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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
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

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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Love Bernadette!!

Apr 08, 2013
Laura
marked it as not-for-me

Aug 04, 2013
Jurate Stanaityte
marked it as to-read

Jun 19, 2014
silly_soup
marked it as to-read