I would, and will, recommend this book, both audio and written to my friends. It is engaging at the same time as being intellectual. There is enough thoughtful details that require intelligence but its not weighty. A great mother/daughter story and honestly, at the end, while there's not direct resolution you feel like you know the characters well enough to assume what they will do.

Everything. It kept you going and engaged, wanting to listen to more.

No, but this was a great performance!

This is the first review I've written of a book and was bummed to find that this is the author's only book. I'll definitely be keeping my eyes out for the next one!

Loved this book! It was very different then most books i read but thought it was really interesting and fun.

The audio version is terrific, I assume it's better than the print version because it really makes the story live, but I haven't read it in print so can't fairly comment.

The narrator's trip to Antarctica

No

Yes, but I saved it for walks with my dog.

Delightful and surprising, a happy read,

What a fantastic story! I couldn't stop listening. All of the characters were well developed. I became very worried about Bernadette and her family.I listened for hours at a time. Finally, I went to bed with my ipod and stayed up until 1 am just to hear what was going to happen. The narration was superb, right down to the singing. Every character came alive for me. Truly a unique book and unforgettable performance. I'm so glad I have it on Audible so I can listen to it again!

I enjoyed the author's quirky style and references to Seattle and Canada.

The characters were hilarious. I felt for poor Bea-she was always trying to keep it together for her family.

My favorite character had to be eccentric Bernadette. I felt Kathleen Whilhoite brought her to life!

This was a very lighthearted and fun read for a long car trip. I am interested in reading Maria Semple's other book and hope it proves to be just as amusing!

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

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

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.

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

The performance of this audiobook was so well done that each character had his or her own perfect voice. I was constantly being taken by surprise by this book and I really loved the journey it took me on. I never wanted it to end.

I would hate to describe this story any more than it has been because I felt there was so much joy in the surprises.

I will say that overall this book has a lot to say about how we judge each other and how we forgive each other. The latter being something all too rare.

Yes. The narrator was great. And who knew she could sing so good too.

The daughter. She is hilarious.

No I have not but would if any were available.

Definitely Bernadette!

Funny funny funny, in a very smart way. I loved it so much, I am gifting this book to a very close friend who is going through a troubling time - I am SURE it will lift her spirits. Drop everything and listen!

If you've already read the Publisher's Summary, you should have a pretty good idea what this book is about. The plot is highly character driven, and while the main characters felt a little caricature-ized at times, overall I found them to be realistically flawed and wonderfully likeable. The story itself is touching, funny, absurd, and clever. Without giving anything away, trust me when I say that the billboard incident alone makes this an enjoyable listen.

Like some of the other reviewers, I initially struggled to like this narrator, who seemed to add an exclamation mark to the end of each sentence. Ultimately, though, I think her earnest, over-the-top exuberance captured the spirit of this book perfectly. Highly recommend. [Insert enthusiastic exclamation mark here.]