I thought it was cute and different but not amazing. I think I was taking it too seriously. The descriptions of the book usually describe Bernadette as "severely agoraphobic" or some such, which I think isn't quite accurate. I'm no psychologist, but Bernadette just seemed like a deeply introverted person with a heavy dash of misanthropy who had the resources to indulge her preferences.
Anyway, I identified with Bernadette more strongly than I was probably supposed to and spent most of the book hating most of the other characters, so I wasn't able to laugh even when I could tell that I should. I feel like such a wet blanket.
I loved this book, but it's been quite a while since I read it and I'm not sure I'll articulate my reasons very well. I loved the format -- I generally hate books that aren't just straight novels, but this one really worked for me. I loved the way Bernadette could be so snarkily brilliant (that thing with the cliffside and berries, something like that?). And it made me really want to go to Antarctica. Now I want to reread it to remember all the other quirky things I loved.
I thought it was ok. I think the problem was that I read after so many reviwers started hyping it up. It didn't live up to my expectations although I did laugh at some parts.
Post by rootbeerfloat on Apr 10, 2013 13:49:13 GMT -5
I liked it, even the non-traditional narrative style. I also took it too seriously in the beginning, but once I got over that, I could enjoy Bernadette's snarky rants.
I just finished this yesterday and it was right up my alley. Literally -- I live in the neighborhood where it's set. When they started talking about clearing bushes from the slope I immediately thought "That's insane!," and I go by what I assume is the model for Bernadette's house twice a day on my way to and from work. Maria Semple moved here from LA in 2008 and I moved here from Chicago in 2009, and quite a few of the things Bernadette bitched about bug me, too.
While I enjoyed it, I felt like Bernadette was the only well developed character. I would have liked to learn a little more about what made her husband tick, and her daughter struck me as a bit Mary Sue-ish.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. Mark Twain
@sfgal530 I love it here. We have a great view of the water and the Olympics and it's so quiet yet close to downtown. Finding a house is the hard part because there's so little inventory, though, and what goes on the market gets bought in days unless it's a dump or overpriced. It sounds like you're familiar with it but if you ever have a question feel free to PM me!
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. Mark Twain
Anyway, I identified with Bernadette more strongly than I was probably supposed to and spent most of the book hating most of the other characters, so I wasn't able to laugh even when I could tell that I should. I feel like such a wet blanket.
I felt the same way! I thought everyone else was the problem. Haha.