Julie Wittes Schlack

Burning and Dodging by Julie Wittes Schlack: An early reader review
This story follows the ponderings of a sixty-something woman who still hasn’t figured things out (but who among us has?) She has floated her entire life, trying people on and kicking them off like old shoes never quite satisfied with anyone. She does seem committed to photography as a source of truth, but even that assumption comes into question. There are interesting interpretations of various events from different characters’ points of view-- which only adds to her confusion and ambiguity. I guess that adds to the reality but I could not read this book in large blocks because I needed time to consider her observations. There were some really outstanding ideas (for instance: “looking is an act of imagination”), but overall, I think it boils down to the fact that we all see what we want to see no matter what we are really experiencing.… (mehr)

I have to admit, that what primarily attracted me to this book was its connection to photography. After reading this, I truly enjoyed how cleverly the references to photography were used and how it tied in with the story (-ies) main character was (is) living in.
Realistic story, with flashbacks to the past. Even though it is fairly easy to read novel, it does have few interesting thoughts, that keeps reader thinking, even after finished reading it.
However, I the ending of the book was slow first and then suddenly abrupt. It feels like there could have been more to it. But, maybe it was author's intention to leave it up to the reader?… (mehr)