Now You See Her

I was first attracted to this book by its cover. I thought it would be about magic. So, it took me awhile to get into it. Then I found that the story of how women in general and this protagonist in particular may seem to disappear in this society as they age caught my attention. I became curious to see how the author resolved this problem. But my favorite parts and what kept me reading at the start of the book and even through to the end, however, were the incidentals, i.e., the job that Kiki has on the "question and answers" game show as a researcher and fact checker; and the main setting of the story. I enjoyed reading the trivia facts that Otto has her character track down and prepare as part of the character's job. In addition, since I am a long-time transplant from the east coast and currently live near Pasadena, CA, I loved the Pasadena locations and the associated history, the other Southern California place references, such as the La Brea Tar Pits and nearby Museum of Art, and the mention of the Smoke House restaurant, where I have taken a meal or two, myself.

When Whitney Otto publishes a novel, I make sure not only to read the book, but to read it when I am feeling refreshed, awake, alert and when I am likely to be undisturbed. That is how much I love this writer's work. She has a unique and charming voice, and her narratives are always so surprising. Now You See Her is a smart book with a clever conceit, beautifully observed and a pleasure to read.

Actually, it is quite true that women start to disappear when they are getting older and older. It is not only that the world won't aware of them, sometime, even ourselves did not aware of ourselves. We are burdened with a lot duty and responsibilities whoever comes to that age. Though this book, I find out myself part by part. Thank Otto for the thought.

I read this book just as I was approaching my 39th birthday, which undoubtedly increased its appeal to me. Nevertheless, I found this story of a woman who literally starts to disappear as she approaches her 40th birthday both entertaining and thought-provoking. I know reviewers have labelled it disjointed, but I think Otto's approach - she tells several stories and follows several trains of thought at the same time - is very apt. At least my friends and I sometimes find it hard to focus on the issues in our lives. A good read, full of interesting, likeable characters.