching, and hot sex this ain't it. Well, that last bit does make an appearance. Except, it's not smoking. It's vibrant, calm. Inviting. As is this story.
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September 8, 2022
I won a copy of Our Gen from a bookstagram account and was excited to read it. Wow---I did not know what I was getting myself into! This was my first book by the author and won't be my last. The relationship between the characters and the overall theme reminded me of The Villages in Florida. There was a time or two where I cringed a bit, but the depth of the characters made up for the elderly sex scenes. Overall, a unique and different but worthwhile read. 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
December 22, 2022
Never "met" so many weed-smoking old folk. :) But I always respect and appreciate people's stories, even if they're fiction. Nice to read strong female charactersfor a change, not the dim, simpering ones I keep finding in chick-lit (which I've apparently read by accident...now that I know what chick lit is, I will avoid it!). Still, I wish so many female characters weren't so consumed with body-image issues.
January 27, 2023
It started off so good and I wasn't expecting the mystery or the twist in the book. I wish it explored more about the characters in the home and Cynthia's relationship with Block and her son. I was expecting something different from the unexpected plot that occurred so I was disappointed with what actually happened between her and Mr. B. The most Interesting character to me was Lavia but we don't hear from her point of view as much.
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