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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a really fun story! I've always been fascinated with Antarctica, so maybe that helps :D I thought Maria Semple crafted a good storyline and wrapped the end up cleverly. The story was over the top and silly, but funny (also included a lot more profanity than I expected, though I imagine it's realistic for those who swear freely, haha)! This will make a great movie, I can't wait :)
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Okay, so...this book was completely different from what I was expecting and to format my opinion was more difficult than I was anticipating.
When I first read the blurb on this book it seemed like a 'feel-good' and 'mother and daughter relationship' themed book with the plot revolving solely around Bernadette and Bee's relationship, Bernadette's disappearance and Bee moving to Antartica to find her mother.
Don't misunderstand me, that IS the plot of the book; however, that's just in the last chapter of the book (The White Continent aka Chapter 6). This explains why I, as the reader, was more engaged in that last part of the novel. The majority of that first half is a mix of some (at times unnecessary) emails and letters which mostly concern Bernadette. These different materials have all been pieced together by Bee, Bernadette's fifteen year old daughter, in attempt to tell her mothers unquestionably unique story.
I don't want to over-explain or exploit the minor details because this book really speaks for itself.
Although I do want to talk about one thing, Elgie's concern for his wife's mental state.
That is the biggest reason for my three-star rating, it was totally unnecessary....you don't just SEE your wife in a pharmacy with drugs that are OBVIOUSLY for travel sickness and anxiety as I am adamant that Bernadette would have explained their purpose??? Maybe I am missing something? That is my largest issue with this book, along with the fact that I wasn't as engaged with the characters as I expected to be.
The fact that I enjoyed Chapter 6 secured this books rating; It was admittedly funny in places and has a good use of irony as well as bundles of character development.
I just felt the plot of this book needed to be scheduled differently with the first half shortened slightly and then the height of the book further towards the 3rd Chapter.
I totally think people should give this book a try, after all...everyone interprets things differently.
When I first read the blurb on this book it seemed like a 'feel-good' and 'mother and daughter relationship' themed book with the plot revolving solely around Bernadette and Bee's relationship, Bernadette's disappearance and Bee moving to Antartica to find her mother.
Don't misunderstand me, that IS the plot of the book; however, that's just in the last chapter of the book (The White Continent aka Chapter 6). This explains why I, as the reader, was more engaged in that last part of the novel. The majority of that first half is a mix of some (at times unnecessary) emails and letters which mostly concern Bernadette. These different materials have all been pieced together by Bee, Bernadette's fifteen year old daughter, in attempt to tell her mothers unquestionably unique story.
I don't want to over-explain or exploit the minor details because this book really speaks for itself.
Although I do want to talk about one thing, Elgie's concern for his wife's mental state.
That is the biggest reason for my three-star rating, it was totally unnecessary....you don't just SEE your wife in a pharmacy with drugs that are OBVIOUSLY for travel sickness and anxiety as I am adamant that Bernadette would have explained their purpose??? Maybe I am missing something? That is my largest issue with this book, along with the fact that I wasn't as engaged with the characters as I expected to be.
The fact that I enjoyed Chapter 6 secured this books rating; It was admittedly funny in places and has a good use of irony as well as bundles of character development.
I just felt the plot of this book needed to be scheduled differently with the first half shortened slightly and then the height of the book further towards the 3rd Chapter.
I totally think people should give this book a try, after all...everyone interprets things differently.
I loved this book until about 3/4 of the way through but the writing style changed and it almost lost me. It's still a good read and I like the humor, too. It's a good story.
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Laugh out loud funny, loved the satire of rich white parents in Seattle
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Definitely one of the most well rounded pieces of fiction I've read in a while. Trials and tribulations within the plot have a hint of humor, which appeals to my love of off center humor, and development of the characters, as portrayed through email, fax, and letters, draws the reader into their story, and makes your think, "I know that person". I don't know why I put this book down in October, maybe it was a trip, birthdays, or the holidays, because when I restarted a day ago, I did not want to stop.
I think, by far, this is weirdest- quirkiest book I have ever read.
Let me be honest, the cover is what drew me in, and rightly so since the entire book is about this unique character - Bernadette Fox. I think the fun thing about this book is that absolutely NONE of it makes any sense. This is the first Maria Semple book I've read, so I'm not sure if her other works compare in the same way, but I will say that her ability to craft such a weird story is remarkable.
I enjoyed the book enough to finish it, mostly because I really wanted to know what happens to Bernadette, but the last 50 pages I skimmed because it got boring. I loved Bernadette's thinking process, her lifestyle, the way she is. The gnats description was so spot on and the sign made me actually LOL. But she had some MAJOR flaws. Her emails with Manjula and her interactions with the girl at the pharmacy were racist and not at all funny. In fact, they completely contrasted her personality in my opinion. As someone who is Indian, I found myself rolling my eyes at her racist remarks.
Another thing that bothered me is the abrupt ending. It was way too simple for Bernadette and there was too much information and how she got to this place and why. Elgie was a certifiable mess compared to her. Also, it was really jolting to realize that Bee was the one narrating the book. This was one of those books I saw hyped up on bookstagram and was also tricked into reading by the beautiful cover art.
I guess, 3 stars because the mystery and intrigue of Bernadette Fox and her creative ways are mesmerizing. But also because ultimately the book falls flat and the ending disappoints. Unlike books such as "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" this book didn't really have a cathartic ending for our Bernadette. Interested to see if the movie is different.
Let me be honest, the cover is what drew me in, and rightly so since the entire book is about this unique character - Bernadette Fox. I think the fun thing about this book is that absolutely NONE of it makes any sense. This is the first Maria Semple book I've read, so I'm not sure if her other works compare in the same way, but I will say that her ability to craft such a weird story is remarkable.
I enjoyed the book enough to finish it, mostly because I really wanted to know what happens to Bernadette, but the last 50 pages I skimmed because it got boring. I loved Bernadette's thinking process, her lifestyle, the way she is. The gnats description was so spot on and the sign made me actually LOL. But she had some MAJOR flaws. Her emails with Manjula and her interactions with the girl at the pharmacy were racist and not at all funny. In fact, they completely contrasted her personality in my opinion. As someone who is Indian, I found myself rolling my eyes at her racist remarks.
Another thing that bothered me is the abrupt ending. It was way too simple for Bernadette and there was too much information and how she got to this place and why. Elgie was a certifiable mess compared to her. Also, it was really jolting to realize that Bee was the one narrating the book. This was one of those books I saw hyped up on bookstagram and was also tricked into reading by the beautiful cover art.
I guess, 3 stars because the mystery and intrigue of Bernadette Fox and her creative ways are mesmerizing. But also because ultimately the book falls flat and the ending disappoints. Unlike books such as "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" this book didn't really have a cathartic ending for our Bernadette. Interested to see if the movie is different.