It’s hard to complain about reading so many books because as I’ve said, I’ve really enjoyed this project. That said, if there was one complaint in the penultimate week of this year of reading, it’s that it can be really easy to forget some of the books I’ve read in the past as I fly through my Kindle at breakneck speed.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette was a Jenny recommendation that I mentioned a few weeks back. The cover of her book was compelling enough while we sat by the pool in Jerusalem two (!) summers ago that it was the absolute first thing I read the moment I returned from Israel. I remember absolutely loving it but two years and many, many books later, I’m struggling to remember the exact piece that compelled me. Ultimately, it’s probably just Maria Semple’s writing style- she wrote for a bunch of TV shows that I love, so it makes sense that this is something I enjoyed.
I was looking for a fiction book to round out the year and found This One Is Mine in the depths of my wish list, likely tossed on there because of the author. I can’t say that I’d have chosen the book based on subject alone- just goes to show the usefulness of building a loyal audience.
She writes nicely and descriptively, with well developed characters who have memorable quirks. I could see a more discerning reader annoyed with her characters: they are not people whose struggles are real to the majority of the public. Instead, they create their own problems and then attempt to crawl out of the holes they dig for themselves. It’s hard to sympathize, but perhaps not super hard to relate.
This is a solid book- a word I use often to describe these books that are strong and well written and worthwhile, but ones I doubt I’ll run to pick up again or immediately think to recommend. Good beach/pool book for sure, but read Bernadette if you have to pick one.
You’ll like this if: you liked Where’d You Go, Bernadette…probably!
Happy reading!
carlyreads 