? UNDER THE LAMPLIGHT-

What is entitlement? How does it manifest? Rumaan Alam’s novel takes a closer look at wealth, privilege, and the messy mix of race and identity in Entitlement. Brooke Orr, a 33-year-old Black woman who has just snagged a job at the Jaffee Foundation in Manhattan, a philanthropy founded by the wealthy and somewhat troubled Asher Jaffee. Asher, an aging white billionaire, wants to give away his fortune after losing his daughter in 9/11.

Asher takes a shine to Brooke, who grew up in a middle-class family and is eager to prove herself in the elite world of high-stakes philanthropy. He gives her the chance to pitch projects for his foundation, but things get complicated fast.

Brooke's identity is eventually put under the microscope, revealing her struggles with her past and her complicated feelings toward the wealth surrounding her. She starts to see the difference between her life and the lives of those with unimaginable privileges, prompting her to question what it means to be part of this elite circle.

Should you give it a read? It’s not your typical page-turner — it’s more of a slow-burn analysis of the super-rich and the moral dilemmas that come with extreme wealth. Some readers might find the characters a bit flat, but they still serve a purpose. If you're up for a thoughtful look at the realities of wealth, ambition, and the uncomfortable truths about entitlement, this should definitely find a spot on your reading list.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Entitlement is available on Amazon.

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