Where'd You Go, Bernadette

A Novel

By: Maria Semple

Narrated by: Kathleen Wilhoite

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.

©2012 Maria Semple (P)2012 Hachette Audio

A great story of family, love, and being crazy

Would you listen to Where'd You Go, Bernadette again? Why?

This is a funny book about a dysfunctional family of brillant people. The narrator does a great job capturing the voices of the characters. The story builds as each character must face their own choices in dealing with life, work and school. It leaves you feeling warm and happy.

Fun story but the narrator wasn't my cup of tea

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The narration was grating. Way too much enthusiasm for most of the characters.

A really fun book!!!

This is one of the few times I've reviewed a book. As a Seattle resident and former MS contractor I really enjoyed all the references. It made me laugh and I found the main character so quirky and endearing. I definitely recommend it.

Why'd you name it this?

Silly, but I avoided this book because I was put off by the title and cover art. When every review began with the word, "quirky," that was enough to put it on the bottom of my list. Glad I got to the bottom of my list. This was fun and funny especially if you've spent time in Seattle and environs. This author is really smart and quite clever, and just when you think you've had just about enough of THAT, she tumbles down to earth with a vulnerability that touches the hardest of hearts. But the best part, without a doubt, is the narrator. She took a good book and she made it amazing.

Surprising. Loopy. Fun.

It's hard to know what to compare "Bernadette" to, it's so unpredictable, entertaining and loopy. It's a perfect distraction: well-written, energetic, quirky. Great characters. I would definitely recommend.

Kathleen Wilhote's performance is an enormous plus. I'm glad I did the audio version for this book because of her and can't wait to find more books she reads. Extra bonus is her incredible vocal performance-- I assume that's her singing? Amazing.

Hysterical story with a bit of mystery

Would you listen to Where'd You Go, Bernadette again? Why?

Yes. I think going back and listening through again would uncover some facts that solve the mystery that I missed the first time around.

What other book might you compare Where'd You Go, Bernadette to and why?

I haven't read anything like this. I don't usually like books that are this lighthearted and I never read books that are funny.

What about Kathleen Wilhoite’s performance did you like?

Her interpretation of Bee was fantastic -- it was perfectly on point. Also was surprised at her singing. Quite lovely.

Who was the most memorable character of Where'd You Go, Bernadette and why?

Honestly, I think that Audrey was the most memorable. Her growth in the story is great.

Any additional comments?

This book was fantastic, I urge anyone who loves good stories to purchase this...even if it doesn't seem like "their kind of book." I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved it.

Entertaining from the get go!

Where does Where'd You Go, Bernadette rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Definitely one best! The story was great. The narrator was great. It was a joy to listen to.

What did you like best about this story?

The character B. She was so awesome and just plain likable.

Who was the most memorable character of Where'd You Go, Bernadette and why?

Bernadette. But then B was a close second. Bernadette was funny and relatable. Even though she is a mess, you can't help but love her.

Any additional comments?

This story was witty and entertaining. The narrator was brilliant!

Great story

Overall I enjoyed the story. I enjoyed the character development. Usually I want a book to move at a faster pace but I enjoyed the daily interactions. Disappointed with the F bomb unnecessarily used—I wouldn’t have bought the book if I have seen that on reviews. The story being read in a little girls voice bugged me quite a bit a first especially since she is 15.

I dunno.

Fun storyline so I was able to finish it, despite the performance, which was very painful.

Could not put it down!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This book was delicious from start to finish. It portrayed complex female characters with all their beauty and foibles.