This month has been super productive for me, reading-wise. I finished two books! I can't tell you how proud I am of that accomplishment! Welcome to the second installment of What We're Reading Wednesday! Affiliate links used. A small commission may be received if you purchase an item through my links. Thank you for supporting my blog!
Fiction Reads for January
Where'd You Go, Bernadette, Maria Semple
This book wasn't on my original Fiction list from last month but one of my blog besties, Courtney sent it to me as a Christmas/New Years gift and I had to jump right in, thanks love!
GoodReads Synopsis:
Bernadette Fox is notorious. To her Microsoft-guru husband, she's a fearlessly opinionated partner; to fellow private-school mothers in Seattle, she's a disgrace; to design mavens, she's a revolutionary architect, and to 15-year-old Bee, she is a best friend and, simply, Mom.
Then Bernadette disappears. It began when Bee aced her report card and claimed her promised reward: a family trip to Antarctica. But Bernadette's intensifying allergy to Seattle—and people in general—has made her so agoraphobic that a virtual assistant in India now runs her most basic errands. A trip to the end of the earth is problematic.
To find her mother, Bee compiles email messages, official documents, secret correspondence—creating a compulsively readable and touching novel about misplaced genius and a mother and daughter's role in an absurd world.
Then Bernadette disappears. It began when Bee aced her report card and claimed her promised reward: a family trip to Antarctica. But Bernadette's intensifying allergy to Seattle—and people in general—has made her so agoraphobic that a virtual assistant in India now runs her most basic errands. A trip to the end of the earth is problematic.
To find her mother, Bee compiles email messages, official documents, secret correspondence—creating a compulsively readable and touching novel about misplaced genius and a mother and daughter's role in an absurd world.
My Thoughts:
This was a thoroughly entertaining novel. I had so much fun getting to know Bee and her outrageous mother, Bernadette. There was a point halfway through the novel where I was absolutely disgusted with everyone and hated all the minor characters, but Semple came through for me and made everything right again. If you want a fun and asinine read, I highly recommend this book!
Characters:
There were a handful of characters that added their voice to the narrative and in different ways such as through emails and podcast blog transcripts. I was quick to hate the same people as Bernadette and Bee and cheer on this quirky mother-daughter duo. I guess being a mom does that.
Similar Titles:
I really can't associate any with this one! It was so refreshing and quirky.
Stars:
4 out of 5
The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah
GoodReads Synopsis:
Despite their differences, sisters Vianne and Isabelle have always been close. Younger, bolder Isabelle lives in Paris while Vianne is content with life in the French countryside with her husband Antoine and their daughter. But when the Second World War strikes, Antoine is sent off to fight and Vianne finds herself isolated so Isabelle is sent by their father to help her.
As the war progresses, the sisters' relationship and strength are tested. With life changing in unbelievably horrific ways, Vianne and Isabelle will find themselves facing frightening situations and responding in ways they never thought possible as bravery and resistance take different forms in each of their actions.
As the war progresses, the sisters' relationship and strength are tested. With life changing in unbelievably horrific ways, Vianne and Isabelle will find themselves facing frightening situations and responding in ways they never thought possible as bravery and resistance take different forms in each of their actions.
My Thoughts:
I seriously can't get away from WW2 fiction. Aside from that, this book was hauntingly beautiful. No matter how many different books I read about the same subject, they all make me cry. This was no different. The strained relationship between Vianne and Isabelle just makes you want to simultaneously shake them and hug them. It is how they both come to rebel against the Reicht that really shows their inner strength and character.
Characters:
Again, being a mom made me feel a slight contempt for Isabelle and her youthful arrogance and a strong kinship towards Vianne. But Isabelle redeemed herself and I grew to respect her. The Nazi's were deplorable and so were some of the Parisian-sympathizers.
Similar Titles:
Sarah's Key, Tatiana De Rosnay
Those Who Save Us, Jenny Blum
Stars:
4 out of 5
Now it's your turn! Add your book-related link below. Thanks for joining Stephanie, Keri, Whitney, Justine, Crystal, Johannah, Heather and me for What We're Reading Wednesday on the first Wednesday of every month!
Oooo, I haven't read either of those. I need to add them to my list. Thanks girl!
ReplyDeleteI just finished The Nightingale. I cried so much throughout the end of it!
ReplyDeleteThe Nightingale was such an AMAZING book. I loved every single page of it.
ReplyDeleteWhere'd You Go, Bernadette is on my to read list.
I REALLY need to read Where'd You Go, Bernadette. It looks hilarious.
ReplyDelete-Lauren
I love, love, loved The The Nightingale, and Sarah's Key! Both were gut-wrenching, but so well written.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Where'd You Go, Bernadette, but I'm totally adding it to the list!
2 books? You go girl! I’ve heard so many great things about Where’d You Go, Bernadette. I’ve got to pick that one up! The Nightingale sounds great too.
ReplyDeleteI love WWll fiction too. Adding nightingale to my list asap!
ReplyDeleteI started where'd you go Bernadette and for some reason never finished it. But I wouldn't say it was because I didn't like it. And I've heard such good things about the nightingale. I'll have to check it out!
ReplyDelete