Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple {Book Review}
After I wrote my last book review I received several recommendations for this one so I immediately picked up a copy and got to reading. I wrote my review below {without spoilers} but let’s just say that I now rely heavily on you guys to point me in the direction of the next good read! ;)
Brief Summary
Where’d You Go Bernadette is the story of Bee Branch, a fifteen-year-old girl who lives with her father Elgie, a Microsoft-guru, and her mother Bernadette Fox. Bernadette was once a talented architect working in Los Angeles but after a traumatic event, she moves with Elgie to Seattle and quickly becomes a recluse. Even though her anti-social behavior has caused controversy with the other mothers at Bee’s school, her bond with her daughter is unbreakable.
After Bee comes home with straight A’s on her report card, Bernadette is forced to keep her promise to take her daughter on a trip to Antarctica. As her anxiety for the trip grows, she tries to play along that everything is fine until one day she disappears…
My Review {Without Spoilers}
This book was unique in many ways. First of all, the format is completely different from any other book I’ve read. It’s divided into three separate parts without any chapters in between and although it’s intermittently narrated from the perspective of Bee, the majority of the story is told through a compilation of emails exchanged among the other characters. It was a little strange at first but once I got used to it, it made the story fly by. The plot is wildly entertaining and it leaves you constantly guessing what will happen next. I had a really hard time putting it down!
Another unique factor was the hilarious satire throughout the book. Bernadette’s character was witty and sarcastic and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud as I read along. Some people who read it might think that’s she’s a total nut-job, which she kind of is, but I found that I could relate to the challenges she faced with moving to a new city and feeling out of place.
That’s what I loved so much about the story; Maria Semple keeps you entertained and laughing, yet at the same time she weaves in serious issues that so many of us can relate to. It was the perfect balance of humor and touching emotion.
Overall I was really impressed with what a refreshing and funny read this was. The story-line isn’t one that I would typically be attracted to either so thank you for such a great recommendation! It was one of the best books I’ve read in a while.
I still have a few to check out from the comments on my last review but if you have any that you’ve read recently, please share!
I seriously almost grabbed that book before flying a few weeks ago but *didnt* (I went with Mindy Kaling’s like 5 year old book instead, apparently I need to read more), but now I’ll have to pick this up!
I saw that picture of you asking for recommendations on IG hours after you posted it and I thought it would have been too late to tell you about this book at that point. But it’s definitely worth picking up after you finish Mindy Kaling’s book! :)
I used to be a big reader, but now I fall asleep every time I pick up a book. I don’t know what it is! I haven’t read this one, but heard it was very good. I just finished up a book (because I started it on vacation and finished it over Labor Day … successfully never reading it at home), which was good called Beautiful Ruins. It was a little bit of love and a lot about people throughout the years and how their lives were combined, in the 60s in Italy and modern day Hollywood. I’d recommend it. Although it wasn’t the best thing I’ve read. I think The Time Traveler’s Wife was one of the best books I’ve read, and then the movie ruined it for me. But I also loved The Poisonwood Bible. Oh now I miss reading … :)
I was also really disappointed in that movie! I should have read the book before watching it. At least there would have been something good to take away from the story.
I’m currently reading this book! It didn’t seem like the kind of book I would normally read either, but I’ve heard so many rave reviews about it. I hesitate to make good book recommendations unless I know what genre people like, but if you haven’t heard of goodreads (the website/app) it’s a great resource for recommendations and reviews!
I hope you’re enjoying it, Kelly! And I have heard of Goodreads- I find it to be really useful. I usually like to check out whatever is on the best seller list in fiction so for the most part, I’m pretty open-minded. I just like to see what everyone is reading and recommends! :)
Oh, so glad you loved this one, too! I actually just reviewed it myself, though I read it in July and have thought about it often since. Such an entertaining, different story! I really loved Bernadette and Bee (and even Elgie, though his behavior was often reprehensible).
And is that Jojo Moyes I see underneath Bernadette above? ;)
It is! One of my readers turned me on to her and I really like her. What can I say, I’m a sucker for chick-lit! ;)
This isn’t the type of plot I’m usually drawn to but now you have me wanting to read this! I’m always looking for good book recommendations! I go in spurts where I read a ton and then stop for a while! :)
This sounds great! I love a good plot, plus I love hearing about the sarcasm. That totally appeals to me.
I think you would love it Katie!