Where'd You Go, Bernadette?

Item: Where'd You Go, Bernadette?
Author: WhichBook

Maria Semple

Although this is written through emails and diary entries and notes, don't let that put you off. Cleverly handled, with such wit and charm, you quite forget that you're reading a story and feel immersed in the lives of these characters. I read quickly, completely addicted, desperate to know what would become of wonderful Bernadette. Sharply observed and beautifully moving - a completely satisfying read!

Extract

Let’s play a game. I’ll say a word, and you say the first word that pops into your head. Ready?
ME: Seattle.
YOU: Rain.
What you’ve heard about the rain: it’s all true. So you’d think it would become part of the fabric, especially among the lifers. But every time it rains, and you have to interact with someone, here’s what they’ll say: ‘Can you believe the weather?’ And you want to say, ‘Actually, I can believe the weather. What I can’t believe is that I’m actually having a conversation about the weather.’
But I don’t say that, you see, because that would be instigating a fight, something I try my best to avoid, with mixed results.

Parallels