Where'd You Go, Bernadette (SP possible)

[duckduck]

Anybody want to discuss? I just finished it.

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.

[charlatti]

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.

[duckduck]

I don't usually like the "document library" method of narration, but I agree that it worked pretty well in this case.

The cliffside and the bushes-- that was brilliant. I think I did actually laugh at that part.

Still no desire to go to Antarctica, though!

[Deleted]

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.

[rootbeerfloat]

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.

[mdgirl]

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.

[mdgirl]

@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!

[meowmaps]

Apr 10, 2013 10:06:35 GMT -5 duckduck said:

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.