Jenai’s Book Club Pick For June is Perfect For “Survival of the Thickest” Fans
If you haven’t been living under a rock, chances are you’ve watched Survival of the Thickest on Netflix. It follows a single woman as she navigates what she wants out of career and life, but that’s not the best part. For once, the focus isn’t on rushing to make her become a mother and it reminds me of author Kennedy Ryan’s newly released book Can’t Get Enough.
Through her #BookTok famous series Skyland, she’s created a tight-knit group of friends who’s experiences aren’t quite the same. Plus, their mere existence brings a thriving community of Black people to the forefront. I mean, Skyland’s based in Atlanta and those privy to the area know Black wealth is circulating in the city or surrounding areas.
That’s just one reason Can’t Get Enough is June’s book club pick.
You’re a Mom, So Why Choose a Book About a Childless Woman’s Career, Familial Stress & Love Life?
I treat book characters the same way I treat people in daily life. That sounds odd without context, right? But here’s the truth — someone’s life doesn’t have to reflect mine in order for me to respect them or enjoy their company. In this case, Hendrix Barry happens to be that person.
Being 100% honest here, Can’t Get Enough is the reason I decided to start my own book club. I’ve written about so many book clubs before, sure, but I genuinely love to read. It’s not a trendy gimmick and neither is a character like Hendrix. And let’s be clear, her being childless shouldn’t be the focus.
I know it’s still controversial that more women are choosing not to have children, but it shouldn’t be. Despite our many achievements or collective agreements, it seems society’s decided our worth lies in being human incubators. It’s one thing to choose to have kids because that’s what you want, but it’s another to become responsible for someone just because you feel pressured to do it.
If there’s one woman who’s not falling for that propaganda, it’s Hendrix Barry. She’s a go-getter who’s managing top talent in the media industry and she’s also a part of a fund that champions Black-owned women-led businesses. However, there’s more to her than being a career-driven woman. She’s wise, compassionate, a girl’s girl and she’s also navigating being a caretaker for her mom.
Who’s Her Love Interest?
Maverick Bell. What can I say about him besides how sexy and charismatic he is? Let’s see…he reminds me of a man who’s unafraid to take calculated risks in his business, but he also knows what he’s looking for as soon as he sees Hendrix. I admit his persistence made me cringe a little, but then I thought about how many of us have accepted multiple “wyd” texts that offer no real follow-up. It’s the equivalent of asking, “Is this what an intentional man is?”
There’s a saying that goes, “When a man knows what he wants, he goes for it,” and it feels like Kennedy Ryan must’ve been thinking about that when she developed his personality. Also, he sets a clear boundary with his ex about them not being aligned and continues to “stand on business” when she tries to plead or be disrespectful about it. It takes Hendrix a while, but she eventually realizes, “He’s a good man, Savannah!”
