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Tuesday, February 7, 2017

An Unusual Day in Portland: A Review of 'Today Will Be Different' by Maria Semple

Today Will Be DifferentToday Will Be Different by Maria Semple
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Year read: 2017

We're back in Portland, revisiting the world of Maria Semple's previous masterpiece, "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?" I absolutely adored that book, often finding myself in fits of laughter as I flipped through its pages. The writing style was refreshingly unique, and it spun an entertaining tale in its own quirky, roundabout fashion. "Today Will Be Different" isn't a direct sequel, but keen-eyed readers will spot familiar places like Galer Street School and even a mention or two of characters from Bernadette's world. 

But let me be frank—this book doesn't quite reach the heights of its predecessor. Our protagonist, Eleanor, comes across as incredibly scatterbrained, manic, and, well, downright self-absorbed. She begins the day with a resolution that "today will be different," yet as events unfold, it becomes painfully evident that, for all its wild twists, this day isn't all that different from her usual routine. She harbors disdain for her best friend, treats her son poorly, and is so wrapped up in her own world that her husband opts to withhold an important aspect of his life because he doubts her capacity for understanding and support. Eleanor is not a likable character by any stretch of the imagination. 

Now, there's merit in exploring unlikable characters in literature, but I struggled to find that value here. Nevertheless, I gave it three stars for its well-crafted writing and moments of genuine humor amidst all the chaos. The humor certainly shines through at times. However, I can't wholeheartedly recommend this book. If you're new to Maria Semple's work, I'd suggest starting elsewhere, and if you're a fan of "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?" don't invest your time hoping for a similar experience.

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