Everything Flirts by Sharon Wahl is a collection of linked stories that seem like it might be auto-fiction. Like any introspective fiction this will likely appeal very much to some readers while not at all to others. I happen to have been able to relate to a lot of the feelings and, more important for me, the manner in which the character understands and reflects on what is happening.

I want to talk a little about the "philosophical" element of the stories. I talked with a couple friends who read a few of the stories and came to the realization that those with some formal philosophy education will fall into two distinct camps. In thinking back, I realized that this was true when I was both a student and when I later taught some of these thinkers. One group generally keeps philosophy in a narrow lane, often with comments about whether a specific philosopher would or wouldn't have thought something. For these, philosophy is an academic pursuit and even though it has affected that person's way of thinking it has done so unconsciously. The person doesn't think back to what Nietzsche wrote when something comes up in life unless it can hold an almost one-to-one correspondence. The other camp often thinks about what a philosopher may have written and applies the germ of that thought to events and feelings that have no direct correspondence. The philosophy for these people become part of a toolbox for understanding their lives and the world around them. Both types made excellent students, so it isn't about "knowing" the philosophy. It is more about whether the texts and ideas are only in conversation with the tradition it responds to or whether it is alive and well in conversation with our current lived lives. I think the second type will enjoy this book far more than the first.

I actually started the book twice; I came to the first story unsure what to expect and overthought what I was reading. I put it aside for a few days then came back with my usual fiction mindset; what are the characters experiencing and how well am I understanding and relating to their lives. From that point on I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I actually revisited some of the philosophy to help me better appreciate how the protagonist internalized the ideas. Which, of course, gave me more perspectives from which to incorporate their thought into my life.

I will caution some readers, it is counter-productive to try to decide whether Wittgenstein, for example, meant what the character took from his writing. This is a look at how his writing and thought became a part of the character's way of thinking. As such, it is less about a "proper" understanding and more about the dialogue between that philosopher and this character. You're eavesdropping, so don't sit as judge and jury, just try to understand and empathize.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.