Monday, October 23, 2017

Book Review - Today Will be Different by Maria Semple

Today Will be Different by Maria Semple is different.  I really liked an earlier work of hers, so I opened this one with a good attitude. Semple has an odd sense of humor (that I like) and her writing is smooth. However, I found the characters a bit annoying, and some of the quirkiness seemed forced. I did not stay engaged and reached a point where I did not really care what happened to Eleanor. I even sympathized with the husband and his need to explore other avenues. Plus her son acted as more of an adult than she did, and I found some of his comments to be stilted. So, I am returning this book to the library, glad that I did not pay for it. Seek out her book Where’d You Go Bernadette? Now that was a good read!

From the opening page:  Today will be different. Today I will be present…Today I will take pride in my appearance, I’ll shower, get dressed in proper clothes, and change into yoga clothes only for yoga, which today I will actually attend. Today I won’t swear….Today there will be an ease about me. Today I will radiate calm. Kindness and self-control will abound. Today I will buy local. Today I will be my best self, the person I’m capable of being. Today will be different.

Hmmm, let’s just say that goals are not met today. ‘Nuff said.


12 comments:

  1. Sorry that you didn't like this one so much. Not good when the main character is so annoying that you are sympathizing with her husband who it sounds like may be cheating on her.

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    1. exactly. Just sad people who will never get their act together

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  2. Well you were honest with your review, which is what reviewing is all about.
    Loved the post.......I did like the title as I very often say "Today Will Be Different".
    Have a good new week Joanne.

    Yvonne.

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    1. thanks. And it's good as long as things are different in a positive way

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  3. Bummer the author let you down with this one.

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    1. yep - anticipation crushed. But hey, she's selling books. I doubt my review will ruin her

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  4. I'm actually glad to read a negative review here. It gives you even more credibility in my eyes. The part you quoted doesn't intrigue me. I guess the book isn't different enough. But glad you liked, and recommend, her first book.

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    1. Hey - I won't lie to you. I'm not being paid here and I always hope for the best from a book. This one just didn't do it for me.
      I'm saving you from wasting valuable reading time!

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  5. That might get on my nerves about today and tomorrow.

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  6. it's good as long as things are different in a positive way


    gay

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  7. Too bad the book didn't deliver for you. That beginning sounded very promising.

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