Where'd You Go, Bernadette

A Novel

By: Maria Semple

Narrated by: Kathleen Wilhoite

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

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

First world drama

This book has some interesting characters but I feel like it can be summed up as first world drama. I guess it's true to life as I know people like these characters but I personally find these types of people a little irritating, thusly this book was probably not a good pick for me.

interesting story

The storyline is interesting and different. The narrator has a good and distinct voice which would have worked well for bernadette but not all of the characters. She didn't change voices at all between characters making me wish i was reading instead of listening to it.

Wonderful beach read

What made the experience of listening to Where'd You Go, Bernadette the most enjoyable?

Interesting characters, flaws and all, that gain insight about themselves, and each other, as they try to figure out "Bernadette", the reclusive neighbor and mom to a precocious preteen girl. Clever story line without being cliche. Wonderful character performances. I savored the book during my latest road trip. The time flew by . . .

Greatfun loved it

Would you consider the audio edition of Where'd You Go, Bernadette to be better than the print version?

Absolutely though it took a bit to get used to the reader did a fantastic job

What did you like best about this story?

The modern day setting and humor

Have you listened to any of Kathleen Wilhoite’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No and i lookforwardtohearing more fromher

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were quite a few, some poignant,some tears, lots of laughs

Any additional comments?

Definitely a great listen

Perhaps my new favorite book!

Which scene was your favorite?

Between the Gaylord Street gnats, Bernadette's fishing vest, and Antarctica- it's truly hard to pick a specific part or scene in this book!

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

I not only listened to this book all in one setting, but I have continued listening to this book (3 times now, in fact!) This book is hilarious, heart-warming, frustrating, and wonderful all in one! I have been hard pressed to find another book that affects me the way this one has.

Any additional comments?

Give this book a shot! It's an easy listen and the narrator is perfect for this book. You will not regret this purchase

Brilliantly written

This type of humor if not my thing, but I appreciate the brilliance of the author.

Heartwarming insanity

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

What a wonderful story - whimsical, wacky, wildly creative. The characters are lovably flawed and the adventure draws you in. Highly recommended as great entertainment, well-written and perfectly narrated.

What did you like best about this story?

Everything - terrific characters and a plot that carries you along.

Which character – as performed by Kathleen Wilhoite – was your favorite?

Close call - I'll go with Bee.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Audrey renouncing her vendetta against Bernadette and taking responsibility for making her seem mentally ill.

Thought provoking but narration lacking

Loved the realness of the characters but the narrator's infantile voices for women and girls made me crazy. Almost couldn't get past it but just when I was ready to return the book the characters and plot sunk the hook.

Easily my favorite audiobook ‘

I loved this book! It was preformed so we’ll. I laughed, I was sad, I was happy. It was the most entertaining audiobook I’ve consumed yet!

LOVE!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

YES...it's hilarious and Kathleen Wilhoite's narraration just enhances the quirky and entertaining story so well written by Maria Semple.

Any additional comments?

I love the way the story unfolds through emails, letters, faxes, etc. It divulges the story piece by piece and it is up to the reader "listener" to put it all together. Kathleen Wilhoite does an amazing job acting out all the characters and her voice projects the innocent craziness that is Bernadette. I have recommended this book to all of my friends and find myself referencing it a lot in conversation!