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What Members Thought

Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance
Bernadette is a brilliant architect who has had a major melt down and is dismayed to find herself living in the cultural backwaters of Seattle with her beloved husband Elgin and beloved daughter Bee, friendless and unhappy, so unable to function in the world outside her crumbling home that she hires a virtual assistant in India to manage all her day-to-day activities.

That's all you really need to know, I think.

How does that sound? It's zany and a bit of a comic book novel, perhaps, but if this
...more
Georgia Carvalho
Oct 15, 2013 rated it really liked it
I really enjoyed this novel and its epistolary format. Although the main character is neurotic and acid, but she is also extremely intelligent and quite, quite funny. I thoroughly enjoyed unraveling the mystery of Bernadette's disappearance. The only fly in the ointment was the husband's character, way too absorbed by his work to give any time to his family. ...more
Andrea
Nov 23, 2015 rated it really liked it
One of those books I put off reading because it was too popular, but now I think it deserves the good reputation. The story of Bernadette Fox, a free spirit stifled by life in suburban Seattle. The only things that keep her semi sane are her 15 year old daughter Bee and her husband, Elgie, a Microsoft designer. When Bernadette's non-conformity goes a bit too far and her husband attempts a psychological "intervention," Bernadette pulls a fast one and vanishes. Some people believe that Bernadette ...more
Nancy H
Sep 07, 2014 rated it really liked it
This book was so intriguing and different that I could not put it down. It was really good, although a bit like a train wreck in progress, with the train speeding at max speed towards a derailment that can't be stopped. The reader gets so engrossed in what is happening to Bee and her family that you can't wait to see what the next turn of events brings. Definitely a book for those who like something different. ...more
Angela
Nov 01, 2013 rated it liked it
I thought that this book was interesting and engaging with fun, quirky characters. perfect vacation or plane read.
marianne
Nov 08, 2013 rated it liked it
Shelves: friend-recs
This is a cute story of a quirky suburban Seattle family and how everything falls apart in a tumbling mess of emotional breakdowns. That sounds a little dramatic, but it's a funny and light read that pokes gentle fun at American elites using somewhat creative techniques as the narration switches back and forth between characters. If you can indulge in willing suspense of disbelief, you'll enjoy it. ...more
Jamie
Apr 23, 2013 rated it really liked it
Fun book, great summer read.
Lisa of Hopewell
Love Bernadette!!
Greer
Nov 18, 2012 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Ginger
Dec 04, 2012 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Allison
Feb 25, 2013 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Laura
Apr 08, 2013 marked it as not-for-me
Stacey
Apr 15, 2013 rated it liked it
Devin
Apr 24, 2013 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Annie
May 15, 2013 rated it really liked it
Dawn
May 30, 2013 rated it really liked it
Bookchick
Jun 18, 2013 rated it liked it
Carolyn Munson
Jun 25, 2013 rated it really liked it
Victoria Allman
Jul 06, 2013 rated it it was amazing
Jurate Stanaityte
Aug 04, 2013 marked it as to-read
Missyjohnson1
Oct 06, 2013 rated it liked it
Orissa
Oct 10, 2013 rated it really liked it
Beth
Nov 18, 2013 rated it it was amazing
Lisa
Feb 26, 2014 rated it liked it
silly_soup
Jun 19, 2014 marked it as to-read
Snowtulip
Jan 31, 2015 rated it it was ok  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: contem-fic
Erica Renée
Jul 13, 2015 rated it really liked it
Kirsty
Jul 09, 2016 marked it as to-read
Shelves: to-read-chic-lit
Jenna
Oct 05, 2016 rated it really liked it
Amber
Oct 14, 2017 rated it liked it