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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
I listened to this as an audiobook and I think that added to my enjoyment of the book. The voice actor really brought life to each of the individual character voices. The book is done as a series of letters and documents, that all add up to a picture of this woman, Bernadette, and the crazy circumstance she finds herself in, all organized by her middle school aged daughter. You're hearing the story from several different characters points of view so it takes a little while to understand how all the elements fit into the larger story, but it all comes together in the end. The writing was funny and quirky and kept wanting more. Definitely recommend for a fun read.
I really liked this book and it was just what I needed after back-to-back Holocaust selections.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
I picked up this book after a friend's post on FB asking for a light, humorous book and this was recommended several times by her friends. HUH! I was sadly disappointed in this rambling, disjointed, juvenile account of the disappearance of Bernadette Fox - reclusive and eccentric mother of wonder child, Bee, and wife of Microsoft genius, Elgie. I only finished it because I was out of town with no other reading materials. (and I'm pretty sure I only cracked a smile once throughout the entire book) Just not that funny...
Actually it's 2.5 stars for me. I didn't dislike this story, I'm just too old for it.
Not at all what I expected from this book. Being a mom, I wanted to shake Bee's mother and help her see the damage she was doing to her child! The plot was okay but seemed somewhat contrived and predictable.
This witty, heartwarming story is told in an entertaining and unique way and is unlike anything else I’ve read. Maria Semple, who worked on similarly smart television shows such as Arrested Development and Mad About You, strings together emails, articles, bills, and journal entries to tell the story of Bernadette, her husband Elgie, and their daughter Bee leading up to Bernadette’s disappearance. As they plan to embark on a trip to Antarctica, Bernadette’s anxiety and her annoyance with her busy-body neighbor are escalating and then she disappears. This fast-paced satire had me cracking up at the ridiculousness while still relating to the depth and humanity of each character.
- Michelle V.
Check it out!
Scottsdale Public Library
- Michelle V.
Check it out!
Scottsdale Public Library
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
The format of notes, emails and faxes made this book fun to read. Each character had his or her own way of writing. It all felt real and believable, especially Bernadette. I didn't want it to end.