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lonestarwords's review
slow-paced
1.5
I’ll jump right in (without a quote). This book was such a disappointment that I’m not sure where to begin. It may be a case of ‘it’s not you it’s me’ because the GR reviews sit above 4 stars, but there are only 60 of them, so there’s that. I was drawn to this story because it is described as examining “privilege and power through two portraits of America” — and it is set in NYC during the 80s art scene. Intriguing.
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I think the book jacket gives far too much away because I went into it knowing how it was going to end. But the path to get to that point was so incredibly drawn out and repetitive I considered DNFg numerous times. I did not because it is relatively short, but wow was I happy when it finally did end. I felt as though the same scene was replayed over and over and over again until I got to THE moment that I had already been told was coming.
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This was an audiobook for me and I came to the conclusion that lots of my reaction lay right there — the narrator’s tone didn’t match the gravity of the plot. Quinn is a young and struggling photographer who offhandedly snaps a photo of a young girl named Lulu as Quinn is passing through Pennsylvania. Lulu is entrapped in poverty and the photo shows her on the lap of a trucker outside a motel where her mother works. Lulu’s part of the story is brutal - one of addiction and abuse with no road out. Many years later Quinn’s work, along with this photo, are shown at the Whitney and Lulu discovers it.
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The story is told in alternating points of view and I usually love that structure, but it just was so painfully dull, despite being very VERY sad. I also did not buy the fact that Quinn (given the way she is portrayed) carried constant guilt at not having helped Lulu or that Lulu remembered Quinn so vividly - the characters were too flat for that leap.
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I will say that this book is trying to examine important things, most of all social responsibility and who can claim ownership of art. But the delivery just failed for me. I think having recently re-read so many classic works of literature, I struggle with loosely framed, thin plots - this one is both.
•
I think the book jacket gives far too much away because I went into it knowing how it was going to end. But the path to get to that point was so incredibly drawn out and repetitive I considered DNFg numerous times. I did not because it is relatively short, but wow was I happy when it finally did end. I felt as though the same scene was replayed over and over and over again until I got to THE moment that I had already been told was coming.
•
This was an audiobook for me and I came to the conclusion that lots of my reaction lay right there — the narrator’s tone didn’t match the gravity of the plot. Quinn is a young and struggling photographer who offhandedly snaps a photo of a young girl named Lulu as Quinn is passing through Pennsylvania. Lulu is entrapped in poverty and the photo shows her on the lap of a trucker outside a motel where her mother works. Lulu’s part of the story is brutal - one of addiction and abuse with no road out. Many years later Quinn’s work, along with this photo, are shown at the Whitney and Lulu discovers it.
•
The story is told in alternating points of view and I usually love that structure, but it just was so painfully dull, despite being very VERY sad. I also did not buy the fact that Quinn (given the way she is portrayed) carried constant guilt at not having helped Lulu or that Lulu remembered Quinn so vividly - the characters were too flat for that leap.
•
I will say that this book is trying to examine important things, most of all social responsibility and who can claim ownership of art. But the delivery just failed for me. I think having recently re-read so many classic works of literature, I struggle with loosely framed, thin plots - this one is both.
msanticola's review
4.0
This was actually a really cool book. Loved the dual time lines and character perspectives. Eye opening and thoughtful.
susanthebookbag's review
4.0
Two people, two tough living situations, and the one thing that bonds the two of them together. Tell Me One Thing explores the lives of struggling artist Quinn and nine year old Lulu, who connected one afternoon when Quinn asked to take Lulu's picture. As the story progresses, we witness the hard lives they both endured. Told in alternating voices, we are privy to the downhill spirals they both seem to be on.
Tell Me One Thing drew me into the worlds of these two people and captivated me as I witnessed their struggles and their growth. This is a beautifully written story that will stick with me for a long time. This is Kerri Schlottman's debut novel and I'm excited to see what she writes next.
Tell Me One Thing drew me into the worlds of these two people and captivated me as I witnessed their struggles and their growth. This is a beautifully written story that will stick with me for a long time. This is Kerri Schlottman's debut novel and I'm excited to see what she writes next.
randyesquire's review
5.0
I rarely read fiction because I’m often disappointed but THIS was fantastic. I found a new favorite author.
meagngo's review
5.0
Stumbled upon this book on Libby and was pleasantly surprised. The time span is a little wild and perhaps the gaps are left up to the imagination.
selina_4's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ceciliacrawley's review
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jenny_c's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0