Where'd You Go, Bernadette

2016

I didn’t start off liking this book but I must admit the more I read the more it grew on me.

Alternatively witty, ridiculous and beautiful, Maria Semple's tale of Bernadette (crazy like a) Fox is a quick and memorable read. The characters have their flaws and personalities comically inflated, including Seattle, and I loved it. Funny stories and stupid emails are laced with excellently crafted lines and tragic moments. If you didn't like this book, I'm not sure what you were looking for.

This is an awesome read! I really enjoyed the story and how it was told through epistolary style (emails, letters, etc..). This made it interesting to follow along as Bee, the daughter, solves her mother's disappearance.

This is a quick, sharp, and exciting story with the complexities of family and mother-daughter relationships at its heart. Bernadette and her daughter, Bee, are both strong and engaging protagonists. If you like mysteries, you will enjoy following along with Bee as she discovers who her mother really is, including why—and to where—she has disappeared.

This book was a faced paced, quick witted, character driven romp. Bernadette's snark and Bee's straightforward approach to life combine to make a charming story about communication, passion, and relationships.

Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple 4.5 out of 5 stars
After years upon years of living the picturesque, domestic life in Seattle’s suburbs, it’s safe to say that agoraphobic Bernadette is nearing a breakdown. So when her daughter, Bee, asks for a trip to Antarctica in return for her perfect grades, Bernadette throws herself into the preparations. But suddenly, Bernadette disappears, and as Bee’s carefully structured life begins to fall apart around her, she is left to put together the pieces of who her imperfect, intelligent mother used to be.
This book is such an amazing blend of genres and themes. Semple seamlessly writes a laugh-out-loud and lighthearted comedy, while also maintaining a very serious narrative about family, and what it’s like to recognize your parents as the flawed, real people that they are. I especially enjoyed the mixed media aspect of this book as well--I found the switching from a first person narrative to an invoice, an email, or a fax, helped make the story engaging, and kept it moving at a quick, but not breakneck pace. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a comedic book with themes of family, suburban life, and coming-of-age.
-Ciella

I read this book because of a recommendation from a classmate. Although the story was very unique, I was very underwhelmed with the ending of the book (was I missing something)? The events leading up to Bernadette's disappearance were very fascinating, however, and it was really fun piecing together the collections of notes and emails. I'm curious to see how the movie adapted this story.

Light, fun read full of quirky & eccentric characters.

I wish I had had a mom like Bernadette! Lucky, lucky, Bee...