REVIEW: Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 /5
This book was a refreshing change from the heavier, more “think-y” books that I’ve been into lately. There’s something about cooler weather that makes me change my taste in books – picking up a 500 page book doesn’t make me bat an eye the way that it would in the summer. This one was a quicker, shorter read, though, and I enjoyed it.
Bernadette Fox was the most outlandish character I think I’ve encountered in the last year, and I’m okay with it. I found myself laughing out loud at the ridiculousness of her antics while I read through them on the bike at the gym (my fellow YMCA members probably think I’m crazy, oh well). As a mom, I could relate to how frantic Bernadette felt at times, but I couldn’t look away as she derailed.
My biggest struggle with this book was the lack of likable characters. Bee was the best part of the book, but we don’t hear a whole lot about her in comparison to the adults. These adults are all kinds of atrocious and embarrassing, with little to no care about how their actions will effect other people.
I liked this lighter approach to mental health awareness, however, and felt that the book had a great message – when someone shows signs of a mental break, get them help before it is out of control. Or else the person may end up like Bernadette, and just disappear one day.
Jenna, Stop Reading! 